By Steve Ruman
Kopp is stepping down from his position as director of football operations at Youngstown State to assume the role of assistant to the president for athletic development at Warren JFK High School. Kopp, a Youngstown native and YSU graduate, has been with the Penguins’ program since 2008.
“It’s very tough to leave Youngstown State; it’s like home to me,” Kopp said. “The university and especially its people are near and dear to my heart.
“Kennedy has given me a neat opportunity to be an administrator and athletic director, and to oversee an entire sports program, one which is rich in tradition. I just viewed this as an opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.”
Noting that he wanted to continue serving YSU through the course of spring football, Kopp will remain with the university until May 15. Shortly afterward, he will assume his duties at JFK.
In his role at YSU, Kopp works closely with head coach Eric Wolford and helps coordinate and support all events and activities associated with the football team. He is involved with the day-to-day operations of the program including practices, preseason camp arrangements, game operations, budget, youth camps, the Bob Dove Coaches Clinic, special events and team travel.
Kopp works directly with several departments within athletics including administration, compliance and academics, and he also oversees the content for the program’s official newsletter, “Penguin Pulse” which was created to give former players and YSU fans an inside look at the team.
Kopp said he will “forever be grateful” for the cooperation he received from former coach Jon Heacock, Wolford and athletic director Ron Strollo.
“I could not have worked with better people than those three individuals,” Kopp said. “They epitomize everything that is great about Youngstown and YSU. They are just great human beings.”
Traveling with YSU and watching the Penguins play at places such as Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State are among Kopp’s most memorable moments with the program. A victory at Pitt in 2012 ranks as one of the most memorable wins, and Kopp insists that “any game played at home is a special event.”
“There is great football all throughout our league,” Kopp said. “But anytime you return home and play in front of our fans you realize how special the game is in Youngstown, and how passionate our fans are. Football in the Mahoning Valley is something very special. It’s second to none.”
At Kennedy, Kopp said he “doesn’t have to re-invent the wheel,” and only hopes to maintain a tradition of athletic success.
“They have done things the right way at JFK for decades,” Kopp said. “I have always admired their success and their class from afar. I just want to do my part to maintain the excellence.”
Prior to coming to YSU, Kopp spent a year as an account executive for the Mahoning Valley Thunder, Youngstown’s Arena2 Football League franchise. He also served as a coach and a substitute teacher at Austintown Fitch.
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