We opened the 2012 season with an interview with head coach Joe Campbell. So what better way to close out the end of the regular season than with some potential locker room board material from Coach O’Toole.
SORSN: Coach, the team started off with a rocky 1-4 record and attendance was dropping faster than interest in Facebook political posts. But the boys in green rallied, winning 4 of their last 6 games and clinching a playoff berth. Tell us about this 2012 squad, their attitude throughout the season, and how they found success on the field.
Coach O’Toole: Probably been one of the more odd teams I’ve been around in the past 10 years. Examples could include how in the spring we couldn’t hit the side of a barn on a pass and in 5 games we’ve passed for over 1000 yards. Even though we were 1-4 in the first few games Coach Minton’s workout program helped us to match up physically with other teams and have small successes that have led to larger successes like wins and the playoffs. We are a fairly young team and that improvement that we have seen from Spring till now is all a coach can ask for and they have done it. These 24 players have done well in restoring pride to our football team. If this group of young men continues to work, their potential is unlimited.
SORSN: Midway travels to Cloudland this Friday for round one of the playoffs. What can you tell us about the Highlanders this year?
Coach O’Toole: They have 2 backs that run the ball really hard. This is a different Cloudland team from the old school days where they would line up in the power I. They like to run alot of spread offense. One thing I can expect from the Green Wave is for us to be wearing white jerseys
SORSN: Defensive Coordinator Coach Minton had a tough challenge this year trying to stop Lookout Valley, Greenback, and Grace Christian. When asked where or who he turns to for defensive strategy inspiration, Coach Minton mentioned the likes of Chavis and Saban. You’ve been around Coach Minton a lot, who would you draw comparisons with him to?
Coach O’Toole: Coach Minton stresses discipline, defense, and hygiene. He makes sure that towels are done for the boys to take showers and by that account we have had zero cases of staph or anything close to staph infections. He always makes sure to encourage the boys to shower. His defense reminds me of a couple teams in the early 90’s from Penn State where they would always be aligned right and know there assignments. He always has the boys prepared. Whoever their D coordinator was I’d say he’s a lot alike. What was his name…Jerry Minton? Ryen Sandusky? Something like that.
SORSN: ESPN recently aired a segment on former Jets coach Herm Edwards and his famous “HELLO! You play to win the game!” speech that he made 10 years ago. Given the opportunity, we expect Coach Joe would deliver a speech just a memorable. In his 3 years as head coach of the Green Waves, can you relive some of Coach Joe’s greatest speaking moments or quotes?
Coach O’Toole: Coach Campbell has some of the best speeches that I can think of ALRIGHT. There was one ALRIGHT in practice ALRIGHT that me and the ALRIGHT boys really enjoyed. ALRIGHT. I can’t wait ALRIGHT to hear ALRIGHT the next thing out of his mouth ALRIGHT.
SORSN: Thanks for your time coach and congratulations to the team getting the program back on its feet and making the playoffs this year.
Coach O’Toole: Make sure everyone comes and supports this team Friday night at Cloudland 7:00. These boys have done a great job this year!