We recently contacted the assistant MHS Football coach, Justin O’Toole, for an SORSN exclusive interview, “Up Close with the Tool Man”.
SORSN: To perhaps understand one area of how Midway football has developed over the last decade, compare the weight room facilities and work out ethic of today’s teams vs the teams you were familiar with and apart of during the mid and late 90s.
Justin: Take a look at the records 2-8 an 3-7’s in the 90’s when the weight room wasn’t stressed and 6,7,8 win seasons when it has been stressed. The coaches can usually tell how good a year we’re going to have from weight room dedication.
SORSN: We are beginning to see the first kids from the rejuvenated Midway Youth program cycle through to High School athletics. How much of today’s talented players and program can be contributed to the rebirth of the Midway Little League program? Is Youth League athletics a key to a winning High School athletic program?
Justin: The Youth league is doing a great job and is a major part of the recent success we’ve had.
SORSN: You’ve now been apart of the coaching staff for several years, attended numerous coaching clinics, and been an avid reader of “Coaching for Dummies”. Tell us what’s different in you as far as coaching techniques and strategies.
Justin: I’ve calmed down a lot more. I used to yell quite a bit but I don’t as much now.
SORSN: Take away the athletics…what other career path do you think Coach Moser would have taken? Coach Houston? Coach Davis? Coach Gordon?
Justin:
Moser – Motivational Speaker
Houston – Swimsuit Model
Davis – Hair designer
Gordon – Speech Therapist
SORSN: Due to your great hair and charming boyish good looks, it’s been rumored that you’ve been asked to do a photo shoot for a “Boys from the South” Calendar. What month will you be? Can you give us names of others that are to be in the calendar as well? Who is likely to be named the SOR Male Playmate of the Year?
Justin: July- hottest month of the year. I think that Cupcake would be there for February, shortest month of the year. Assy (Ashton Chinn) could be for May, his big guns would commemorate Memorial Day. Coach Gordon in his tighty-whities would be the Playmate of the Year.
SORSN: Season opener at Rockwood on Thursday. What’s the attitude like in the locker room? What’s different, if anything, in the players and coaches this year compared to opening week one year ago?
Justin: Calm. Can’t remember last week so I sure can’t remember last year.
SORSN: Many years ago, you were an avid believer of the David “Bean” Best work out plan. Do you still follow this regimen and have you incorporated it into the locker room?
Justin: We would put it in but we don’t have enough weights in the weight room, all the bars would break from the weight, and no shirt sleeves South of the River would hold up to the massive arms inside them.