Add another job title to Fred Ray’s ever-expanding resume.

The former Martins Ferry High star quarterback, who went on to a productive collegiate tenure at Ohio University, is winding down an interesting inaugural season as offensive coordinator for the Huntington Hammer of the Ultimate Indoor Football League.

Ray, who has previous experience as a standout performer with the indoor Ohio Valley Greyhounds, began the 2011 campaign competing for the Hammer’s QB post.

A head coaching change in Huntington, however, resulted in Ray’s transition to the sidelines.

“It was determined I was in better position to serve the team full-time as offensive coordinator,” Ray reported over the phone.

His first game in that capacity, Ray made it look easy. “We went to Canton and scored 67 points,” he laughed. “The following week, we sort of came back to earth.”

Nevertheless, with two regular season starts remaining, the Hammer is vying for a postseason berth in the UIFL’s first season of existence.

“It’s been challenging but also enjoyable at the same time,” continued Ray who recently turned 30.

“Most of our players are recently out of college and hoping to make impressions (on NFL scouts). It’s the league’s first year (with six total teams) and we’re hopeful of making it last.”

The Hammer’s roster includes players from such D-I programs as Michigan State, Purdue, West Virginia and Marshall.

“We also have some talented guys from smaller schools such as West Virginia State and the University of Charleston,” Ray added. “They all have skills for the game.”

Huntington head coach Michael Owens notes Ray’s expertise has enhanced the football team’s operation.

“Fred brings a wealth of experience to our team, especially with the type of offense we’ve put together,” Owens stated.

The Hammer’s starting QB is 6-2, 190-pound Martevious Young from the University of Southern Mississippi. “A very good player with equal ability to run and throw,” Ray reported.

Ray, meanwhile, has retained his ‘day’ job as full-time varsity football coach at nearby Fairview High School in Ashland, Kentucky.

This fall will be Fred’s third season with the Class A school. “We made it to the regional finals last season, losing a tough game to Lexington Christian,” Ray disclosed.

In the meantime, Ray is currently working on a master’s degree in education with an excellent opportunity to further enhance that resume.

EXTRA POINTS

THE Hammer play their home games in Huntington’s Big Sandy Superstore Arena. The team’s final regular season home game is one week from today, (May 29) a 4 p.m. kickoff against the Saginaw (Mich.) Sting…

RAY recently had a first-time opportunity to meet current Ohio U. head coach Frank Solich when the Bobcats’ spring sports caravan visited Ironton…..

FRED is the son of John and Betty Ray of Martins Ferry. He has five brothers and three sisters….

FORMER WVU and Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez was back in the Mountain State recently, attending a golf outing hosted by Glenville State College.

Rodriguez told a local TV station he’s been offered and accepted a TV position as college football analyst this fall where he will clearly be out of his element.

At Michigan, Rodriguez was expected to win sooner than later. His ‘grace’ period at Ann Arbor was minimal at best. A sooner-than-later return to the sidelines should be a priority for Rich Rod….

THEY’RE finally starting to take note of the Tribe’s superb start this season. Progressive Field enjoyed its first sellout of the season for Friday night’s interleague matchup vs. the Reds….Boston follows the Reds into town for a three-game set starting Monday…..

Gibson may be reached at rgibson@timesleaderonline.com