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Wolford: Players are all in
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YSU Head Football Coach Eric Wolford
2010 YSU 31 - Southern Illinois 28
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By JOE SCALZO
BOARDMAN
Eric Wolford has coached at nine different programs since graduating from Kansas State in 1994 and, in most cases, it’s taken two or three years to get the players to buy in fully to the new staff.
“Right now, it’s just a little bit different,” said Wolford, who has led the YSU football team to a 3-1 record in his first season with the Penguins. “These kids are all in, and that’s a compliment to them.
“I really like the way the team has come together.”
The Penguins have won three straight since an opening loss to Penn State and Wolford credited his staff and the team’s chemistry for the early success.
“I like our chemistry, I like our attitude,” he said. “We have a family atmosphere.”
Speaking at the Curbstone Coaches’ weekly meeting, Wolford covered a variety of topics. Here are a few highlights.
Senior safety Andre Elliott has a neck/arm stinger and will likely miss this week’s game at Missouri State.
Saturday’s officials messed up their call on Southern Illinois’ successful onside kick against the Penguins.
After one official correctly flagged the Salukis for an illegal formation, the other three “talked him out of it,” said Wolford, who sent in a formal complaint about the call afterward and was told the officials got the call wrong.
“They gave us a ruling on it already today,” he said. “This is the first time I’ve petitioned because it’s legitimately wrong. Those guys [officials], I kill them with kindness.
“I’ve worked with some coaches that get upset and berate officials and you never win. You’ll never get a call.”
Wolford and his staff have scouted area high school games every Friday this season.
“We feel like we’ve got the area pretty well scouted for this year,” said Wolford. “We’ve got to take care of this area. There’s a lot of good football players.
“Football’s important in this area. A lot of places you go around the country, it’s not as important.”
Wolford has seven commitments in the 2011 class, including four from this area: East CB Mike Thomas, Fitch DL Steve Zaborsky, Girard WR Landon Smith and West Branch OL Brandon Ferguson.
The Curbstone Coaches presented YSU athletic director Ron Strollo with a check for $2,000 for the school’s athletic scholarship fund.
The organization is also accepting nominations for its annual Hall of Fame class. Nominations can be sent to Ed Fowler at 330-506-9829.