Jeff Grubich: Head Coach and
Quarterbacks
There is no denying the excitement and enthusiasm of, not
only our players, but the community, about the new Bomber
Football Coaching Staff. Jeff Grubich is the leader of this
program and has come in with a refreshing, positive attitude that has been contagious.
Any man, who can get 50 to 60 teenage boys out of bed and into the weight room at
5:45 each morning, has a special quality that can only build a winning program.
Born and raised in the Chagrin Valley, Jeff and his parents graduated from the
Chagrin Falls school district. Jeff played three sports while at Chagrin Falls High School
including Wrestling, Baseball, and Football. He attended Ashland University and earned
a Masters in Administration. He played football for 5 years in college, was the team
captain and all conference all academic. Jeff is married to Jen and has a daughter
Emily (3) and a baby boy due the week of our first game against Hudson. Jeff’s dad,
Steve Grubich, is in the Chagrin Falls High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Jeff’s dad is a
diehard tiger! “This should make the rivalry week interesting in the Grubich family.”
Football has been a part of Jeff’s life since he was 8 years old. He states he is
who he is today because of his playing and coaching experience with football. Jeff was
the assistant head coach at Mentor for the last 10 years. While there, he coached in 2
state championship games and 23 playoff games. While playing football in college at
Ashland University, he earned a conference championship ring and participated in the
Division II playoffs. During his time as a college coach at Toledo University, they won
the MAC championship ring and won the Motor City Bowl. Jeff says he learned through
these experiences that success couldn’t be achieved without hard work and dedication.
When asked about his vision for the Kenston football program, he responded,
”My vision for Kenston Football is to establish a program that our community, faculty,
parents, coaches and all involved can be proud of. I want our football program to be
the CLASS of Northeast Ohio and eventually the state. I want to be competing for
Conference Championships every year! I want our players to be striving to reach the
playoffs with our motto of 10 in a row and the 11th at home. I want our players to be
competing for regional titles and eventually state titles. Most importantly, I want our
players to leave this football program as BETTER MEN for being a part of it. I want
them to be thankful that they were a part of it and I want them to wish that they still
could be a part of it after they graduate. We will have a living breathing example of this
in attendance at the raffle. Coach JJ Laseak is graduating from BW in May and he will
be coaching the safeties for Kenston. He is graduating with a degree in Social Studies
and will be a teacher and coach. Coach Laseak played safety and outside linebacker at
Mentor FOR ME. He played in a state championship game. He was thankful for his
experience at Mentor.....he enjoyed it so much that he wanted to make it his career. He
wants to mold young men in to great young citizens just as he was molded at Mentor
and now BW. I consider that as the highest compliment possible.......oh and by the way
I WANT TO BEAT CHAGRIN EVERY YEAR.”
Until recently, Jeff has not had any real connections with the Kenston community
except as a rival. However, being a resident of Kenston and living in the community
now, he feels he is a stakeholder in the program and school and wants to see it be
successful.
Lastly, Jeff owns the Howling Pines Tree Farm. He literally has roots in Auburn
Township- over 1000 Christmas trees planted on his small 10 acre farm. “I wanted to
use the land somehow and was searching for ideas or ways to use it. I tried to sell my
wife on cows, horses, and even alpacas. She was not buying the idea of having animals
in are backyard. She is from Dublin Kaufman which is not a rural suburb in Columbus. I
finally came up with Christmas trees and she bought the idea. So that is where we are
today.” With the first trees planted 4 years ago, Jeff’s hope is to sell one of those trees
within his life time. “So I have no plans on going anywhere in the near future. For this
reason I have a huge investment in this community and I want to see not only the
Kenston Football program be successful but rather the entire Kenston School District
because I live here, I have a farm here, I have nephews and nieces that will attend
here and most importantly my son and daughter will attend these schools.”
Go Bombers!
Steve Teringo: Assistant Head Coach & Defensive
Coordinator
Steve grew up in Lyndhurst, Ohio and attended Brush High School. He played football
for Brush. After graduating high school, he went to Ashland University. Steve
graduated from Ashland with a Business Management/Marketing degree and received a
Masters Degree from Kent State University in Sports Administration. Steve also has
hours toward his PHD in Sport Law and hopes to continue his coursework in the near
future.
