After 5 years of coaching at his alma mater, Coach Davis stunned the Ohio Valley by resigning after the 2013 season. Davis powered Bellaire to consecutive playoff appearances in 2012 and 2013, while earning the OVAC Class 3A title this past fall.
“People thought I was crazy when I took over for Bellaire back in 2009.” Davis commented. “It was a great experience, the kids were fantastic, but it was time to move on.”
Just over two short months later, Davis has found himself a new home at St. John Central, in the same town where he once broke records as a player, and established himself as a coach.
“I’m completely optimistic and excited about turning this program around.” Davis said. “SJC once had a very rich tradition of culture, pride, education, and athletics in the Ohio Valley – I am going to bring that tradition back.”
After posting a miserable 0-10 record last year, Davis has his work cut out for him.
“It’s not going to happen overnight, but it’s going to happen. We are going to restore the culture and pride of being at a Catholic institution as a student athlete.” Davis elaborated, “We might get beat, but we will not be out compete. We will play with a commitment to leave everything that we have on the field, every week.
Davis feels like he has full support to do what is necessary.
“The administration here is fantastic. They are very serious about making this a desirable institution, and they understand that a strong athletic program plays a helping hand in that. We also have some of the most supportive and enthusiastic alumni that I’ve ever been around.” Davis said, “Turning a program around starts at the top, and the top is in good hands.”
One of the biggest challenges Davis will face is decreasing enrollment numbers, but Davis feels that he can help turn those numbers around.
“Every kid, every parent, they want to see their name in the paper. They want to be in the spotlight, they want special attention.” Davis continued, “There are so many kids at Bellaire, St. Clairsville, Bridgeport, Martins Ferry, you name it – who are getting lost in the mix. Those kids don’t have to get lost in the mix, they don’t have to sit 3rd string on the bench.”
Coach Davis will represent Ohio as the Head Coach for this summers annual OVAC All-Star Football Classic.
