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Slippery Rock
1999 season preview Honeymoon is over for 2nd-year coach Brendan Smith, Rockets
By Pete Chiodo Since Smith's first season as head coach after replacing Mike Kish last year, he feels the team, and himself, have learned a thing or two and now it's time to play the game. "I've got a good feel about what needs to be done, more in our preparation," said Smith. "What we need to focus on, what we need to do as a team, what we need to address, what we need to get better at. "Getting to know the kids has been big," continued the coach. "They have gotten to know me better, also. We communicate more, which is key. And I think I've loosened up a bit." Smith's first year at the helm saw the Rockets' produce a 2-7 record. This year, the schedule looks about the same as last; however, the Rockets are returning 16 lettermen and have a good deal of experience in some key positions, losing only a few starters. After last season's heartbreaking, season-opening loss to Strong Vincent, the team has its sights set on this year's return engagement with the Colonels. Vincent battled back from a 2-touchdown deficit late in the game to beat Slippery Rock, 29-26, and the sting obviously still lingers. "In preparing for our first game in particular, we're going to do some things differently," Smith said, promising the Rockets' pre-season focus has been on remaining competitive late in the game. "I expect to make a hard push in the fourth quarter, either to maintain the lead...or win the game." One of the Rock's main strenths this year is that their skilled players have a good deal of playing time under their belts, having started as freshmen and sophomores. Namely, senior Gregg Grupp, who will be starting in his third year at quarterback. Other 3-year starters include receiver Curtis Harry and guard Chase Raudebaugh, and there are other returning starters, specifically, receiver Ben Tonelli, offensive guard Nate Sommers and tight end Jimmy Regal. "We have good leadership with our seniors," said Smith. "We have a good senior group, but also, we have some good underclassmen leaders as well that really are doing a great job leading by example with their hustle, and they want to play. "We were passing a lot this summer and we noticed a lot of loose balls,'' Smith related. "Either we weren't getting to them on defense, or they were hitting our hands. The emphasis became that we need to get those loose balls and create some opportunities for ourselves. Our leaders have to control that on the field." The Rockets, according to Smith, are also displaying their improved physical strength, having put a lot of off-season time in the weight room. "We look physically older and more mature," said Smith. "I saw some good muscle development, our legs in particular." Slippery Rock's defense isn't going to change much, yet the offense will be running more exclusively out of a 1-back set, instead of last year's I-back formation. The interior line will look familiar with the return of Campbell, Raudebaugh, Sommers, and Jesteadt, with newcomer Jason Lee at center. Although the offensive line and receivers probably possess the best depth, as far as numbers, overall depth is a problem, and Smith fears that if one or two players are injured, the holes will be tough to fill. "We're going to be improved," Smith forecasted. "There are always things you worry about. If I didn't say I was apprehensive, I'd be lying. This is a big year. We've went basically one full year and now we're going to see if our work has paid off, you know, how well did we do. "We've got to show up and play now. We've improved our work ethic. we've had a real good summer, and now we've got to show up and play." Slippery Rock's assistants are Bud Sarver, John Curran, Ted Hunter, and running backs/defensive backs coach Rodney Decipeda who joined the team after graduating from Kenyon College. Also assisting are junior high coaches Greg Walzer, Sam Haybarger and Rick Murphy. |
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