Steve is married to Louise (Salvi) Teringo. Louise is currently the Principal at
Twinsburg High School. Steve has 4 daughters. Katie (24) works at the Cleveland
Clinic in the Pain Management Division, Elizabeth (21) works at Michael Christopher
Salon as a Beautician, Christina (19) is a sophomore at Kent State in the Fashion
Merchandising School, and Nikki (16) is a junior at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin. Steve
lives in Newbury with his family.
When Steve was a senior at Brush, he was All Lake Erie League. He was the
most valuable football player on his team and was elected to the Cleveland Plain Dealer
and Cleveland Press All Scholastic Football Teams. Steve was voted to the All Northeast
Ohio Football Team and was on the Associated Press All State Football Team. He was
selected to play in the North/South All State Football Game and the Big 33 All Star
Team that played the All Stars from Pennsylvania in Hershey, PA. In 1988, Steve was
inducted into the Brush High School Hall of Fame. In 2001, Steve was inducted into the
Brush High School Wall of Fame. As a high school player, Steve had many great
experiences. He played in 2 all-star games. In the North/South Game, he played with a
number of outstanding high school players from around the state of Ohio. In the Big 33
game, he had the opportunity to go against the best in PA. The QB for the PA team
was Joe Montana.
Steve attended Ashland University on a football scholarship and was a 4-year
letterman. While at Ashland University he played for Fred Martinelli who was inducted
into the College Football Hall of Fame as a Head Coach at Ashland. Again, he had a
many great experiences including making many lifelong friends.
Steve comes to us with 34 years of coaching experience. Over those years he
has had the privilege of coaching a great number of outstanding student-athletes.
Steve first started out coaching at the Cleveland Browns as a summer assistant/intern
for 2 years. Also, he had the opportunity to work as a summer assistant coach and
helping with the linebackers for the Cleveland Browns under Sam Rutigliano and Marty
Schottenheimer. He has coached at three high schools as a defensive coordinator prior
to being hired at Kenston. All three head coaches he worked for are Hall of Fame Head
Coaches. Steve also coached at Bedford High School for 25 years under head coach Jim
Hodakievic who is a NFL High School Coach of the year and won a number of
conference championships. Steve’s most memorable item from Bedford was winning
their first LEL Championship because it was the first football championship that the
school had in 72 years. Next, Steve coached 2 years at Benedictine High School under
head coach Art Bortnik who was coach of the year in the State of Ohio with two Division
III State Championships as well as working with Augie Bossu who is one of the most
respected coaches in the history of Ohio High School Football. Steve’s most memorable
moment from Benedictine was beating Cincinnati Elder on their turf at The Pit who was
the Number 1 Division I team in the state of Ohio. Steve then went on to coaching at
Notre Dame/ Cathedral Latin for 5 years under head Coach Byron Morgan who is a NFL
High School Coach of the Year and in the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of
Fame. Steve’s most memorable moment from NDCL was when the team won the North
Coast League Conference and beat NDCL’s big rival Lake Catholic. “It was a great turn
around for those young men, “ Steve stated. Furthermore, Steve has coached baseball
at NDCL and were State Champs Division II in 2009. To date, Steve has coached 41
Division I college football players. Eight of those 41 players have taken it to the next
level and have played in the NFL. The most recent players are Chris Chambers (Miami
Dolphins WR), Lee Evans (Buffalo and Baltimore WR) and Roger Saffold (St. Louis Rams
OT).
Steve has stated that, “the most exciting thing for me as a coach is watching the
young men I have worked with become successful in life. It does not matter to me
whether or not they continue their playing days after high school. The most important
thing is that they get a good education and become good citizens, husbands and
fathers. I am really looking forward to working with the Kenston program. Coach
Grubich has put together an excellent staff and the players have been working very
hard for us in the off-season program.”
