Massillon coach to try college ranks

[bearonu]

Wasn't sure which forum to put this in, and if it needs moved I apologize, but I figured a few people may have wanted to know about this. Rick Shepas, of course the head coach at Massillon, and featured in the "Go Tigers!" documentary, is moving onto the college ranks.

www.d3football.com

Waynesburg hires HS coach
<TABLE class=photo2 width=147 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR align=left><TD> Shepas
Massillon Independent
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As originally reported yesterday, Massillon (Ohio) Washington coach Rick Shepas was named head coach at Waynesburg at a news conference Thursday morning.

Shepas, who applied for the Westminster (Pa.) job when it came open earlier this offseason, according to the Massillon Independent, has compiled a 53-28 record in seven seasons at the helm of the Tigers. The Tigers are coming off back-to-back 4-6 seasons.

"I am very humbled by this opportunity to coach at Waynesburg. I believe that in Division III that I will find the balance in academics and athletics," said Shepas. "It was a unique experience for me to have the opportunity to head coach at Massillon and obviously I'm very thankful to Massillon, the community of Massillon and also the rich tradition for laying the foundation in preparing to have the opportunity to be here at Waynesburg."

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Our sponsors and your support keep this site operating</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>A 1987 Youngstown State graduate, Shepas takes over for Jeff Hand, who took the Westminster job.

"I think it's unique in the 21st century that a high school football coach be given this opportunity," said Shepas. "I take this commitment to Waynesburg College very seriously and obviously believe in the mission statement that involves faith, learning and serving."

Shepas started his coaching career in 1989 when he served as secondary and receivers coach for Alliance (Ohio) High School before accepting the defensive coordinator position at Poland (Ohio) Seminary High School in 1990. Shepas served in that role until 1993 when he became the head coach at Poland, where he guided the team to three straight Metro Athletic Conference titles.

In 1996, Shepas accepted the head coaching position at Seneca Valley High School in Harmony, Pa. In his second season, he coached the Raiders to the WPIAL semifinals and won the AAAA North Conference title. Following Seneca Valley, Shepas took the Massillon Washington job.

[Oh8ch]

Waynesburg? Too bad ND had already hired Weiss.

[Bucklion]

He's been looking for a move for some time, and pretty much had worn out his welcome in Massillon. Interesting to see how he does.

[sandgk]

Originally Posted by Bucklion

He's been looking for a move for some time, and pretty much had worn out his welcome in Massillon. Interesting to see how he does.

We will know he has made his mark if he beats Washington & Jefferson on a regular basis.


Then I suspect he would look to move on and up.

[bearonu]

The ironic part is that the only reason the Waynesburg job became available in the first place is because Waynesburg's head coach is the one that beat Shepas out for the Westminster job that the story said he went after.

[BuckeyeBaiter]

Shepas=Loser I've been taken two buddies to Buckeyes games the past few years that are Massillonians [correct spelling]. This move will bring a smile to every Tiger fan. LOSER LOSER LOSER LOSER LOSER LOSER.

[stxbuck]

Originally Posted by sandgk

We will know he has made his mark if he beats Washington & Jefferson on a regular basis.


Then I suspect he would look to move on and up.

I'll root for Washington and Jefferson- Richard McNutt is/was a GA there.....

[Brutus1]

It just saves the Massillon A.D. from having to can him.

[kippy1040]

I always thought Massillon had high regards for Rick Shepas. I coached him in the 7th and 8th grade at St. Nicks in Struthers. He went on to Cardinal Mooney and played for Ron Stoops then went on to have a fine career at YSU in the late in middle 80's. When i see someone posting "LOSER,LOSER, It brings concern as to why anyone would feel this way about him. Could you please enlighten me for the reasons. Thanks.

[exhawg]

I was never greatly impressed with Shep's offensive scheme. Talent-wise they were the best team in the state back in 2001 (I think) but they were out coached by St. Iggy 2 times. Massillon just made a few too many mistakes both games that year.

[Bucklion]

Originally Posted by kippy1040

I always thought Massillon had high regards for Rick Shepas. I coached him in the 7th and 8th grade at St. Nicks in Struthers. He went on to Cardinal Mooney and played for Ron Stoops then went on to have a fine career at YSU in the late in middle 80's. When i see someone posting "LOSER,LOSER, It brings concern as to why anyone would feel this way about him. Could you please enlighten me for the reasons. Thanks.

The program has really hit the skids recently, and they've had some serious disciplinary (or lack thereof) incidents in the recent past too. Despite having Zwick, he could never really take advantage of his talent, and he was outcoached in several key games. Those teams underachieved, especially at playoff time, and his recent record didn't indicate much promise.

[Brutus1]

Originally Posted by kippy1040

I always thought Massillon had high regards for Rick Shepas. I coached him in the 7th and 8th grade at St. Nicks in Struthers. He went on to Cardinal Mooney and played for Ron Stoops then went on to have a fine career at YSU in the late in middle 80's. When i see someone posting "LOSER,LOSER, It brings concern as to why anyone would feel this way about him. Could you please enlighten me for the reasons. Thanks.

Because it's Massillon. They can't win the big one so someone has to be the scapegoat. They're not even the best team in town anymore. Maybe Lee Owens will come back and coach again.

[Bucklion]

I've heard a buzz from up there that they really want Thom McDaniels...wouldn't that be interesting.

[osugrad21]

Originally Posted by Bucklion

I've heard a buzz from up there that they really want Thom McDaniels...wouldn't that be interesting.

Coach Mc removed his name from consideration...

[Bucklion]

I hadn't heard that, but I'm not surprised. I can't think of a reason he would want to take over what is basically a trainwreck with championship expectations.