By Greg Gulas

sports@vindy.com

CAMPBELL

The Campbell Memorial Red Devils have always responded with Ed Rozum at the helm.

As Rozum begins the first season of his fourth stint at his alma mater, he readily admits that his young squad has a way to go in order to become a playoff contender.

He also smiles, adding that his team can also sneak up on a few opponents, if taken for granted.

“This is an exciting time for me because I love to coach and absolutely love the players that I have inherited. At this point in my life it was good decision to return to coach the game that I really love,” Rozum said. “I served as an assistant principal from 2011-13, took last year off to tend to some family matters but really got to know the kids those two years. This is my hometown and the chance to get back into the game was just too good to pass up.”

Rozum is 100-50 (.667) overall in 14 previous seasons, posting nine winning campaigns and a 12-2 mark in 1989 when he led the Red Devils to a state runner-up finish in Division III.

After going 3-7 a season ago, Rozum’s goal is a very simple one: to return the Red Devils to those glory years and the playoffs. They haven’t appeared in the postseason since 2010.

“Our motto is ‘Improve Each Day.’ When I took over in February we immediately got into the weight room and this group of players has worked really hard from day one,” Rozum said. “I told them that they would work harder than they have ever worked their entire lives, making them aware that they will need to do that every single day in order to get better if they expect to accomplish their goals. I’m not concerned with wins or losses this year as long as they show improvement and we meet our goal of improving every time we take the field, whether in practice or for a game.”

OFFENSE

Quarterback Stephan Elash is one of the senior leaders Rozum will rely on as he returns to start for a second consecutive season.

Center Will Morris and guard Zachary Rusnak anchor the line.

Rozum will use some set backs, but will depend on scrimmage sessions before making any commitment either way.

“After our scrimmages, that’s when we’ll decide what will best showcase our players,” he said.

With 40 players comprising their roster and just 10 letterwinners returning, players like tailback Aaron Jackson and wide receiver Mike Williams will also be expected to help Elash carry the load offensively.

Freshman Iggy Horvath, an offensive tackle, is someone to keep an eye on this season.

DEFENSE

Just four starters return from a season ago with Morris (end), Rusnak (tackle) and Williams (outside linebacker) anchoring the front wall, and Cam Collins and Deme Gordon the backfield letterwinners returning to the fold this year.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The long snapper is Morris and Williams is the punter, but the key to special teams success this year could lie in the performance of sophomore Yianni Koullias, who was spectacular as a freshman in ’13.

OUTLOOK

Goals for Rozum and Red Devils remain the same and that is to first win the All-American Conference. Only after their first goal has been achieved will they cast an eye toward the playoffs.

“Whatever happens, happens so about the only thing I can guarantee is that we will be fundamentally sound while giving it our all on each and every snap,” Rozun said. “We’re excited and cannot wait to get the season started.”