Steve has had the opportunity to be involved with a number of championship
teams. Steve stated, “Winning championships, just like success in life, comes from hard
work. If it is important to you to achieve or to be an elite athlete, worker, parent, you
will work for it. There are no short cuts to success. The little things count.” Steve likes
to use the following quote with his players: “Everyone in life has to face two pains on a
constant basis - the pain of discipline or the pain of disappointment. Which route do
you want to take? Winning like success never gets old.”
Steve’s vision as the defensive coordinator is to put a cohesive unit together. He
feels they must develop a team spirit and be able to communicate well with one
another. He stated, “As coaching linebackers we must be one of the leaders of the
defense. The defense we run is a very aggressive and attacking defense. We try to
keep the opponent guessing and try to limit their ability to do what they do best.”
The great coaches he has worked with as well as the Head Coach of Ohio State
while he was growing up, Woody Hayes molded Steve’s philosophy. “First of all good
coaches are good teachers. The attitude that I have is that no one will out coach us or
out work us. There will be attention to detail and no short cuts taken. We will do things
the right way and surround ourselves with good people. Winning is a by-product of
doing things the right way. If you out work them, out hustle them, and out hit them
then winning and championships fall into place. My main goal right now is to beat
HUDSON.”
Steve Grubich: Wide Receiver Coach & Offensive
Coordinator
Steve was born and raised in Chagrin Falls. He has two older sisters and a
younger sister as well as his brother Jeff. Steve graduated from Chagrin Falls High
School. He started playing football in 4th grade and played all through High School.
Steve attended Cleveland State University where he earned a general education degree.
He currently works for Snavely Construction out of Chagrin Falls.
Steve has been around the game of football since a very young age. Steve’s first
coaching experience was at Chagrin Falls Middle School when he was only 19. He
coached the linebackers for the 8th grade team. He spent one year coaching at Chagrin
and then moved on to Mentor High School where he was the defensive backs coach for
7 years. While at Mentor, Steve coached numerous Division I athletes as well as many
Division II and III players. The last three years Steve has been coaching at Notre
Dame-Cathedral Latin under Hall of Fame coach Byron Morgan. He coached the special
teams as well as the defensive backs and wide receivers.
Steve is looking forward to building a positive relationship with the Kenston
community and the schools. Growing up and playing for Chagrin Falls, Steve knows the
importance and intensity of the Chagrin vs. Kenston rivalry. “I am excited to be a part
of this tradition rich rivalry again.”
While at Mentor, Steve had the opportunity to coach in multiple playoff and
regional championship games as well as two Division I State Championship games.
Unfortunately Mentor ended up losing both games. However, Steve comments “losing
in the state title game only makes you even hungrier to get back and win one. There is
feeling that cannot be described when making it to the state title game.” Steve thinks
the players and the coach’s ultimate goal should be to win a state championship. It
takes hard work, passion, focus, and commitment as a coach and player to reach your
goals.
Steve’s vision for Kenston Football this year is to put forth a team that is
respected and feared throughout the CVC. This can only happen if we as coaches instill
the values of hard work, respect, and discipline in our players. It is also important for
our athletes to understand that their education comes first. Steve states, “We want to
mold your young men into the complete student-athlete.”
David Price: Running Backs & Academic
Coordinator
David Price was born in Cleveland, Ohio. When David was one, he moved with
his family to New York where he lived until he was 19 years old. He is the middle child
of three. David played many sports in high school including football. He attended
Ashland University where he received a scholarship to play football. David earned an
education degree. He met current Kenston coach Jeff Grubich at Ashland University.
While playing football at Ashland University, both David and Jeff won the Conference
Championship. During college, David sustained an injury leaving him unable to play
competitive football. David then started to coach football in order to stay part of the
game. He started his coaching career at Ashland High School and then went on to
coach at Shaw, Brush, and Warrensville Heights High Schools. His career has now led
him to Kenston High School where he is both excited and proud to be.
David now lives in Aurora and is currently taking classes to become licensed in
Special Education. He hopes to do his student teaching at Kenston High School. David
is looking forward to growing with the new program as well as furthering his coaching
experiences at Kenston.
