THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408260220
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: R20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Football Special '94
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
It would be extremely easy to write off Kellam this season.
There just aren't many things in the Knights' favor.
The program was hurt by the loss of several key players to graduation and some now live in other school districts because of rezoning. The numbers and size don't appear to be there and skill position players are at a premium.
There is also the possible damage done by last year's season - the first winless campaign by any Kellam team.
But negative conversation isn't popular in Knights country and the coaching staff isn't about to let the bad things overshadow the good.
``Believe me, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about last year,'' second-year coach Chris Worst said. ``But we've all put that behind us. We know we're going to win some football games and we're going to be out there giving it our all every time.
``Granted, we can't afford to take anybody lightly, but maybe that will be in our favor. Maybe they'll take us too lightly.''
One of the brightest spots at Kellam this year is the return of Kevin Michaels as an assistant coach. Michaels quit coaching football after the 1989 season, but continued to serve as the school's wrestling coach.
His football knowledge and ability to motivate young athletes was greatly missed.
``Our coaching staff this year is very experienced. It's a good group that should be able to help us turn things around,'' Worst said. ``But Kevin is really going to make a very big difference.
``I'm just very, very happy to have him back in the program.''
Michaels will serve as the offensive coordinator.
He'll be working with several players the coaching staff are quite high on - players who will carry a heavy weight.
The top returning player is wide receiver Miquel Oliver (6-2, 180), who also plays free safety.
Tim Walston (6-3, 190) will get the call at quarterback, replacing Steve Bailey.
``Kevin is very high on this kid,'' Worst said. ``He's strong, he can throw and he's a good leader. We really need someone like him to lead the way.''
Returning center John Mock (6-0, 205) has made vast improvements over the summer - capturing the best snapper trophy at the Elon College Kicker and Snapper Camp.
``He did a great job,'' Worst said.
Other returners joining Mock on the line are offensive guard-defensive tackle Josh Fuller (5-10, 210), tight end Chris Grundler (6-3, 195), offensive guard Brad Guidry (6-0, 200) and two-way tackle Eric White (5-10, 240).
Danny Smith (6-0, 185) and Tim Hebert (5-10, 185) are returning linebackers. Hebert will see action at fullback.
Mike Culpepper was to be a returning tight end and linebacker, but won't see action because of an injured knee. He will, however, help with sideline duties.
``He wants to still be part of the team and we like that,'' Worst said.
Leading a crop of newcomers is California transfer Ulano Tims - a 6-2, 185-pound running back-linebacker who Worst said will contribute greatly.
Duane Punter (6-0, 185) will see action at running back and safety, and Jackie Coffield (5-11, 175) is battling for the quarterback position.
Another bright spot could be the Knights' strength on the line.
``We had 15 of our linemen spend time at Muscle Warehouse and those fellows did a great job with our kids,'' Worst said. ``And then the kids showed up for our conditioning program.
``Our biggest problems are numbers and the defensive secondary. We're going to have to work hard there.''
But the offense will need to see vast change also.
Only Norview scored fewer points per game last year in South Hampton Roads.
``The thing is this, we're going to be able to turn this program around, even though it might take some time,'' Worst said. ``But last year was last year and this is this year. We're moving forward.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos
From left, Tim Walston, Don Lauzon, Miguel Oliver, Tim Hebert and
John Mock will anchor a Kellam team recovering from its first
winless season. The Knights hope that the experience of returning
starters and extensive strength training will be the keys for a
successful season.
Kevin Michaels: his leadership skills will be needed.
by CNB