If there is one phrase that best describes Mark Brungard’s football exploits, it would be: “Local Boy Makes Good.”

Following a successful high school career at Springfield Local where he was a two-time first-team All-Ohio selection, Brungard earned a scholarship at Youngstown State University. There, he threw for 6,932 yards during a career which included three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division I-AA national title game. As a starting quarterback in 1993-94, he led the Penguins to back-to-back national championships.

Brungard then took his football knowledge back to the high school level, first as a Poland High assistant for five years then as the Bulldogs’ freshmen coach. In 2005, he returned to the varsity ranks, this time as Poland’s head coach.

After guiding the Bulldogs to the 2007 playoffs, Brungard again has his team firing on all cylinders. The Dogs (6-0) are ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Division III statewide poll and are atop the DIII. region 11 computer rankings as they prepare for a home stretch which includes games against Howland, Steubenville and Canfield.

Brungard has been married to his wife Kari for 12 years. They have four children: Brannon, Brady, Beau and Baelyn.

Q. At YSU, what was the most valuable coaching lesson you learned from Jim Tressel?

A. “That’s hard to answer because I admired so many things about his coaching style. His temperament exudes calmness and confidence. He was always intense and emotional but he was never flustered. He taught me the importance of always being prepared. He also was a master at keeping his team even-keeled, which is something I always try to pass along to my team. Things are never as bad as they seem, or they are never as good as they might appear.”

Q. What real-life lessons do you try to teach your players?

A. “The first year I became a head coach, our entire staff read a book called ‘A Season Of Life.’ The true success of a season is determined 10 years down the road when you find out what type of husbands, fathers, neighbors and co-workers you have developed. Early on, I truly felt the need to become a high school coach, because I wanted to use the game as a tool to turn players into solid students and solid citizens. It’s my top priority.”

Q. High school football in the Valley is more than just a game. It; it’s a social event. Why is that?

A. “I think it goes back to the whole steel industry and the blue collar mentality of this region. The pride and work ethic of Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania is second to none, and the people of this area take deep pride in the team that represents their community. Also, with the era of the Internet and the way the media has taken off and really hyped the game, it adds to the spotlight. It’s neat to be a part of the excitement.”

Q. What are your thoughts on the BCS system?

A. “I don’t like it at all. There’s only one way to prove a championship, and that’s on the field. The current system is so financially motivated. A 16-team, four-week tournament is the only way to go, and there are plenty of ways to make sure that exams and schoolwork aren’t interrupted.”

Q. What is the biggest difference between being an assistant and head coach?

A. “As an assistant, you’re able to have a much narrower focus. You concentrate on the position you’re coaching. As a head coach, you’re suddenly in charge of everything. Plus, you’re now dealing with parents, statisticians, the media, the lower level program … everything. The amount of time you put into the program is the biggest adjustment.”

Q. In two weeks you will play a Steubenville team that is on a 56-game regular-season winning streak. In this day and age, does that seem unfathomable?

A. “It definitely speaks volumes about the commitment from top to bottom. From the players to the coaches to the entire community … We never ever look ahead, but this game is obviously something that’s been in the back of our minds since we knew it was on the schedule. We’re 6-0, and we know we’re a target. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to be in their shoes.”

Q. Who decided that all of your kids’ names should begin with “B?”

A. “It wasn’t predetermined. We picked Brannon out of a name book, then when we had our second child we both liked Brady. From there I guess it was a conscience decision, because all four children have the initials BRB. For the record, my wife had more influence on the decision than me. At home, she’s the head coach.”

Interview by Vindicator correspondent Steve Ruman.