David’s philosophy is “hard work and discipline equals winning.” He hopes to
bring a winning attitude to all our players and expects our players to bring their
maximum effort to every practice and game.
Wallace Sonnie: Offensive Line & Strength
Coordinator
Wallace Sonnie grew up mainly in South Russell where he attended Chagrin
Schools and University Schools for High School. He attended college at Ashland
University where he received a scholarship to play football. Wallace majored in business
and earned his degree. He received an education degree from Kent and is currently
working on his Special education Certificate at Notre Dame College.
Wallace played in the Arena Football League (AFL) for 7 years. He traveled and
played throughout the USA including San Jose, Tulsa, Columbus, Utah, and Cleveland.
During this time, he was invited to two mini camps including a camp with the Dallas
Cowboys and a camp with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wallace played in one championship during his first year in the AFL. He played
for the Arena Cup. He said that it was a great feeling even though they were not
victorious. The dedication he and his team put forth was second to none. Wallace
stated, “We were not the most talented but worked well together and played for the
guy next to you.” It is a feeling he hopes to duplicate as a coach for our Kenston
players.
Wallace’s first coaching experience began in 2004 in Tulsa at the biggest public
school in the state. There were 130 kids who went out for football in 8th grade alone.
He has coached locally at University School, West Geauga, and Orange schools.
After retiring from football, Wallace missed the excitement of competition so he
started competing in the strongman competition. It has helped to fill the void of not
competing in football.
Wallace’s goal is for the players to play as hard as they possibly can and then
some. He believes that everyone has a little more than they think and if they can learn
to dig that out, they will find a whole new side to themselves. This is what he will have
the players work for upfront. Also, he stated that “they need to learn to trust the guy
next to them because football is the ultimate team game and the O-Line is the ultimate
team position. If they don’t have trust upfront they will struggle all year.” Another goal
Wallace hopes for is to have a 1000-yard rusher this season. However, his ultimate
goal is to physically beat up the other team every week.
Reed Cornell: Linebackers & Special Teams
Coordinator
Reed moved to Chagrin Falls in 1st grade from Cleveland Heights and attended
Chagrin Falls High School. He played football and basketball for Chagrin. This is where
he met Jeff Grubich. Reed attended James Madison University in Virginia where he
earned a degree in Secondary Education and a Minor in Business. While attending
James Madison University, Reed played club football with his fraternity.
Reed has enjoyed football his entire life and has coached at 3 high schools
before coming to Kenston this year. He learned a lot playing football and continued to
grow his knowledge of the sport as he coached and attended football clinics. Reed
coached at Buchanan High School in Fresno, California where he coached Matt
Giordano,(a current Safety in the NFL) who played linebacker for Buchanan High
School. While coaching at Buchanan High School, the team were in the playoffs but
lost in the Regional Finals. Cleveland Indians player Jason Donald played for Reed
while at Buchanan High School and was a good football player for them. Reed also
coached at 2 high schools in Virginia including Woodson High School and Oakton High
School. While coaching at WT Woodson, the team made it to the State Semifinals. At
Oakton, Reed coached Cody Grimm ( Hall of Famer Russ Grimm's son) who is currently
a starting safety with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reed has coaching experience in
Lacrosse as well. He coached the lacrosse team at Oakton High School and won three
state championship titles in a row. Many of the Lacrosse players were football players.
Reed’s dad was an All American Lacrosse player and played football at Denison
University which is how Reed became excited about Lacrosse.
Reed states, “To be successful everyone must buy into the system and program
and put forth 110% effort during practice, games, off season conditioning and in the
classroom and community.”
Reed claims he has taken a lot of heat from his cousins who go to CFHS and his
nephews who are in 2nd and 4th grades at Chagrin(not to mention many of his old
teammates and classmates) for joining Kenston, but he could not be happier to be a
part of the Kenston program. He has even converted some of his old classmates to
support the Bombers week 5 when Kenston battles the Tigers! Reed states that his
connections with the Kenston community are limited to friends that he had that went to
Kenston or currently live in the Kenston community. He has enjoyed his new
connections with the Kenston administration and athletic department and looks forward
to the relationships expanding.
