Vinton Co. Coaching Search - 2015

[Dundas]

Vinton County High School has had 18 coaches since the 5 County schools consolidated back in 1966. Of those 18 coaches, 3 have won conference titles. (Bolender-'66 MOVC, O'Rourke-'90, '91 TVC and Queen-'95, '96, '99 TVC) Two of the 18 coaches lead VC to the ploayoffs. (O'Rourke-1993 and Downs-2004) VC at one time was a football power in this part of the state as they went on a 14 year run of 5-5 or better (1986-1999) piling up 5 conference titles in a span of 10 years. (1990-'99) The Vikings were a staggering 64-22 in TVC play during those 14 seasons and 48-11 during their 10 year run in the '90's. The years prior to '86 and after '99 however, have been a struggle to say the least. The Vikings had ZERO winning seasons since their inaugural season in 1966 through 1986. They also were below .500 in the TVC from its inception in 1969-1986. Since '99, VC has had only TWO winning seasons ('03-'04) and only 5 seasons above .500 in the TVC in a total of 15 years. The Vikings have been trying to get back to the status they built back in years past for 15 years and with the exception of two, have failed. Only FOUR of 18 coaches in their history, finished their career with a winning record. (Blakeley, O'Rourke, Queen and Downs) Here are their records....

Scott Blakeley (1986-1987)

1986: 6-4 (5-3)TVC
--This was the first winning season in TVC history for VC and the first winning overall record since 1966.

1987: 7-3 (5-3)TVC
--7 wins tied the record for most wins in a season by VC (7-1 in 1966) and was the first back to back winning seasons overall and in the TVC in school history.

Blakeley lead VC to an overall record of 13-7 and 10-6 in the TVC. He compiled a record of 1-1 vs Nelsonville York and wellston and 0-2 vs Belpre and Meigs.

Jack O'Rourke (1988-1993)

1988: 7-3 (6-2)TVC

--This was the first time that VC had beaten Meigs in their history and first time finishing 3rd in the TVC.

1989: 6-4 (5-3)TVC

--6-4 overall was the worst record Coach O'Rourke would have coaching at VC. It was also the only time he would lose 3 TVC games in a single season.

1990: 8-2 (7-1)TVC Champions

--For the first time in school history, the Vikings were champions of the TVC. 8 wins also set a record for wins in a single season.

1991: 10-0 (7-0)TVC Champions

--New record for wins and another TVC title.

1992: 7-3 (6-2)TVC

--10-0 is hard to repeat but the Vikings still managed a 3rd place finish in the TVC losing to NY and Belpre both.

1993: 9-1 (3-1)TVC-Ohio (1-1 OHSAA Playoffs)

--For the first time in history, the O'Rourke lead Vikings qualified for the playoffs thanks to a beefed up schedule and more non league opponents as a result of the TVC splitting into two divisions. Their only regular season loss was to NY in a game which NY didn't score an offensive touchdown. The Vikings rode their regular season success into the postseason as they beat the higher ranked Sheridan Generals and lost in overtime to the number 1 ranked DIII Ironton Tigers who would ultimately finish state runner up. It was without a doubt, the greatest season in Vinton County Football history and Jack O'Rourke's final season at the helm.

O'Rourke lead VC to a 47-13 regular season record, 34-9 TVC record and 1-1 OHSAA Playoff record in 6 seasons. In those 6 years, VC finished no worse than 3rd in TVC/TVC Ohio play and beaten Belpre, Meigs, Portsmouth, Jackson, Athens, Sheridan and Watkins Memorial for the first time in school history. The Vikings previously had lost to Belpre, 21 straight times before winning in 1991 and had a 5 game losing streak all time vs Meigs before knocking them off in 1988. In fact, Coach O'Rourke's Vikings NEVER lost to Meigs (6-0), wellston (6-0), Alexander (5-0) and 5-0 vs Federal Hocking in which FH didn't score a single point in each of those 5 games. They also were unbeaten by Miler (5-0). They finished 2-4 vs Belpre who had one TVC title in those 6 years (1988), 2-4 vs NY who finished with 3 TVC titles in those 6 seasons, and 5-1 vs Trimble who won the TVC title in 1989 by beating VC, 30-29 in McArthur. O'Rourke also compiled non league records of 5-0 vs Zane Trace, 1-0 vs Watkins Memorial, 1-0 vs Sheridan, 1-0 vs Portsmouth, 1-0 vs Philo, 1-0 vs Greenfield, 1-1 vs Jackson, and 1-3 vs Athens during his 6 years as coach. During his time at VC, Jack became the leader in all time wins as well as lead VC to their first ever TVC championship, playoff appearance and playoff win. He lead VC to wins over DI, DII and many DIII teams and dominated teams smaller in size. He woke a sleeping giant and maintained it throughout 6 years. He also instilled tradition in the program in which Coach Queen continued during his time as leader.

