Q&A: West Branch head coach Bob Altenhof

It’s been 15 years since West Branch’s state football title, but in some ways it seems like just yesterday for current head coach Bob Altenhof.

Back in 1994 he served as the defensive coordinator under Jim Laut when the Warriors defeated Clyde in the state finals. Last week, players and coaches from that title team were inducted in the school’s Hall of Fame.

The occasion brought back memories for Altenhof, who is almost halfway through his fifth year as the West Branch mentor.

“It was great to see all those kids again,” said Altenhof. “I hadn’t seen a lot of them in maybe 10 or 11 years. Some of them live in different places, so it was neat to see every one again.

“It’s funny because when every one got back together again, it was like stepping back in time. They were all back in their groups and in some ways it didn’t seem like it was that long ago.”

Q: You’re in your fifth year as the head coach at West Branch. How do you feel the transition from assistant to head coach has been?

A: It’s been pretty easy for me, but maybe not so easy for Jim [Laut]. He was a head coach for like 36 years, so it took him time to get used to being an assistant. But it’s really helped me because he is still on the staff, and his experience and his ability to run an offense has really helped me.

Q: West Branch and Salem renewed their rivalry a few years back. How do the kids view that game, and would you like to see Salem in the NBC (Northeastern Buckeye Conference) someday?

A: Well, when we weren’t playing Salem for a while there, we were able to develop some strong rivalries with teams in the NBC like Northwest, Minerva, Marlington and recently, Alliance. So, the Salem game is a little different now for our kids – not as much a rivalry as maybe some of the others. Northwest’s levy has gone down a few times, so it’s a done deal now that they are cutting sports and will be leaving the NBC (in 2011 football season). So, we’re looking for an eighth team to fill that spot. Some of the schools interested are probably too far away, and some more local schools aren’t interested. But from our perspective, Salem would be a great addition.

Q: You have ties to Pennsylvania football, having played at Geneva College and your wife being from Freedom, Pa. How does high-school football in Ohio and Pennsylvania compare?

A: They are very comparable. They are similar in how significant football is in each community and the same as far as how much passion the kids play with. I know when we play Pennsylvania in the Stateline Classic, it’s always a battle, and it seems like the games go back and forth.

Q: These days, high-school football coaches seem like they have to put in time almost year-round. Is that how it for you?

A: To be competitive, you have to work all 12 months. To be as good as the Louisville’s and other teams we play, you have no choice but to put in time in the off-season. It’s very demanding for kids these days. Some play other sports, but they’ll come lift before going to wrestling practice or after basketball. I coach track in the spring, but at the same time, I’m still working on football stuff.

Q: What TV shows do you make sure you never miss?

A: Well, if you’re talking about during the season, I give myself a three-hour break during the weekend to sit down and watch a Steelers game. But fortunately, the one regular TV show that my wife and I enjoy is “24,” and that typically doesn’t start until after the football season is over, so it doesn’t affect my schedule.