Reed’s philosophy for coaching this season is one in the same with Coach
Grubich. Reed states, “Coach Grubich has stressed to us the importance of being the
best coaches for our young men by being the best technicians and teachers of the
game. I believe 110% in his philosophy and that is why I was very happy and energized
to join his staff at Kenston. I want our young men to always give everything they have,
and leave it all on the field and in the classroom. Take pride in what we do and whom
we represent!”
Eric Yurchisin: Defensive Backs Coach
Eric was born and raised in Garfield Heights and graduated from Garfield High
School where he played football, baseball and wrestled. He is married to Jaya Yurchisin.
Eric earned both a Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree from Baldwin Wallace College.
While at Baldwin Wallace College, he played both football and baseball.
Eric has played and coached under Coach Chuck Reisland who upon his
retirement was a hall of fame coach with over 200 career wins. His first coaching
experience was at the age of 21. It was then that Eric knew coaching was something
he really wanted to do. Eric is proud to have coached both offensive and defensive
backs that have continued their athletic careers. These players have gone onto schools
that range from Division I schools in the big10 and SEC to Division III schools in Ohio.
Eric is proud to say that he has made it to each of their games at least once in their
career. In addition to coaching, Eric has spoke and instructed at a few camps including
last years Peyton Hillis camp. He feels it benefited him because he was able to talk and
listen to multiple future Hall of Fame coaches from the area.
Eric is currently a Health and Physical Education teacher at Kenston High School.
Eric has coached a few playoff games including teams at Garfield Heights and at
Kenston. When asked what if felt like to coach a playoff game, he stated that “the
anticipation of the game and looking at everyone in the locker room before the
game…there was not much like that experience.” He has coached for The Bombers for
8 years in both offense and defense backfields. He also enjoys coaching wrestling here
at Kenston.
Eric’s philosophy for the Kenston football season is” to work to be the best unit
they can be and to play smart, together, and for one another.”
Robert Ross: Defensive Lineman Coach
Bob has been married to Jackie Ross for 24 years. They have four children Drew,
Katie, Chris, and Kelly all who have or currently are attending Kenston High School.
Bob is a graduate of Solon High School. He attended Kent State University where he
earned a Bachelor of Science. Bob earned a Masters of Education from Lake Erie
College.
Bob coached two years at Solon, four years at Shaw and is currently starting his
24th year at Kenston. Bob has coached many college football players including Brian
Gliba (VMI), Mark Kautzman (Bowling Green), Tyson Walter(The Ohio State University),
Brian Barthelemes (University of Virginia), Ben Timmons (West Virginia University), Joe
Valvoda (Edinboro), Drew Buettner( Lafayette), Anton Narinski (Iowa), Joe Romanowski
(Denison), Matt Reeder (Wooster), James Romanowski (Hiram), Drew Ross (Ohio
Northern University), Randy Toth( Gannon) and Joe Ciresci (Baldwin Wallace).
Bob has been very involved in the youth football program along with his two
sons, who volunteer at Bob’s various youth sports development camps through Four
Star Sports, LLC.
Bob’s biggest thrill was when Kenston were the State Runners-up in 1995. The
1995 season was the most memorable for him because he watched as the team
improved each game through the season. He said, “It was fun to watch the player's
confidence and camaraderie build each game. The extended season made everyone
work that much harder to achieve our goal.”
Bob states that they will be a fast aggressive force fighting off blocks and
running to the ball. “The D-line will be quick, relentless, and agile and have a never
give up attitude.” Bob’s goal is to provide each player an opportunity to earn a spot on
the field by putting forth his very best effort. To do this the players must be physically
fit, mentally tough, and be willing to sacrifice for the team.
GO BOMBERS!