Matt Queen (1993-2000)

1994: 7-3 (3-1)TVC

--Riding the success of recent history and learning from Coach O'Rourke, coach Queen continued VC's success finishing yet another year above .500. Two of the 3 losses in '94 were by a combined 7 points.

1995: 6-4 (4-0) TVC Champions

--Coach Queen lead VC to their 3rd ever TVC title and first TVC-Ohio Division crown. However, the season started off rocky as the VIkes were 1-4 at mid season before rolling off 5 straight.

1996: 7-3 (3-1)TVC Champions

--For the second time in school history, VC was champions of the TVC for consecutive seasons but again struggled out of the gate starting the year 1-2. It was also the first time VC had lost to rival wellston in 9 seasons, losing the finale 7-0.

1997 7-3 (2-3)TVC

--This season saw VC finish 4th in the TVC Ohio division for the first time since It was created and the first losing season in TVC play in 12 years. The VIkings did however start the year out 5-0 with a win over Jackson in week 3 who finished the year 9-1.

1998 5-5 (3-2)TVC

--For the first time in 11 years, the Vikings didn't finish above .500.

1999: 6-4 (5-0)TVC Champions

--1999 was a year of DOWNS and UPS as VC started the year out 1-4 before rolling off 5 straight to win the TVC crown for the 5th time in 10 years. This roller coaster of championships and losing streaks would ultimately put Queen on a short leash even though he had just won his 3rd TVC title.

2000: 2-8 (2-3)

--It had been 15 years since VC had finished under .500 in a season and 19 years since they had won 2 or less games until this year. At the time, 2 wins was unacceptable and thus Queen was relieved of coaching duties.

Matt Queen compiled a record of 40-30 overall and 22-10 in TVC play over 7 seasons at the helm. His downfall was not winning the "big" games going 3-4 vs NY,4-3 vs wellston, 4-3 vs Meigs and 1-5 vs Jackson. He did however go unbeaten by Belpre (7-0), Alexander (4-0) and Athens (2-0) but from the standard set by O'Rourke, it just wasn't enough. He finished as the leader in TVC titles with 3 and was the longest tenured coach in VCHS history.

Jeff Downs (2003-2005)

2003: 6-4 (3-2)TVC

--In Downs' first season as head coach, the Vikings got back on track finishing with their first winning season since 1999 and first above .500 record in the TVC since that same year.

2004: 8-2 (4-1)TVC (0-1) OHSAA Playoffs

--In year two of the Downs era, VC finished with its best record since 1993. Ironically, that was the last season where VC reached the playoffs. The Vikings we still defied by NY and Jackson though and the losing steak against those two schools continued. (Jackson-'96, NY-'99) Ultimately, VC made the postseason at the 6 spot in DIII, region 11 and was hammered by Canal Fulton Northwest, 45-0, in the first round.

2005:3-7 (3-2)

--A loss of a tremendous amount of talent lead to a backslide at VC in what was Downs' final season as coach. The Vikes were however able to finish above .500 in conference play for a third straight year.

Coach Jeff Downs finished his three year run at VC with a record of 17-13, 10-5 TVC and 0-1 OHSAA Playoffs. His short tenure was a successful one compared to the previous three seasons (2000-'02). Downs brought back a sport that had lost its luster at VC since '99 as Matt Combs and the basketball program had started to take off during this time. It was a wonderful time to be a Viking as nearly every sport in the school was successful during this time. Jeff finished undefeated vs, Belpre, and Alexander. He was 2-1 vs wellston, Rock Hill and South Point as well as Meigs and Coal Grove. Downs' lead Vikings finished 0-1 vs Chesapeak and 0-3 vs Jackson and NY.

Since the Downs era, VC has finished .500 only twice and have only finished with a winning record in TVC play twice in 9 seasons. Its been a struggle to say the least BUT I believe we have the talent coming up to get back to where we once were AND maintain it with the RIGHT coach. If there is one thing VC has learned since letting Queen, Hemsley and Downs go, its that they MUST give a coach time to turn things around. Time they gave to Nolan Yates and time they were giving Coach Burleson before he decided to step away. The next coach should feel safe as VC is looking to give him as much time as he needs....what else do they have to lose! Which is why finding the RIGHT coach THIS time is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! I hope you all enjoy this history lesson!

