New coach, philosophy for Versailles

VERSAILLES - First-year head coach Bob Olwin brings an impressive resume to the Versailles football program.

In 13 seasons at Sherwood Fairview, Olwin's teams were 104-33 with seven league titles and five playoff appearances.

His arrival at Versailles, which went 2-8 last year, means plenty of adjustments for the players. Namely, the Tigers are learning Olwin's spread offense after years of running the ball.

"They're picking it up," Olwin said. "The players are building off each previous day. They're catching it better and throwing it better. The offensive line is light-years ahead of where they were. We're seeing daily improvement."

Another philosophy Olwin has brought is much simpler to grasp: Outwork your opponent.

"We have to work harder than everybody," Olwin said. "We're working the fundamentals hard everyday. We're probably practicing longer than they ever have and conditioning harder. But we've got 60 kids who show up everyday and work. They're buying into what we're doing."

Quarterback Jon Richard (6-3, 205) will lead the offense onto the field. Richard brings a big arm and plenty of speed, but adjusting to the new schemes will be a challenge.

"Everything is going to be so fast for him this year," Olwin said.

But Olwin has been impressed by Richard's ability to learn the offense and with his athletic skills. Richard will also handle the punting and kicking duties.

Aaron Coons will play running back for the Tigers while John Murphy and Nick Eilerman will start at the receiver spots. Aaron York and Mike Treon will anchor the offensive line.

Those players will also play key roles on the defense, along with Tyler Bey and Derek Langenkamp.

Versailles opens the season at Dayton Oakwood before playing host to Hamilton, Ontario. Then the Tigers pounce into their vicious MAC schedule when Coldwater comes to town on Sept. 5 before traveling to St. Henry and coming back home for a game against Delphos St. John's on Sept. 19.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jon Richard

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback will be the focal point of Versailles' new spread offense. He will also handle kicking and punting duties.

VERSAILLES

Coach: Bob Olwin

Years at school: First season

2007 record: 2-8 overall, 2-7 Midwest Athletic Conference

Returning letterwinners: 15

Returning starters: 10 overall

Outlook: Olwin comes to Versailles after 13 very productive seasons at Sherwood Fairview. The team is working diligently to pick up his spread offense, which is a major switch from the age-old run-first philosophy of past Tigers' coaches.

Aug. 22 at Dayton Oakwood

Aug. 29 HAMILTON, Ontario

Sept. 5 COLDWATER

Sept. 12 at St. Henry

Sept. 19 DELPHOS ST. JOHN'S

Sept. 26 at Minster

Oct. 3 FORT RECOVERY

Oct. 10 at Marion Local

Oct. 17 ANNA

Oct. 24 at Parkway