Post by Banana Cat on Apr 13, 2012 2:54:50 GMT -5
www.dailyamerican.com/ourtown/sports/johnstown/da-ot-johnstown-generals-persevere-through-financial-uncertainty-20120412,0,3985267.story
Johnstown Generals persevere through financial uncertainty
Tim Rigby Our Town Correspondent
April 12, 2012
Johnstown—
Quenteen Robinson finds sanctuary, of all places, on the sometimes violent artificial turf of the War Memorial Arena.
It’s there where the Johnstown Generals head coach can get away from the distractions that often come with a financially struggling Ultimate Indoor Football League team.
“It’s kind of like going out of town,” Robinson said. “You get the opportunity to do what you came to do.”
Robinson is confident his team can make a run at the playoffs this season. That is, if the team can negotiate the ledger as well as their league opponents.
“We will discuss issues because I’m really open with the players,” he said. “But when the whistle blows, it’s business for two hours.”
Meeting payroll has been a problem for the team. Despite that, the Generals have maintained a good attitude and split their first four games.
“I just hope we can continue to make things happen on the financial end to move forward, but I’m just staying positive and keeping our players’ minds on playing football,” Robinson said.
Robinson donned the pads himself and helped lead the Generals to a 46-30 win over the Western Pennsylvania Sting March 30, which evened their record at 2-2. Robinson had two interceptions and five tackles and earned North Division Defensive Player of the Week honors.
“It was fun,” he said. “I definitely wouldn’t mind being out there again.”
That’s not likely to happen, however. It was just a one-game shot for the 33-year-old, who has returned to the sidelines. It was set up as a promotion, but the former Johnstown standout made the most of it.
“The truth is, I wanted to play the entire time,” he said. “It’s just that coaching is a passion of mine. I really do enjoy watching people improve. That’s the satisfaction I get out of it.”
On a late Wednesday night at the War Memorial, Robinson was forced to coach from the film room because a circus had prevented the team from practicing on the arena floor. With a little more than half a season to go, Robinson doesn’t waste any opportunity for improvement.
“I definitely think this team has what it takes to make a playoff run,” he said.” We have all the pieces in place. We’re strong offensively, defensively and special teams.”
Quarterback Andre Coles and Antoine Bagwell lead the offensive attack. “Antoine Bagwell is definitely our most explosive weapon on offense,” Robinson said. “We move him around a lot from wide receiver to running back.”
The defense is sparked by two returning all-league first team defensive backs, DeQuan Young, who led the league with 16 interceptions last year, and Matt Speed. Robinson added that he has a solid defensive line.
Several area players have been key contributors as well. Wide receiver Xavier Thomas, fullback Terrell Simms and nose guard Lamont Stephens are Johnstown graduates. Kicker Matt Domonkos is from Bishop McCort, while Westmont graduate Dan Curry is a lineman.
“We can strike anywhere,” Robinson said.
But as the season continues, Robinson knows he can only control what’s happening on the field.
“Throughout all the off-field issues, we still have maintained the base of our team,” he said.
“We have primarily everything we need to move forward and make this run. It just all comes down to the situation. We need some fans and the support of the local people.”
Tim Rigby Our Town Correspondent
April 12, 2012
Johnstown—
Quenteen Robinson finds sanctuary, of all places, on the sometimes violent artificial turf of the War Memorial Arena.
It’s there where the Johnstown Generals head coach can get away from the distractions that often come with a financially struggling Ultimate Indoor Football League team.
“It’s kind of like going out of town,” Robinson said. “You get the opportunity to do what you came to do.”
Robinson is confident his team can make a run at the playoffs this season. That is, if the team can negotiate the ledger as well as their league opponents.
“We will discuss issues because I’m really open with the players,” he said. “But when the whistle blows, it’s business for two hours.”
Meeting payroll has been a problem for the team. Despite that, the Generals have maintained a good attitude and split their first four games.
“I just hope we can continue to make things happen on the financial end to move forward, but I’m just staying positive and keeping our players’ minds on playing football,” Robinson said.
Robinson donned the pads himself and helped lead the Generals to a 46-30 win over the Western Pennsylvania Sting March 30, which evened their record at 2-2. Robinson had two interceptions and five tackles and earned North Division Defensive Player of the Week honors.
“It was fun,” he said. “I definitely wouldn’t mind being out there again.”
That’s not likely to happen, however. It was just a one-game shot for the 33-year-old, who has returned to the sidelines. It was set up as a promotion, but the former Johnstown standout made the most of it.
“The truth is, I wanted to play the entire time,” he said. “It’s just that coaching is a passion of mine. I really do enjoy watching people improve. That’s the satisfaction I get out of it.”
On a late Wednesday night at the War Memorial, Robinson was forced to coach from the film room because a circus had prevented the team from practicing on the arena floor. With a little more than half a season to go, Robinson doesn’t waste any opportunity for improvement.
“I definitely think this team has what it takes to make a playoff run,” he said.” We have all the pieces in place. We’re strong offensively, defensively and special teams.”
Quarterback Andre Coles and Antoine Bagwell lead the offensive attack. “Antoine Bagwell is definitely our most explosive weapon on offense,” Robinson said. “We move him around a lot from wide receiver to running back.”
The defense is sparked by two returning all-league first team defensive backs, DeQuan Young, who led the league with 16 interceptions last year, and Matt Speed. Robinson added that he has a solid defensive line.
Several area players have been key contributors as well. Wide receiver Xavier Thomas, fullback Terrell Simms and nose guard Lamont Stephens are Johnstown graduates. Kicker Matt Domonkos is from Bishop McCort, while Westmont graduate Dan Curry is a lineman.
“We can strike anywhere,” Robinson said.
But as the season continues, Robinson knows he can only control what’s happening on the field.
“Throughout all the off-field issues, we still have maintained the base of our team,” he said.
“We have primarily everything we need to move forward and make this run. It just all comes down to the situation. We need some fans and the support of the local people.”