New Lakota East football coach eager to get started

Rick Haynes hopes to build on his successes at Colerain, Thomas More College.

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By Mike Burcham, Staff Writer Updated 11:15 PM Wednesday, December 23, 2009

LIBERTY TWP. — Lakota East has a football coach.

Rick Haynes was recommended on Wednesday, Dec. 23, to take over as the Thunderhawks next coach, pending school board approval.

“I’m tremendously excited,” Haynes said. “It has always been a goal to be a head coach and run my own program.”

Haynes has been the offensive line coach at Thomas More College for the past three seasons. Prior to that he was the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Colerain.

“His track record of success is unquestioned,” East Athletic Director Richard Bryant said. “He has won everywhere he’s been and done things the right way.”

It is the first head coaching job for Haynes, 48, after spending 27 years as an assistant.

“When I coached at Colerain I was responsible for half the team, from game planning, to the coaches and the players,” Haynes said. “The inexperience I do have is overseeing both sides of the ball, but I plan to have a veteran defensive staff to help me with that.”

Haynes helped the Cardinals to 11 Greater Miami Conference titles, 10 playoff appearances and the 2004 state championship.

“Hopefully I bring some knowledge of how to build and run a successful program from my time at Colerain,” Haynes said.

Having spent time coaching in the Greater Miami Conference is an asset for Haynes.

“Knowing the league was something the focus groups thought was important,” Bryant said. “He knows the teams he is going to play. His college experience is invaluable. That experience can help every student-athlete.”

Although many of the coaches in the GMC have changed, Haynes is familiar with the opponents.

“I know the types of athletes in the league, even though some of the coaches and schemes are a little new,” Haynes said.

Haynes takes over an East program that hasn’t had a winning record since 2005 and finished 3-7 last season.

“My expectations are to have a good work ethic, be accountable, be great competitors and be courageous athletes,” Haynes said. “If we can meet those, the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”

Haynes replaces Greg Bailie, who resigned following the 2009 season.

Haynes, who played at the University of Dayton, was chosen from a pool of three finalists including Barry Wulf (Wilmington College head coach) and Carlton Gray (Lakota West defensive coordinator).

Haynes hopes to meet with the team when Lakota resumes school on Jan. 4.

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