Ridge grad Whittaker set to return to coaching with Rams

March 12, 2014 at 12:05a.m.

For Jeff Whittaker, the opportunity to return home and return to coaching is a dream come true.

For the committee chosen to select the next Mineral Ridge football coach, the opportunity to make Whittaker a part of the Rams program is too appealing to pass up.

As a result, the Mineral Ridge High graduate is on the verge of being named the program’s next football coach.

Whittaker on Tuesday was informed by Weathersfield superintendent Damon Dohar that he was selected from 14 applicants to take over the Rams program, pending board approval. Dohar’s recommendation is expected to be approved March 19 when the Weathersfield board of education holds its monthly meeting.

Last month, Doug Velasquez resigned as the Mineral Ridge coach following a one-year stint.

“We had some very strong applicants who brought a lot to the table,” Dohar said. “Our committee could have gone a number of ways and have been comfortable with our decision, but it came down to Jeff being a perfect fit for our program.

“Jeff has tremendous knowledge of the game, and he has a great passion for coaching and especially for the kids who play the game. He’s not just a great teacher and coach, but an outstanding individual. He is everything you would look for when trying to find someone who is going to guide our youth.”

A Mineral Ridge native, Whittaker began his coaching career in 1980 at Centerburg High School, where at the time he was the youngest head coach in the state. He later assumed a role as a position coach at Gannon College, then returned to the high school ranks where he served as the head coach at Conneaut and Liberty.

In 10 years at Conneaut, Whittaker posted a 60-41 record, leading the Spartans through one of the most successful eras in school history. In 1985, Whittaker’s Conneaut team went 10-0, which led to the first — and still only — playoff berth in program history.

At Liberty, Whittaker posted a 100-76 record from 1995 through 2011. He led the Leopards to five playoff appearances. Whittaker’s teams went 59-17 from 2002-08.

Whittaker stepped down as Liberty’s coach at the end of the 2011 season and retired from teaching in 2012.

“Once you get away from coaching, you miss the kids, you miss the coaches, you miss the fraternity,” Whittaker said. “I stayed very close to the game the past two years. I missed it right away.

“I’m a Mineral Ridge boy at heart. So many coaches, teachers and administrators from that school had a major influence on my life, so to have the opportunity to return there as a coach is very special.”

Whittaker noted that he has already received several commitments from assistant coaches, and will complete the process of assembling a staff once his hire becomes official.

Ironically, Whittaker will now call E.Z. Whittaker Field his home. Mineral Ridge’s football field is named in honor of Whittaker’s older brother, a former Mineral Ridge player, teacher, coach and administrator who passed away suddenly at the age of 39. E.Z. Whittaker was also a three-year starter at Pitt.

“To return home and to coach on that field, there will be a rush of emotions next fall, I can tell you that,” Whittaker said.

Mineral Ridge finished 5-5 in 2013.