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Campbell’s Coach Rozum returns — again
Ed Rozum is starting his fourth stint as head coach at Campbell. In his previous time at the school, covering 14 seasons, he compiled a record of 100-50 including nine winning seasons and a 12-2 mark in 1989 when he led the Red Devils to a state runner-up finish in Division III.
Q. When you weren’t coaching over the last few decades did you every think of giving it up for good or are you one of those guys who is always going to be a coach?
A. I guess you’re always coaching even when you’re not coaching. You’re watching football, you’re reading about the new developments that are going on. There were certain time frames where I had certain responsibilities and wasn’t able to put in the time that you need to put in. But even when you’re not coaching you’re watching games on TV, looking at the different things that go into strategy and so forth.
Q. The 25th anniversary of Campbell’s 1989 team will be celebrated this season. How do you get the kids today to understand and gain something from the success Campbell football has had over the years, especially that team?
A. We’ve had some of the kids (from 1989) come back and watch us practice over the years and I’ve always introduced them to the kids. The players see these guys weren’t 6-foot-5, 300-pounders; they were just like the kids now, they just worked hard. Some of them stop in here in the weight room, they see what we’re doing there. Some of them stop out on the practice field. I enjoy having them around.
These kids need to learn about the school’s tradition, the same way I thought back then when I pointed out the tradition with [former head coach] Johnny Knapick and guys like that. There have been some very good football players that have come out of Campbell. A lot of these guys don’t know them but I try to bring up some of those names of guys who have been successful, not only in football but also in life.
Campbell has had lots of success in the past, not just with me but Jeff Bayuk did a great job and Mickey Sikora had some success in recent years. When you’re at a small school you have your ups and downs. Sometimes you get that group of kids that comes in and wants to work hard. I think all small schools face that; it’s hard to keep that level up every year but having that tradition can help.
Q. How has the team’s progress been through the offseason workouts, through two-a-days and the scrimmages?
A. When I first got the job I told the kids we were going to work hard. It took them a little while to understand what hard work was. We felt that the strength in the weight room was not where it needed to be and the kids responded. This is a year where they’ve got a new coaching staff and a new system and these kids are working hard. They are making progress and that’s one of our goals to get better every day whether it be weight lifting or out on the practice field.
Q. Who are some of the key players who must play well for Campbell to have success in 2014?
A. Our quarterback, Stefan Elash, started last year. Aaron Jackson, at the tailback spot, those are two key performers for us. We also have some key people on the offensive line, Zach Rusnak, Will Morris, they’re going to have to come through for us. All the seniors, Cam Collins, I don’t want to miss anybody. I always say you’re only as good as your seniors and your leadership. All the seniors need to step up,
Q. Has there been a position group or aspect of the game that has been a pleasant surprise?
A. I think the offensive line is starting to come around a little bit. We had an injury to one of the starters last year, a guy who played offense and defense last year. He’s still out, he may be available this week, we’ll see. But we have a lot of young guys in there, not only in terms of playing time but also in terms of grade. We get better a little bit every day and I like the way the offensive line has been progressing.
Q. Talk about the opening game Thursday against Struthers.
A. Whether it’s Struthers or not, it’s the opening game and a big football game. They are a very good football team, they are very well-coached. We’re going to do the best we can to get the kids ready to play.