“It’s quite a thrill.”
DeWitt, a 1971 Catholic Central graduate, was named head coach in 1977 after spending four years as an assistant coach.
“When I became head coach, I was charged with being the custodian of the tradition of the program, which goes back through (former coaches) Mickey Hannon and Bill Rankin and all the other guys who’ve come before them since the 1930s,” DeWitt said. “It’s not a situation that any of us take lightly. It’s a huge source of pride. It’s been an exciting time for all of out here, and especially me.”
Jerry Wasserman, the Hall of Famer and former Northeastern coach who’s currently the head coach at London, confirmed DeWitt’s selection at last weekend’s OHSFCA 7-on-7 tournament. Wasserman is the Region XIV director of the OHSFCA.
DeWitt is the third Ohio Heritage Conference who’ll be inducted, with Cedarville’s Jim Villinger the third.
DeWitt will be inducted at the OHSFCA Hall of Fame banquet in June 2012.
DeWitt is 213-136-1 in his career with 11 playoff appearances (1987, ’89, ’91, ’99, 2003, ’04, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08 and ’10).
He’s the only area head football coach to ever guide his team to the state championship game (D-IV, 1991). The Irish also advanced to the D-VI state semifinals in 2007.
This fall, DeWitt will coach his 34th season, beginning with Aug. 1 two-a-days. He said he couldn’t take credit without praising his longtime assistant coaches, Bill O’Neill and Mike McKenna.
“It’s not one of those things I own by myself,” DeWitt said. “I’ve had the honor of working with Billy and Mike for more than a lifetime for most guys as far as coaches go. It’s really a neat honor to share with them and what we’ve been able to accomplish together.”
He also praised his players and the dedication they’ve shown to help the program become successful over the years.
“One of the things I’ve grown to appreciate is the things that the young men who come to play for us do, what they come prepared to sacrifice and what they’ve come to demand from themselves,” DeWitt said. “I think that’s pretty special.”
DeWitt’s tenure has also been a family affair. He coached both of his sons, Patrick, who currently serves as an assistant, and Kyle. He even proposed to his wife, Kim, on the 50-yard line at Hallinean Field.
“I married a terrific woman,” DeWitt said, “and what she’s put up with and gives up so I could do this, I can’t describe it in words.”
The honor, DeWitt said, is proof that other coaches around the state recognize the program’s success.
“All we’ve done is try to do what we do the best we can possibly do it, and give the kids every opportunity and grow,” DeWitt said. “We take a great deal of pride in that. There’s a wonderful affirmation I feel that comes along with this.”
The honor still hasn’t sunk in — and may not for awhile.
“I don’t know how to put it in perspective yet,” DeWitt said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365, mcooper@coxohio.com or on Twitter @SNS_Wizard.
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