Journal-News.com

An opportunity knocked, and Andy Gaspar answered.

Gaspar — who has been on the Lakota West High football staff since 2001 — accepted a position as a professional intern with Ohio State University's football strength and conditioning program.

Gaspar, 33, officially begins June 16.

"You're working full-time with the assistant coaches and the strength and conditioning staff," said Gaspar, whose position will be unpaid. "I take it as an opportunity for growth. I'll get my foot in the door at that level, and hopefully I'll be able to be good enough the next six months to get offered to stay. It's also a developmental thing.

"It's one of those things that you better love what you do. It's not about money. It's Ohio State football for me at least."

Gaspar joined the Firebirds' staff in '01 as an assistant freshman coach, and then took over the freshman squad in '02 and '03. He was elevated to the varsity staff in '04, overseeing the strength and conditioning program and coaching the linebackers.

"He's really a cutting edge strength coach," West coach Larry Cox said. "It's evident in his knowledge and what he's been able to do with our program since taking over. He knows his stuff, period. He's just that good.

"It's bittersweet for me," he added. "Outside of the coaching aspect, he's a guy you go to war with. You like having guys like that by your side. At the same time, he gets to coach at the mecca of college football. You can't walk away from that. This is something that he's earned."

Gaspar — also the director at Adrenaline Sports & Fitness in Liberty Twp. — will reunite with West grads Steve Rehring and Solomon Thomas at Ohio State.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.

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