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Palmer takes over as Sebring football coach
Mineral Ridge native,
former YSU kicker
set to rebuild Trojans
By Steve Ruman
Brian Palmer is well aware of the struggles Sebring High football has endured over the years.
Sebring is the only school in the Mahoning Valley to never make a playoff appearance. In fact, except for a 5-5 finish in 2014, the Trojans haven’t really come close in the 21st century. They have won just 25 games since 2000.
Still, Palmer insists he is unfazed by the past and filled with hope for the future.
The way Palmer sees it, the past is in the rear view mirror. It has no bearing on what happens in 2017 and beyond.
On Monday, the Sebring board of education tabbed Palmer to take over the Sebring football program. He replaces Scott Springer, who resigned last month following a six-year stint.
Springer’s teams went 16-44.
Palmer will also be hired to teach social studies at the high school level.
“I am diving into this with a ton of enthusiasm and a ton of energy,” Palmer said. “I am familiar with Sebring’s past. But it’s just that, the past. How this team performs from this point on will be determined by the amount of energy and work I put into the program, and how much effort is put forth by the players.
“There’s an old saying about leading a horse to water. I promise that our coaching staff will do everything possible to lead these guys in the right direction. Will they want to work just hard enough to be mediocre, or will they want to work hard enough to win championships? That will help determine our future.”
A 2004 Mineral Ridge graduate, Palmer attended Youngstown State University, where he was a placekicker for the Penguins from 2005-2008. Palmer earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors, and was an honorable-mention All America selection in 2008.
After his collegiate career, Palmer was invited to the NFL Combine. He later played Arena Football.
“It was during my tryouts that I knew I wanted to be a coach, I wanted to stay in this game in some way,” Palmer said. “The game has been great to me. Football is a great learning tool. I gained a great deal from playing, and I wanted to help others gain from the game.”
Palmer has served as an assistant at Chaney, Struthers, Leetonia and Ursuline.
“I learned a great deal from every coach I worked under,” Palmer said. “[Ursuline coach] Larry Kempe has been especially helpful and influential. Not just from a coaching standpoint, but how he cares for his players. He is a straightforward, honest guy.
“Larry has that old-school mentality. At Ursuline, it was all about hard work, dedication and accountability. I hope to bring that same mindset to Sebring. I want to bring a new football culture, not just to the school but to the entire community.”
Sebring athletic director Brian Clark said Palmer was chosen from a pool of 34 applicants.
“Brian’s strong references assured us that we were getting a quality person, a great teacher and a great coach,” Clark said. “Brian has the unique combination of enthusiasm, organization and work ethic that we need to mentor Sebring’s athletes and students.”
Sebring finished 3-7 in 2016. It opened the season with two straight wins before losing seven of eight.