Mark Kautzman: Offensive Lineman Coach, JV
Coach
Mark is a Kenston graduate from 1996. Mark was blessed to get a full ride to
Bowling Green University where he started all 4 years on the offensive line. He earned
a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, Integrated Social Studies, and has since
become a National Board Certified Teacher. Mark earned a Masters of Art in History
from the American Military University. After graduating from Bowling Green in 2001,
Mark moved to Raleigh, NC where he taught social studies and coached football for 10
years. Mark states, “Kenston did not have any openings, and I couldn't even consider
looking at places like Chagrin, West G, or Solon for jobs...once Bomber blood is in the
veins, it's there for good!” Mark met his wife Nancy in North Carolina and has 2
children Gabriel (4) and Audrey (2). Mark made the move back home to Kenston in
summer 2011. He lives in the district and says he bleeds Bomber Blue!
Mark was a team captain at Kenston, and a 4-year starter at Bowling Green.
Mark’s coaching experience began when he coached football at Eastwood High School
in Pemberville, OH during his final year in college. When Mark moved back to Raleigh,
he coached football at Leesville Road High School for 10 years. “The team went from
the doormats in the league to being the team to beat. We had similar kids to Kenston,
and ran spread option.” Mark coached the varsity offensive line, was the JV head
coach, and coached some defensive line. Mark stated that they had a pretty good
pipeline to North Carolina State, Elon, and ECU. His team consistently made it to the
playoffs and went as far as the Eastern finals (4th round of 5) losing to the state
champs 20-10.
Mark played in the State Championship game for Kenston in 1995. He
remembers the kind of focus they had and what they put into the season. No one
expected much out of the team outside of their team family but they had high
expectations. While coaching in North Carolina, the team went from perennial 2-8,
then got a new head man, went 1-9 losing 7 games by a TD or less (an amazing
improvement), then made the playoffs every year since. Marks states at first they
found a way to win, and then they expected to win. They had an explosive offense and
a very tough defense, but most importantly, they had a bunch of young men who fully
bought in and refused to lose.
Mark’s vision for his coaching position this year is, “The "hogs" (a term of
endearment for offensive linemen) up front need to be the hardest working unit on the
team if we are to have success this year. We need to pride ourselves on glory going to
other teammates. That's the nature of the beast, and we'll learn to love it and embrace
it. JV will need to execute within the offensive and defensive system that we run. We
need to hone our skills and set the table for Friday nights to come. We need to build
team and understand buy-in to the program, learn as much as we can, and let loose on
Saturdays with everything we got!”
Lastly, Mark states he is thrilled to be back at Kenston!
Lee Barthelmes: Freshman Coach
This will be Lee’s 34th year of coaching in the Kenston School District, which
began in 1979 under the guidance of then head football coach Zinn Gorby. During
coach Gorby's tenure as head football coach they won numerous championships in the
"old CVC" and enjoyed an intense rivalry with Solon, winning a few of the contests with
game ending goal line stands. Upon coach Gorby's retirement, Lee became the
defensive coordinator on Paul Koballa's staff, and then continued the Bomber tradition
of winning. The highlight of coach Koballa's reign was the formidable Kenston defense
shutting down a record setting offensive powerhouse (CAPE/Cincinnati Academy of
Physical Education) in the state championship game played in The Ohio State
"Horseshoe." Even though they lost the game 7-6 on a blocked extra point, the
Bombers held the CAPE offense that averaged well over 40 points a game during their
playoff run to the title, to a single touchdown. The state runner-up team of 1986
included four Kenston players that earned Division I football scholarships including
Darryl Wodecki (Notre Dame), Andrew Gurd (The Ohio State University), Judah Herman
(The Ohio State University), Ken McClintock (Minnesota.) More recently, Lee served
under head football coach Roger Vasey as his assistant head coach and helped the
Bombers get back to the state football playoffs in 2010 after a long dry spell. While
coaching over the last 33 years at Kenston, Lee has had the privilege of coaching two
former NFL players including Tyson Walter (The Ohio State/Cowboys, Texans, Redskins,
and Packers) and his own son Brian Barthelmes (University of Virginia/New England
Patriots). They reached the highest level of football. Lee states it has been an honor
serving the Kenston Community throughout the years as a coach and now looks
forward to a new and exciting chapter of Bomber football under Coach Grubich. Lee is
confident the Bomber tradition of greatness will continue.