Vandevander

After two straight seasons that resulted with an 0-10 record, West Branch has turned to Bellwood-Antis High School graduate and former Tyrone coach Kenn Vandevander as its new head coach.

Vandevander, a staple around Tyrone football for 21 years in all levels, has been mentored by legendary coach John Franco. Vandevander coached under Jason Wilson for two years before spending the last seven with Franco. He was the head JV coach the last two years.

Prior to that, Vandevander was coaching in the Tyrone youth league.

“Kenny is an outstanding young coach,” Franco said. “He’s very knowledgeable. He’s an excellent leader. He relates well with the kids. He’s a high-energy coach. I think he’s going to do really well.

“He’s been coaching for 21 years. He’s paid his dues. He was a little disappointed that he wasn’t able to stay at Tyrone, but I think he got a great opportunity at West Branch. Kenny will get them going. It will be tough at first because he has to change the culture, but he’s a guy that can change the culture, without a doubt.”

Vandevander lives in Bellwood, but had no reservations of making the 40-minute trip up the mountain to coach the Warriors.

“(The West Branch administration) have been more than welcoming, and their hospitality has been first-class this entire process,” Vandevander said.

“We’re going to build this program through the weight room, and the strength and conditioning program. We’re going to have a solid offensive line, solid coaches on the O-line, and we’ll have a good defense. I think by solidifying all three of them, it can lay the foundation for us to be successful.”

West Branch superintendent Mark Mitchell, who had a son, Parker, play in the Tyrone program, called Franco about the possibility of hiring Vandevander.

“I said, ‘Hey, I think that’s a great hire if you can get him,'” Franco said. “Mark did a great job of recruiting him. He’s going to get the program turned around, and he will have the kids excited about playing.”

Vandevander plans to bring some of Franco’s staff with him to West Branch, while also keeping a few Warriors coaches. He plans to bring up Thad Graham, Troy Smith and John Gressler from Tyrone. He’s also hoping Franco will help in some capacity.

“They’ve had rough seasons the last two years,” Vandevander said. “I’d like to take what I’ve learned from Coach Franco and put those kids in a position to be successful. If I can do that, my job is done.”