Ursuline alum takes over YSU football program

By Jon Moffett | December 15, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

Eric Wolford is known for his enthusiasm and dedication, ex-teammates said.

YOUNGSTOWN — Two decades ago, Eric Wolford was an up-and-coming offensive lineman at Ursuline High School, earning all-conference honors and about to embark on a college career.

Today, the Youngstown native is expected to be introduced as the head coach of the Youngstown State University football team. And though YSU has yet to confirm the acquisition, the school has called a 3 p.m. news conference.

“He’s a vocal and fiery guy,” said Sam Mosca, one of several former teammates who weighed in Monday on Wolford’s ability to run the Penguins. Mosca played with Wolford during Ursuline’s 1988 season.

“When he walks into a room, he gets your attention. He gets people excited, and his demeanor is good. He carries himself without arrogance but more of with a leadership-type personality.”

Mosca, now an officer with the Youngstown Police Department, played on the offensive line for the Irish and said Wolford’s presence alone will inspire the team.

“He is the most passionate person I’ve ever met, especially with football,” said Mosca.

Originally a Brookfield Warrior, Wolford transferred to Ursuline and was on the 1988 team that was co-champion of the Steel Valley Conference. Big No. 65 also was named defensive-line MVP at tackle.

Matt DeVicchio also played on that 1988 team. DeVicchio, now a Youngstown attorney, said Wolford is a good fit for the YSU coaching job.

SDLqI was one of the first people who took him around the school and introduced him to our teammates,” he said. “He has a nice balance. His intensity shines through, but at the same time you get a sense of poise, which is especially important from a head football coach.”

Along with accolades, many expressed high expectations for his off-the-field performance as well.

Sister Regina Rogers, assistant principal of Ursuline High School, was in the same position when Wolford was a senior in 1988. She said she expects the community will benefit as much as the university.

“Eric has a great sense that life is more than just football,” she said. “He understands that life is about helping the community and teaching the next generation. He’ll be a great role model and work very hard for YSU and the community.”

Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and the voice of the Penguins for radio broadcasts, said Wolford’s familiarity to the area helped in his selection.

“One thing that intrigued [the university] is that he is an Ursuline grad. He knows the area and is familiar with the community. He has national experience but also has ties to the Valley.”

A graduate of Kanasas State University with a bachelor’s degree in monetary policy and banking, Wolford was a four-year starter at guard for the Wildcats.

Wolford would replace Jon Heacock, who resigned from the position earlier this month after a nine-year career with the Penguins.

Wolford already has a stacked r sum , most recently serving as offensive-line coach and running-game coordinator at the University of South Carolina. He had similar positions at the University of Illinois, University of North Texas, University of Arizona, University of Houston and University of South Florida.

Wolford helped the Gamecocks achieve a 7-5 record and a trip to the PapaJohns.com Bowl on Jan. 2 against the University of Connecticut.

jmoffett@vindy.com

TIME LINE | New coach

Eric Wolford was born in Youngstown in 1971 and attended Ursuline High School.

PERSONAL

Family: Wife, Melinda; two children, Stone and Marlee.

Age: 38

EDUCATION/BACKGROUND

1989: Graduated from Ursuline High School.

1989-93: Attended and graduated from Kansas State. Member of the football team 1989-93.

1994: Started his coaching career at Kansas State as graduate assistant.

1995: Worked as offensive- line/strength coach for Emporia State University, Emporia, Kan.

1996-99: Offensive-line coach for University of South Florida.

2000: Tight end/tackles coach for University of Houston.

2001: Running backs/special-teams coach for University of Houston.

2002: Defensive-line coach for University of Houston.

2003: Offensive-line coach for University of North Texas.

2004-06: Offensive-line coach for University of Arizona.

2007-08: Run-game coordinator/offensive-line coach for University of Illinois.

2009: Run-game coordinator/offensive line coach for University of South Carolina.

Dec. 15, 2009: Expected to be named head football coach at YSU.

BOWL GAMES

- Played in the Coca-Cola Bowl, Tokyo, Japan, 1992

- Played in the Copper Bowl, 1993

- Coached in New Orleans Bowl, 2003

- Coached in Rose Bowl, 2008