Stoops eases into new role

Youngstown’s football family adds another coach in college

By Joe Scalzo

scalzo@vindy.com

Youngstown

Photo

Ron Stoops Jr.

Photo

YSU Head Football Coach Eric Wolford

Although many members of YSU’s new football coaching staff have area ties, most of them have been out of the Valley for several years.

So, when it comes to making a very crucial decision several times a week, Eric Wolford and the rest of his assistants turn to Ron Stoops Jr. for his expertise.

“They look at me when it comes time to pick a place to eat,” Stoops said, chuckling. “So I’ve been able to give them a lot of good advice that way.

“They seem to be really excited about the choices around here and how friendly the people are here.”

After a 30-year high school coaching career, Stoops has finally joined his younger brothers in making the leap to the college ranks. He was Wolford’s first hire in December, assuming the new position as director of high school relations.

Stoops spent the nine past nine years as an assistant at Cardinal Mooney, helping the Cardinals reach five state championship games and win three titles. He will also help coach YSU’s secondary and continue his teaching job at Boardman High.

“The timing was just right,” said Stoops, whose youngest sons, twins John and Joe, will graduate from Mooney in a few months. “It was important to me to see my kids through high school. My wife and I have deep roots, so it would be a lifestyle change to pick up and move and that was never for us.

“This is altogether different situation and what I consider to be a perfect situation.”

Stoops, of course, comes from the Valley’s most famous coaching family. His father, Ron Sr., was the defensive coordinator for Mooney’s first four state football ties, all under Don Bucci. His brother Bob is the head coach at Arizona, his brother Mike coaches Arizona and his brother Mark was just hired as Florida State’s defensive coordinator after being offered the job at YSU.

Stoops said he was “energized” by the new challenge.

“There’s a certain anxiousness and anticipation,” he said. “I’ve been in high school 30 years and you know what to expect. I have a certain comfort level.

“The newness of stepping up into college game, where people are bigger and move faster, it has energized me, there’s no doubt.”

Stoops’ main job will be to serve as a mediator between YSU and local area coaches. For instance, YSU’s staff recently held a “Chalk Talk” that drew 60-plus area high school coaches and the staff will hold a coaches clinic on March 19. Wolford is hoping those relationships will aid in recruiting as well as help coaches at both levels develop their football knowledge.

Stoops is used to coaching successful football teams and expects the Penguins to again compete for championships under Wolford. He said YSU’s staff believes the combination of YSU’s facilities, university support and strong recruiting base give them the tools they need to win.

“These guys realize what the expectation is and what the standard is here,” he said. “Mediocrity isn’t going to do it or we might not be here.

“Everybody embraces that.”

The college move has its pluses and minuses. His time commitment, particularly in the offseason, will increase. But he’ll no longer have to divide his loyalties between students at Boardman and Mooney.

“That was always a tough situation,” said Stoops, who was an assistant at Boardman for 13 years before coming to Mooney. “I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

The playbook may be a little bigger and the players may be a little faster, but the job isn’t that much different, Stoops said. Coaching is coaching.

“I just have to drive a little bit farther down Market Street,” he said.