[Blue Duck]

Vinton County High School has had 18 coaches since the 5 County schools consolidated back in 1966. Of those 18 coaches, 3 have won conference titles. (Bolender-'66 MOVC, O'Rourke-'90, '91 TVC and Queen-'95, '96, '99 TVC) Two of the 18 coaches lead VC to the ploayoffs. (O'Rourke-1993 and Downs-2004) VC at one time was a football power in this part of the state as they went on a 14 year run of 5-5 or better (1986-1999) piling up 5 conference titles in a span of 10 years. (1990-'99) The Vikings were a staggering 64-22 in TVC play during those 14 seasons and 48-11 during their 10 year run in the '90's. The years prior to '86 and after '99 however, have been a struggle to say the least. The Vikings had ZERO winning seasons since their inaugural season in 1966 through 1986. They also were below .500 in the TVC from its inception in 1969-1986. Since '99, VC has had only TWO winning seasons ('03-'04) and only 5 seasons above .500 in the TVC in a total of 15 years. The Vikings have been trying to get back to the status they built back in years past for 15 years and with the exception of two, have failed. Only FOUR of 18 coaches in their history, finished their career with a winning record. (Blakeley, O'Rourke, Queen and Downs) Here are their records....

Scott Blakeley (1986-1987)

1986: 6-4 (5-3)TVC
--This was the first winning season in TVC history for VC and the first winning overall record since 1966.

1987: 7-3 (5-3)TVC
--7 wins tied the record for most wins in a season by VC (7-1 in 1966) and was the first back to back winning seasons overall and in the TVC in school history.

Blakeley lead VC to an overall record of 13-7 and 10-6 in the TVC. He compiled a record of 1-1 vs Nelsonville York and wellston and 0-2 vs Belpre and Meigs.

Jack O'Rourke (1988-1993)

1988: 7-3 (6-2)TVC

--This was the first time that VC had beaten Meigs in their history and first time finishing 3rd in the TVC.

1989: 6-4 (5-3)TVC

--6-4 overall was the worst record Coach O'Rourke would have coaching at VC. It was also the only time he would lose 3 TVC games in a single season.

1990: 8-2 (7-1)TVC Champions

--For the first time in school history, the Vikings were champions of the TVC. 8 wins also set a record for wins in a single season.

1991: 10-0 (7-0)TVC Champions

--New record for wins and another TVC title.

1992: 7-3 (6-2)TVC

--10-0 is hard to repeat but the Vikings still managed a 3rd place finish in the TVC losing to NY and Belpre both.

1993: 9-1 (3-1)TVC-Ohio (1-1 OHSAA Playoffs)

--For the first time in history, the O'Rourke lead Vikings qualified for the playoffs thanks to a beefed up schedule and more non league opponents as a result of the TVC splitting into two divisions. Their only regular season loss was to NY in a game which NY didn't score an offensive touchdown. The Vikings rode their regular season success into the postseason as they beat the higher ranked Sheridan Generals and lost in overtime to the number 1 ranked DIII Ironton Tigers who would ultimately finish state runner up. It was without a doubt, the greatest season in Vinton County Football history and Jack O'Rourke's final season at the helm.

O'Rourke lead VC to a 47-13 regular season record, 34-9 TVC record and 1-1 OHSAA Playoff record in 6 seasons. In those 6 years, VC finished no worse than 3rd in TVC/TVC Ohio play and beaten Belpre, Meigs, Portsmouth, Jackson, Athens, Sheridan and Watkins Memorial for the first time in school history. The Vikings previously had lost to Belpre, 21 straight times before winning in 1991 and had a 5 game losing streak all time vs Meigs before knocking them off in 1988. In fact, Coach O'Rourke's Vikings NEVER lost to Meigs (6-0), wellston (6-0), Alexander (5-0) and 5-0 vs Federal Hocking in which FH didn't score a single point in each of those 5 games. They also were unbeaten by Miler (5-0). They finished 2-4 vs Belpre who had one TVC title in those 6 years (1988), 2-4 vs NY who finished with 3 TVC titles in those 6 seasons, and 5-1 vs Trimble who won the TVC title in 1989 by beating VC, 30-29 in McArthur. O'Rourke also compiled non league records of 5-0 vs Zane Trace, 1-0 vs Watkins Memorial, 1-0 vs Sheridan, 1-0 vs Portsmouth, 1-0 vs Philo, 1-0 vs Greenfield, 1-1 vs Jackson, and 1-3 vs Athens during his 6 years as coach. During his time at VC, Jack became the leader in all time wins as well as lead VC to their first ever TVC championship, playoff appearance and playoff win. He lead VC to wins over DI, DII and many DIII teams and dominated teams smaller in size. He woke a sleeping giant and maintained it throughout 6 years. He also instilled tradition in the program in which Coach Queen continued during his time as leader.

