Getting to the point of formally announcing the Ohio coaching staff for the 67th annual Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Charity Football Classic wasn't as smooth as most years.
After Conotton Valley underwent a coaching change in the spring, the Ohio side also endured a change, leading to rookie head coach Eric Schumacher earning the job as Ohio side head coach for the all-star game slated for Sunday, July 29th at Wheeling Island Stadium.
"We're very excited about this opportunity," Schumacher said. "Actually, the entire Conotton Valley community is excited. I've already had people inquire to me about getting tickets and things. This is a great honor for our staff and our school."
Schumacher put together his coaching staff and incorporated his Rockets' staff along with coaches from his alma mater, Monroe Central, and Meadowbrook.
"We wanted people who had a lot of knowledge in a lot of areas," Schumacher said. "We're all very competitive and we want to get to camp and start preparing our guys to hopefully win the game."
Here's a capsule look at the coaches:
ERIC SCHUMACHER, Conotton Valley - This first-year head coach will be making his debut on the sidelines in the all-star game.
Schumacher just took over the job this past spring after gaining seven years of assistant coaching experience previously. He worked at Coshocton for six years and then spent last fall with the Rockets' program.
The Monroe Central graduate, who also has coaching experience in baseball, earned his degree from Ohio University Zanesville.
Eric resides in Dover.
TY CARROTHERS, Conotton Valley - This Rockets' assistant is preparing for his first season on the varsity coaching staff.
The Conotton Valley and Kent State University graduate has spent two seasons coaching junior high football and basketball.
Ty resides in Scio.
MATT REES, Conotton Valley - This former Dover High School standout has been a football coach for one season.
Rees was a member of the Rockets' staff a season ago. Rees played college football at Mt. Union.
Matt and his wife Courtney are the parents of a son, Rocco, and reside in Dover.
JESSE WELLS, Meadowbrook - This former Shenandoah Zep has been the head coach of the Colts for the past two seasons.
Wells also serves as the head wrestling coach and athletic director for the Colts.
After his prep career, Wells went to Mt. Union where he was a member of two NCAA Division III National Championship teams. After earning his degree, Wells stayed in Alliance as a member of the Purple Raiders' coaching staff and won two more title rings.
Wells will be celebrating his 10-year OVAC reunion at this year's game.
Jesse is engaged to Alaina Houmard.
MICHAEL JORRIS, Monroe Central - This former Seminoles' standout has returned to his alma mater to serve as a member of the coaching staff.
After his playing days, Jorris went to Mt. Union where he played quarterback. He returned to serve under Jay Circosta and has done so for the past five years.
Also during his prep days, Jorris was a standout in basketball and baseball.
Staskey can be reached at sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com
