Langferman takes over as football coach for the Indians

by Jennifer Rogers

" Milan football has been a big part of my life," stated Ryan Langferman, the new head coach of the Milan football team. He has been an assistant for the team for the past five years.

Langferman is a 1997 graduate of Milan High School. During his football career at Milan he played quarterback, and was a member of the 1996 team who went on to win the Regional.

After graduating from Milan, Langferman attended Depaw University and played football for three years. He is now teaching Science at the Milan Middle School.

Langferman's highlight of coaching was during the 2000 season, his first year with Milan. The team his brother was on won the sectional.

Langferman, along with four other coaches, took 36 of the expected 45 team members to a camp at Depaw University July 17-20. The Milan coaches were in charge of running the camp.

During camp his main goals were to "build teamwork and get to know each other." He said the camp was "very successful and I think the kids had fun."

During camp the team discussed
season goals, and their main goal is to win the sectional. The senior's goal is to beat Batesville this year, a task which hasn't been accomplished since 2000. Coach Langferman said, "Game two against Batesville is a big game for us in determining how our season will be."
Langferman is very optimistic about the upcoming season. He commented that, "We have a great group of seniors. We are going to have a good season."

Fifteen seniors will be leading Milan's team this year. On offense, eight starters will be returning, and the offensive line will be led by all seniors. Junior, Rusty Ison will be playing quarterback for his second season. Milan will have Nick Arthur and Bob Stanley in the back field.
On defense six starters will be returning. Derek Pennington will be at defensive end and Stanley is the middle linebacker. Nine players are expected to play both defense and offense.

Last year Milan put up a 5-6 record, and lost five seniors to graduation. They will miss Matt Poston, who was the safety, and also carried the ball. The team has changed their defense to accomodate this loss.
When asked about the team's weeknesses Langferman said, "We have the physical tools, but we lack in mental toughness. Our only other weakness would be depth."

Langferman is expecting 45 guys to begin the season. Two-a-days start on August 1 at 3:00pm, and will last for two weeks.

The Varsity team will have a scrimmage game at Lawrenceburg on Friday, August 12 starting at 6:00pm.

The Varsity season will begin on Friday, August 19 when the team travels to North Putnam. The Reserve team will begin their season by playing Lawrenceburg at home on Monday, August 22.

On the coaching staff for Milan this year as Defensive Coordinator is Randy Combs. He is in his 12th season with the team. Chris Day will be the coach of the Offensive Line and linebackers. Danny Craig will be coaching the Defensive backs and running backs. This is Craig's first season coaching for Milan.

"I love the game of football. I enjoy having the opportunity to help kids out and have an impact on their lives. I want to teach teamwork and build character," Langfermand said.