THORNVILLE — Paul Culver will be the first to admit success starts with the dedication of many. His coaching career is a perfect example with numerous assistants and players contributing to Culver’s 42-year tenure. That longevity and influence also are among the reasons Culver, Sheridan’s football coach, was named to the 2014 class of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The class includes John Downey, of Archbold High School; Mike Schneider, from Wayne and Miamisburg High Schools; Jim Laut, of West Branch and Jackson High Schools; Tony Pusateri, from Columbus DeSales and Reynoldsburg High Schools and Kenton’s Mike Mauk. They will be honored at a banquet in June 2014. “First of all, it’s a testament to the type of kids and coaches I have been associated with,” Culver said. “You can’t go out and get players in high school, you play with the hand your dealt. You try to do the best with what you have. Sometimes, you do better than expected and other times not as well as you had hoped. “They were all willing to buy in to what we needed to do and did what they could do to be successful.” Culver began as a freshman football coach at Cadiz in 1972, then was a head coach at Trimble for six years and spent two years at Buckeye North — now Buckeye Local — before taking over at Sheridan in 1981. He enters his 33rd season as the Generals head coach with a 251-101 record. Sheridan has made 17 playoff appearances, won 14 Muskingum Valley League titles and two regional championships and was the state runner-up in 1987. Those accolades are why Sheridan’s stadium is named for the veteran coach, but the connection and opportunity to teach keep Culver on the sideline. “As a former quarterback, when I see something happen, vicariously, I still feel an attachment,” he remarked. “(Football) teaches you a lot about yourself with the hard work in the offseason, the commitment needed and the camaraderie with your teammates. That may be stuff most people don’t see, but if you’ve been a part of it, you know what it means.” Consistency within the program also has benefited Culver. John Coleman has been a Sheridan assistant since Culver’s first season, and Nick Bendle has been on the staff for more than 20 years. Culver also passed the coaching gene on to his sons, Paul III and Chad. Both have been on his staff for several seasons. His sons, Kevin and Kyle, also played for their dad. “Paul and Chad both played here and have a lot of connection to the tradition,” he said. “As coaches, they have worked to maintain the program. Red Rage blood runs through their veins, and it means a lot to me to have my sons around.” Culver will join local coaches George Vlerebome and Ron Apperson, of Zanesville; Rosecrans’ Paul Nestor; and Coshocton’s Schuyler Wharton in the Hall of Fame as well as legends Woody Hayes, Paul Brown and Jim Tressel. “It’s humbling to be in with some other great names,” Culver said. “I still love the game and appreciate the recognition, but the biggest part have been the kids and coaches. They have helped in my success over the years.” bhannahs@zanesvilletimesrecorder
Posted on: Sat, 13 Jul 2013 21:58:16 +0000