Matt Queen (1993-2000)

1994: 7-3 (3-1)TVC

--Riding the success of recent history and learning from Coach O'Rourke, coach Queen continued VC's success finishing yet another year above .500. Two of the 3 losses in '94 were by a combined 7 points.

1995: 6-4 (4-0) TVC Champions

--Coach Queen lead VC to their 3rd ever TVC title and first TVC-Ohio Division crown. However, the season started off rocky as the VIkes were 1-4 at mid season before rolling off 5 straight.

1996: 7-3 (3-1)TVC Champions

--For the second time in school history, VC was champions of the TVC for consecutive seasons but again struggled out of the gate starting the year 1-2. It was also the first time VC had lost to rival wellston in 9 seasons, losing the finale 7-0.

1997 7-3 (2-3)TVC

--This season saw VC finish 4th in the TVC Ohio division for the first time since It was created and the first losing season in TVC play in 12 years. The VIkings did however start the year out 5-0 with a win over Jackson in week 3 who finished the year 9-1.

1998 5-5 (3-2)TVC

--For the first time in 11 years, the Vikings didn't finish above .500.

1999: 6-4 (5-0)TVC Champions

--1999 was a year of DOWNS and UPS as VC started the year out 1-4 before rolling off 5 straight to win the TVC crown for the 5th time in 10 years. This roller coaster of championships and losing streaks would ultimately put Queen on a short leash even though he had just won his 3rd TVC title.

2000: 2-8 (2-3)

--It had been 15 years since VC had finished under .500 in a season and 19 years since they had won 2 or less games until this year. At the time, 2 wins was unacceptable and thus Queen was relieved of coaching duties.

Matt Queen compiled a record of 40-30 overall and 22-10 in TVC play over 7 seasons at the helm. His downfall was not winning the "big" games going 3-4 vs NY,4-3 vs wellston, 4-3 vs Meigs and 1-5 vs Jackson. He did however go unbeaten by Belpre (7-0), Alexander (4-0) and Athens (2-0) but from the standard set by O'Rourke, it just wasn't enough. He finished as the leader in TVC titles with 3 and was the longest tenured coach in VCHS history.

Jeff Downs (2003-2005)

2003: 6-4 (3-2)TVC

--In Downs' first season as head coach, the Vikings got back on track finishing with their first winning season since 1999 and first above .500 record in the TVC since that same year.

2004: 8-2 (4-1)TVC (0-1) OHSAA Playoffs

--In year two of the Downs era, VC finished with its best record since 1993. Ironically, that was the last season where VC reached the playoffs. The Vikings we still defied by NY and Jackson though and the losing steak against those two schools continued. (Jackson-'96, NY-'99) Ultimately, VC made the postseason at the 6 spot in DIII, region 11 and was hammered by Canal Fulton Northwest, 45-0, in the first round.

2005:3-7 (3-2)

--A loss of a tremendous amount of talent lead to a backslide at VC in what was Downs' final season as coach. The Vikes were however able to finish above .500 in conference play for a third straight year.

Coach Jeff Downs finished his three year run at VC with a record of 17-13, 10-5 TVC and 0-1 OHSAA Playoffs. His short tenure was a successful one compared to the previous three seasons (2000-'02). Downs brought back a sport that had lost its luster at VC since '99 as Matt Combs and the basketball program had started to take off during this time. It was a wonderful time to be a Viking as nearly every sport in the school was successful during this time. Jeff finished undefeated vs, Belpre, and Alexander. He was 2-1 vs wellston, Rock Hill and South Point as well as Meigs and Coal Grove. Downs' lead Vikings finished 0-1 vs Chesapeak and 0-3 vs Jackson and NY.

