Tag Archive for: appreciation.

WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH COLLIN DOTSON

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Western Reserve’s defensive coordinator, Coach Collin Dotson, shared his insights on the team’s successful season and their upcoming rematch against Lowellville.

Coach Dotson, who has been coaching alongside Head Coach John Armeni since 2015, expressed his admiration for Coach Armeni as a mentor and friend. He described the experience of working with him as “unbelievable” and emphasized the importance of the tight-knit coaching staff at Western Reserve.

When asked why he chose football as his coaching path, Coach Dotson credited his experiences as a player at Howland for instilling in him a passion for leadership and mentoring young men. He shared his love for being around student-athletes and the opportunity to give back by offering them a positive experience like he had as a player.

Speaking about his time at Western Reserve, Coach Dotson highlighted the incredible support from the community. He described the community as tight-knit and caring, with a genuine love for their coaches and players. Coach Dotson attributed much of the team’s success to this community support and emphasized that it was not mere lip service. The genuine care and affection within the community inspired the coaching staff to reciprocate that love.

The camaraderie among the coaching staff at Western Reserve also played an essential role in their success. Coach Dotson spoke highly of the diverse backgrounds and expertise brought by each member of the staff. From former players to veteran coaches, the staff’s tight bond, both on and off the field, has contributed significantly to the team’s achievements this season.

With a senior-heavy roster, Coach Dotson applauded the leadership and resilience displayed by the players. Despite experiencing numerous coaching changes during their high school careers, these seniors have learned to adapt and have become a tough group of young men. Coach Dotson expressed his gratitude for their buying-in mentality and wished he could have had them on the team for more years.

As the defensive coordinator, Coach Dotson’s aggressive mentality shines through in his coaching style. He enjoys the versatility and freedom that coaching defense provides. Instead of sitting back and playing it safe, Coach Dotson and his defense line up in multiple formations, coverages, and blitzes, making it challenging for opposing teams to counter their strategies.

In terms of their successful season, Coach Dotson stressed the importance of performing well both in the conference and the non-conference games. He highlighted the competitiveness of their conference, including challenging matchups against teams like Mineral Ridge, Springfield, and Lowellville, with whom they now have a rematch.

Looking ahead to their upcoming matchup against Lowellville, Coach Dotson mentioned the advantage of having faced their offense before, allowing for better game planning and adjustments. He expressed confidence in his defensive unit’s ability to rise to the occasion.

The Western Reserve Blue Devils, currently the third seed in the playoffs with a 9-2 record, undoubtedly owe their success, in part, to the hard work and dedication of Coach Collin Dotson and the entire coaching staff. As they continue their playoff journey, their cohesive bond and aggressive defensive approach will undoubtedly be crucial factors in their pursuit of victory.

 

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ECKERT KEEPS PERSPECTIVE

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CANFIELD, OH-  In today’s episode titled “Canfield Player Profile: Tyler Eckert,” we have the pleasure of diving into the life and experiences of Tyler Eckert, the senior inside linebacker and special teams extraordinaire for the Cardinals.

Throughout this conversation with Tyler, we explore the grit and determination he exemplifies week after week, fighting for his spot and making the most of his playing time. As a senior, Tyler understands the fleeting nature of the game and how every snap could be his last, pushing him to give it his all each time he steps onto the field. But what led Tyler to the world of football in the first place? We delve into his early beginnings and his love for the game, instilled in him by his father. From wanting to be the star quarterback or running back, Tyler found his role as a special teams player and spot player, something that his coach greatly values. We explore what it means to him to be singled out by his coach and how it fuels his drive to do whatever it takes for the team.

Football, as we know, teaches valuable life lessons, and Tyler shares some of his insights. Despite facing injuries in the past, Tyler’s perseverance and the support of his team kept him coming back for more. We discuss the importance of resilience and the bond he shares with his teammates – a brotherhood that has grown over the years. But Tyler’s interests extend beyond the football field. We learn about his hobbies, including hunting trips with his uncle, playing video games like Fortnite and Madden on his PS5, and his love for the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly rooting for Jalen Hurts.

Family plays a significant role in Tyler’s life, and he opens up about the influence of his mom, who is his rock, and the lessons his late father taught him about perseverance. We also hear about his older sister, who is currently a freshman in college, and Tyler’s own aspirations to study pharmacy, continuing the family legacy.

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