Welcome to Coaches Confidential, a new Cincinnati Inquisitor series for the 2024-2025 fall season that allows football coaches to answer weekly questions anonymously.
This exercise aims to educate parents, athletes and fans, uplift and encourage athletes to be the best they can be, mentor young coaches, share ideas and in some cases, just have fun.
Coaches Confidential, Week 1: ‘You can’t play if you don’t know what you’re doing’
This week’s question: Who is the current Greater Cincinnati high school football coach that you respect most and why?
Here are the answers:
Tom Bolden, West Lakota
“He is a very close and trusted friend. I know what Tom Bolden does. He is transparent and pulls no punches. Just like Doug Ramsey, he cares about his children and demands the best from them. Although he is a great coach, Tommy is an even better individual and friend. However, as a coach, he is great at what he does and makes others around him better. I am a better man for having Tommy as a friend.
Brian Castner, Mason
“In a climate of recruiting and warehousing talent, he decided to do things with integrity and focus on the young people in his community and those who walk his halls. The culture he built at Mason is what high school football should be. “
Scott Dattilo, Sycamore
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“In a world where sportsmanship and guidance are often overshadowed by the pursuit of victory at any cost, Scott Datillo stands as a beacon of integrity and excellence. Representing all that is right in high school sports, Coach Datillo is a true teacher on and off the football field He is a mentor, a role model and a guiding force for countless young athletes. His approach to coaching transcends mere game strategies, he instills in his players values that will serve them throughout their lives. , one thing remains constant: Coach Datillo’s teams are always well coached. His ability to bring out the best in every player, regardless of skill, is a testament to his exceptional coaching skills rising to the occasion, playing with heart, determination. and a deep sense of unity As high school sports evolve, Coach Datillo’s unwavering commitment to integrity, sportsmanship and personal development continues to be a shining example for all.”
Tom Grippa, Milford
“When someone talks about great coaches, Tom Grippa always comes to mind, especially as an offensive coach. Just like Doug (Tom’s protégé) and Tommy, he’s as offensive as can be (although Tommy is very different). against Tom when he was at Elder, Fairfield and La Salle, and I watched what he did at Milford and just shook my head knowing how good he is at it. As an aside, when Tom left for Mount St. he hired his son, Jimmy, as defensive coach. A ‘chip off the old block’, Jimmy is as good defensively as Tom is offensively and is doing an excellent job with the Milford defense. They are both great people who care a lot about children. . Just tremendous human beings.”
Aaron Hancock, Wyoming
“A current coach in the area that I respect is Aaron Hancock. He works every day to continue the success of a program with rich traditions. teams win and win, they can become complacent. Hancock has developed a culture where winning is a standard and nothing else is expected. He has done a great job of getting the most out of his players year after year and not allowing them to settle. anything but the best.”
Chad MurphyWinton Woods
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“For me, that would be Chad Murphy. I’ve known him for a while and watched what he’s been capable of as a coach at the highest level. Winning a state championship and Winton Woods and turning this program into a powerhouse has been great to watch. He takes everything from his players and his kids want to play for Coach Murphy. He’s the type of coach that players want to play for and that coaches want to coach with because he does it for the kids and for the love of the game. opinion, he does things the right way.”
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“Chad Murphy, because the way he’s able to not only lead his team, but lead the entire community that he’s a part of. He makes each person believe in their goals for the team. I’ve seen and also one of the smartest coaches I’ve talked to about football.”
Doug Ramsey, Elder
“While Doug’s success speaks for itself (two state championships), I’ve watched him coach his boys, develop young men of character, and sustain a culture that extends far beyond the field of play. A wonderful offensive tactician, Doug does things the way right and has never cheated the system. Elder High School has been blessed to have him for the past 25 years.”
This article originally appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer: Coaches Confidential: Who are the most respected football coaches?
