Staff report

Austintown

Phil Annarella likes to think that his selection for the Ohio High School SEI award this year represents the culmination of his coaching career — almost 40 years.

SEI stands for Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity, a prestigious honor given by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association.

It goes to one head coach in the state who is nominated by his region and selected by the OHSFCA board of directors. Annarella, currently Fitch’s head coach, was selected out of 16 finalists.

He will be honored Feb. 4 at the OHSFCA banquet in Columbus. The event is in conjunction with the association’s clinic.

“I’m very flattered,” Annarella said of his first-time selection. “When you’ve coached long enough, you get various awards, but this one is kind of special, I’d have to say, especially when it’s from colleagues.”

Although Fitch had an excellent season in 2010 — making the playoffs before bowing out 10-2 following a loss to Solon in a Div. I, Region 1 semifinal, Annarella believes the SEI is based on the ABC’s instead of the X’s and O’s.

“I’d like to think that it’s trying to do things the right way,” the 62-year-old said. “It’s not necessarily a reflection on our 2010 season, rather, it’s something built up over the years.”

“I would be flattered to be nominated, let alone receive the award, so it humbles me. It’s probably as nice an award that I’ve received.”

Annarella started coaching as an assistant at East Liverpool before becoming Rayen’s head coach for the 1976 and 1977 football seasons. He then joined Warren Western Reserve’s staff and was elevated to its head coaching position during which time the Raiders won the state championship. He moved to take over the same position when WWR merged with Harding. He followed with coaching stints at Hickory (Pa.) and Niles before arriving to coach the Falcons.