Since the Downs era, VC has finished .500 only twice and have only finished with a winning record in TVC play twice in 9 seasons. Its been a struggle to say the least BUT I believe we have the talent coming up to get back to where we once were AND maintain it with the RIGHT coach. If there is one thing VC has learned since letting Queen, Hemsley and Downs go, its that they MUST give a coach time to turn things around. Time they gave to Nolan Yates and time they were giving Coach Burleson before he decided to step away. The next coach should feel safe as VC is looking to give him as much time as he needs....what else do they have to lose! Which is why finding the RIGHT coach THIS time is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! I hope you all enjoy this history lesson!

Wow,.. You must have dave bolender's book of statistics for vc football. Cause your not quite old enough to remember O'Rourke's days without a stat book.

[BlizzardMan]

How about Mike Chancey?

Not gonna happen, but he'd be good.

[Dundas]

You are correct Blue Duck. Without bolender's hard work, VC history would be just that. History. I attended some of O'Rourke's games but yes, I was too young to really remember much. Still doesn't mean I love what he did any less!

[Blue Duck]

You are correct Blue Duck. Without bolender's hard work, VC history would be just that. History. I attended some of O'Rourke's games but yes, I was too young to really remember much. Still doesn't mean I love what he did any less!

He did a great job on the stat book. No doubt it took numerous hours.

[Bringdanoise]

Any word on who has applied and when the interviews will begin?

[Dundas]

The board has finally (after 2 previous meetings) have officially accepted Burlesons resignation.

[Poo Bear]

They're dragging their feet on this. Who's running the weight room. Hopefully kids are lifting, can't wait til may to start.

[Dundas]

Coach Mendes is running the weightroom even though his future on the staff is a question mark. Imo, the fact he is this dedicated to the program, he should be retained by the new head coach.

[louie_15]

Coach Mendes is running the weightroom even though his future on the staff is a question mark. Imo, the fact he is this dedicated to the program, he should be retained by the new head coach.

I heard they hired a teacher with a last name Hays and an Ervin boy to run the weight room

[Dundas]

Coach Mendes is running the weightroom even though his future on the staff is a question mark. Imo, the fact he is this dedicated to the program, he should be retained by the new head coach.

I heard they hired a teacher with a last name Hays and an Ervin boy to run the weight room

I haven't heard those names? All I know is that I talked with Mendes a few weeks ago and he told me that he had the approval to open the weight room after school and was starting it up once the kids got back from Christmas break.

[louie_15]

Coach Mendes is running the weightroom even though his future on the staff is a question mark. Imo, the fact he is this dedicated to the program, he should be retained by the new head coach.

I heard they hired a teacher with a last name Hays and an Ervin boy to run the weight room

I haven't heard those names? All I know is that I talked with Mendes a few weeks ago and he told me that he had the approval to open the weight room after school and was starting it up once the kids got back from Christmas break.

It is good the boys are lifting. When does interviews start?

[Dundas]

No word yet on that. I assume it will be shortly after the job gets posted on the ohsaa website. Hopefully within the next couple of weeks the process will have started and we can have a new coach by the March board meeting.

[Poo Bear]

I think Vinton County could be a very attractive job for a coach. Great facilities, good numbers in the school, and lots of talent walking the halls. Yes Coach Mendes should be commended for running the weight room this winter. Rich is a good dude and his heart is in the right place. VC has a lot of talent returning. They should be right there in the TVC in 2015

[M0TIVAT0R]

I hope VC can get things going in the right direction. It can only help the rest of the league and area if they do. So hopefully they a good job of vetting the applicants.

[91blue14]

[mr.hyde]

"Dundas wrote:
Coach Mendes is running the weightroom even though his future on the staff is a question mark. Imo, the fact he is this dedicated to the program, he should be retained by the new head coach."

That situation never ends well for the dedicated guy.

[hawkeyepierce]

The job to covet is the Unioto job...I heard it just came open. They are going to be loaded for the recent future! :122246

[seoconstruction]

I'm glad to see this finally happening ! VC is in trouble and hiring a past cosch or keeping assistants is not the answer ! You need to hire someone that completely change the face/culture from varsity down to biddy league , a guy that can come in and have the community talkin ! Someone that the kids look up to and love , but are intimidated of at the same time !! Change the offense (play calling was terrible) and don't just have 1 idea "smash mouth football" or "air raid" have an open minded person who will use the athletes accordingly , get their minds set on winning in and off the field , and get the whole community to buy in , but unfortunately.... Nobody in the county fits this... They need to hire someone outside and possibly take a gamble on a young motivated coach , or at least a non stubborn coach ... Best of luck to the county and hopefully we hire a "Matt combs" football coach !!

[hsfbfan]

heard Jason Snyder is the front runner