Youngstown Christian Vs. Lowellville

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Lowellville

Record	Div.	Conf.
4/6	Div. VII	Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference

It was only eight seasons ago that Mike Palumbo was a senior quarterback at Lowellville, leading the Rockets to a 10-0 campaign and a trip to the second round of the Division VI playoffs.

Today at age 26, Palumbo brings that same energy, talent and enthusiasm to his job as the head coach of the Rockets.

Palumbo began his fourth year at Lowellville with a 25-21 win over Youngstown Christian School last Friday night.

Four years ago at age 22, Palumbo was the youngest person to be named head football coach in the Valley.

“It was kind of like a dream job to be named head coach here at the school where I grew up and played high school ball at,” said Palumbo. “I was blessed to have the opportunity to be a head coach at a young age of 22 and it was a great feeling.

“I don’t think many coaches get the opportunity to coach at their alma mater and I’ve been lucky enough to do that.”

Although Palumbo’s team’s have gone just 12-18 in his first three years, the Rockets were 5-2 in the Inter Tri-County Tier Two last season and opened this season with a win for the first time in his career.

Q: What was it like to get that opening night win under your belt this season?

A: It was a great feeling because it’s the first time we opened the season with a win and we want to build on that. Saturday’s practice after that win was different because we told the kids it’s the first time we were 1-0 to start a season. There seemed to be more energy and enthusiasm that day.

Q: Looking back, what motivated you to become a head coach at such a young age and did you think you were ready for such a challenge?

A: Yeah I really thought I was ready. I went to college at Youngstown State but didn’t pursue a playing career (Palumbo was a three-year starter at quarterback at Lowellville from 2000-2002). I wanted to become a teacher and coaching right out of high school helped me pay the bills. I was an assistant here under John Protopapa while I went to school. I only applied for the job opening at Lowellville when he left to practice up on my interviewing skills but when I got the job I felt that I was ready. I knew I had to surround myself with experienced assistants and I did that and here we are with a solid program heading into year four.

Q: There were critics when you were hired that said that you were too young to get this job at Lowellville. Did that bother you or motivate you even more?

A: Yes there were plenty of critics but I didn’t pay attention to it. I’m pretty thick-skinned and things like that don’t bother me. I don’t need to be criticized to be motivated. Sometimes your biggest critics are your own friends. You just have to tune all that stuff out and focus on your job.

Q: What has the process been for you in building the program?

A: I think things have gone pretty well. We’ve had our ups and downs the past few years. The first year we had to suspend many of our players for two games at the start of the season and I think that helped establish my discipline for the program. I have worked very hard along with my staff because I played and coached here and I know the tradition here. That has motivated me to drive that work ethic into these players.

Q: Because you are a young coach, do you think you relate more to your players?

A: In a way, yes. It wasn’t long ago that I was playing and dealing with their problems. I’ve been there and done that. Also many of my seniors were fifth and sixth graders when I was playing and they know how successful we were back then. Because of that I have their respect and they know that I can lead them to that success as their coach. I believe coaching is an important job and I think the kids are buying into what we are trying to accomplish.

Q: How would you describe your coaching style?

A: My style is to be very aggressive offensively. (The Rockets opened the game against YCS with numerous formations including a version of the wishbone attack to feature its three top runners, Geno Tkach, Troy Schialdrone and Jason Wellendorf, along with quarterback Evan Filip.) I believe in controlling the ball on offense and we try to rattle the opponent with our defense.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of coaching?

A: I’m a sports junkie. I played three sports in high school and I enjoy watching all sports at all levels.

Interview conducted by Chuck Housteau.