There are so many great coaches in our world.  I was really glad when this coach was picked out for a Coaches Chat as he is one who flies under the radar.  Coach kensei44 has been in Wilkinson world for 18 seasons and currently coaches Minnesota.  He’s amassed 73 wins here along with 3 division championships in a very competitive conference.  In all of GD he has over 2000 wins and 4 national championships.  Enjoy our conversation.

 

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1) How did you get involved in GD?

 

I saw it advertised on the web one day and checked it out and it seemed like an interesting game so i gave it a shot and got hooked.

 

2) What is the story behind your coaching name?

 

high school nickname - named after an Australian racehorse that won the Melbourne Cup

 

3) What do you think the next step is for Minnesota as a GD program?

 

I just need to string some strong recruiting classes together to take that next step to start challenging for a NC.

Ive had some good ones but had a couple of seasons where I've had so so classes which has restricted me a bit. Minnesota area can be a bit hit and miss with quality recruits.

 

4) What are the factors, beyond sheer numbers, that make the game at Division 1 in Wilkinson a challenge for you?

 

For me at the moment its getting to an elite team, i decided to take on Minnesota in this world as my stepping stone so I'm at the mercy of the local recruiting area which has been up and down so far. So basically the biggest challenge for me at the moment is recruiting.

 

5) You have taken over quite a number of elite schools in the GD world. What is something you can share with newer coaches about the way to get there?

 

Once you get to D1 put the work in to make your team a success because you could be waiting quite some time for a team to become available so the last thing you want is to not be qualified come that time. 

Keep your Reputation and Loyalty ratings at "A" or above and after 3 or 4 seasons you should qualify for elite teams if available.

 

6) You have had a lot of success in GD. What is something you could share with the newer coaches that you think contributes to this?

 

Recruit well and most importantly be smart about it, don't let ego ruin your class.

Have a strong class overall instead of selling out to get 2 or 3 stars and a heap of rubbish for the rest.

Recruit a QB each class - young QBs throw INTs like they're going out of fashion.

 

7) Looking ahead to this seasons recruiting, what challenges do you expect to face?

 

I'm pretty secluded at Minnesota so i basically get the local guys mostly to myself, I only get trouble if there is an elite prospect locally then i usually get a visit from Nebraska and then the fun starts.

the real challenge for me is trying to get a recruit towards the East like Wisconsin, Illinois and so on.

 

8) How would you describe your personal coaching strategy/philosophy?

 

Offensively - power run and pass downfield

Defensively - aggressive 

 

 

9) Was there a piece of advice or something you discovered that was most formative to you as a coach?

 

QB formation IQ matters big time

 

10) Who is your kryptonite in the Wilkinson world, the coach you least like to see on the other sideline?

 

I don't really have a kryptonite in Wilkinson as of yet, but in other worlds my kryptonites are -

Mcbeth

Cebrake

Tampafla

Husker111

 

11) What would coaches be most surprised to find out about you?

 

Im from Australia and my favourite sports are Gridiron and Horse Racing.

I represented Australia under 17s in Rugby but my pro career got cut short because a career ending knee injury.

 

12) In a game of tag, you are currently it. What coach would you like to see profiled? 

 

Lets go with Husker111 from Jacksonville State,

he causes me all sorts of trouble in another world and it would be interesting to find out more about him.