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| John Sopko, Springville Head Coach |
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| Why did you enter the coaching profession? |
| The pay-it-forward/pay-it-back concept |
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| What is your philosophy in coaching? |
| "Coach your players as if you intend for them to marry your daughter." - Eddie Robinson |
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| What brings you the most satisfaction in coaching? |
| Players having fun because they are not confused or frustrated at what they are doing together. |
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| What was your greatest win in coaching High School Football? |
| Chuck Funke B Bowl Championship vs. Tonawanda |
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| What were your most memorable moments in coaching High School Football? |
| Playing in remnants of a hurricane tail at Cheektowaga years ago; our last game in 2011, walking off Pop Warner Field with our Senior players. |
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| Who are the most talented players that you coached? |
| Jeff Piscitelli, Joe Baker, Derrick Benz, Matt Wolcott, Cody Schweickert, Troy Studd, Derek Puff, Mark Rendell |
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| What game do you remember the most? |
| Chuck Funke B Bowl Championship vs. Tonawanda and in 2010 vs. Akron. |
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| What is your biggest thrill coaching? |
| Observing players continued as college players, husbands, fathers, professionals, adults. |
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| How important are your assistant coaches? |
| Varsity assistants are invaluable. |
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| What do you expect from a player? |
| Focus, investment, integrity, pride. |
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| What were the best teams you have coached? |
| 2011 Springville Varsity; 1989 Springville; 1988 Alden |
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| What was your most proud or memorable moment in playing football? |
| Playing at the college level; making my high school's varsity roster and earning two Varsity letters. |
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| Who was your mentor? |
| Mick Nugent, Jim Duprey |
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