YCSD COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH NICK SFERRA
COLUMBIABNA, OH- In the first episode of YSN’s “Youngstown City School District Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley sits down with Nick Sferra, the director of athletics for Youngstown City School District. With his wealth of experience and dedication, Sferra has been instrumental in shaping and revitalizing the district’s athletic program. During this in-depth conversation, Sferra details the exciting changes and initiatives that are driving the athletic department toward greater success.
Nick Sferra, who has been with the district for about 7 or 8 years, is marking his first full year as the director of athletics. He shared how the department has undergone significant structural changes, moving to an “old school” model of having faculty managers within the buildings. “We’ve introduced positions like strength and conditioning coaches, equipment managers, concession and ticket managers, and even a drug testing program. This allows our athletic staff to focus on more critical areas like safety and security at the stadium,” Sferra explained.
One of the highlights Sferra mentioned was the new website launch aimed at promoting student-athletes. “Websites like Eastgoldenbears.com and cheneycowboys.com are a game changer. They’re designed for scheduling, permits, games, and practices. It’s all about improving communication and getting parents more involved,” Sferra noted. The websites aren’t just for logistics; they will also feature team pictures, athlete of the week, and team of the week, aligning with other schools. Additionally, online ticketing and team shops are also a part of this innovative digital transition.
As DJ Yokley addressed the dissolution of the SVC and how it affected scheduling for East and Cheney, Sferra elaborated on the challenges of being an independent school. “Being independent presents its own unique set of challenges, but it also allows us to strive for competitiveness and success in our sports programs,” Sferra remarked.
DJ Yokley expressed immense pride in the progress of girls’ programs within the district. Sferra drew attention to the importance of cheerleading in girls’ sports success, emphasizing how it complements other sports like basketball and volleyball. “Middle school sports for females have been reintroduced, and we’ve seen significant growth in our high school programs. The increase in participation and talent is something we’re all really proud of,” Sferra stated.
Safety is paramount, and Sferra discussed various upgrades at Rayen Stadium to improve security during football games. “We’ve implemented online ticket sales, strategically placed seating areas, increased visibility of security officers, and encouraged people to sit in the stands. Our goal is to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone,” Sferra stressed.
Issues with disruptive behavior are not new, but Sferra is committed to proactively tackling them. “We’ve had some challenges, but our last major issue at Rayen Stadium was over 25 years ago. By strategically placing security and improving the behavior and seating arrangements, we aim to reduce chaos and enhance the game day experience,” Sferra explained. He also supports moving games to Thursdays and Saturdays due to an officiating shortage, though he acknowledges the logistical challenges this presents with school the next day.
As the conversation drew to a close, DJ praised Nick Sferra for his hard work and dedication to the Youngstown City School District. Yokley summed it up best when he said, “Nick’s leadership has brought about positive changes, not just for our athletic programs, but for the entire community.”
Sferra’s vision, dedication, and proactive approach are truly commendable. With these initiatives in place, the future of Youngstown City School District’s athletic programs looks brighter than ever.
Stay tuned for future episodes of “Youngstown City School District Coach’s Corner” as we continue to explore the dynamic world of school athletics and the people who make it all happen.
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