By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

“Getting to Know” is an ongoing series created to spotlight the coaches and administrators that are guiding today’s Portage County student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today, we get to know Kent Roosevelt High School ice hockey coach Brad Edwards, who is in his fourth season coaching the Rough Riders.

Q: Hometown?

A: Kent, Ohio.

Q: High school?

A: Theodore Roosevelt High School. Class of 1996. Played ice hockey and baseball.

Q: College?

A: Kent State University; Class of 2002. Notre Dame College; Class of 2006. BS in Physical Education. Teaching licensure in middle school science grades 4 through 9.

Q: Current occupation?

A: Seventh grade science teacher.

Q: What inspired you to become a coach?

A: My inspiration to be a coach was my desire to educate students and help players reach their full potential.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence?

A: I’m not sure it has been just one. Steve Trivisonno, Mike Haney Jr., Brent Pfeiffer.

Q: What makes being a coach at Kent Roosevelt special to you?

A: It’s special because I am an alumni and being able to give back to the community and program that shaped me into the person I am to this day.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your playing days?

A: When I was at Kent State playing ice hockey, I started against Ohio University in OU and when they announced my name, I was coasting backwards. I hit the boards and fell down in front of the student section.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your coaching career?

A: That I have listened to the song “Pump it Up” every game since we went on a seven-game winning streak.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: Blacklist.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Miracle.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: Dave Matthews Band.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Chicken parmesan.

Q: Best vacation?

A: Caribbean cruise.

Q: Shoutout to former teammates?

A: Ben Barlow, Jaret Butler, Rae Metz, Jon Smalley, Matt Carter, Jason Butler, Danny Little, Blake Little, Terry Hollis, Todd Hollis.

Q: Favorite motto?

A: Control the controllable.

Q: Describe your coaching philosophy?

A: Developing all players to become better young men and women. Adaptability, hard work, dedication and dependability are the cornerstone of our program.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Rockne’s.

Q: Favorite teacher from high school?

A: Ernie Rutzky.

Q: Advice you would give the younger version of yourself?

A: Don’t sweat the little things.

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Butler from Tri-County.

Q: Coaching resume?

A: Western Reserve Academy assistant (2001-02); Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin head coach (2004-07); Mentor High School head coach (2008-11); Mentor High School assistant football coach (2011-15); Kent Roosevelt head coach (2019-present).

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: Cleveland Guardians.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Wayne Gretzky.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: Connor McDavid.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Surveyor rod man with my Dad.

Q: Family member that always gives the best advice?

A: My dad, aka Big Jer.

Q: Halloween costume last year?

A: Ken from the new Barbie movie.

Q: Favorite video game?

A: NHL 97 on Sega Genesis (then) and Mortal Kombat 11 (now).

Q: Can you play any instruments?

A: Does whistling count? If not, then no.

Q: Favorite candy?

A: Reese’s peanut butter cups.

Q: First car?

A: 1982 Chevy Chevet.

Q: Best friends?

A: Brett Edwards, Mike Haney Jr. and Ben Barlow.

Q: Most memorable moment as a player?

A: Winning the Baron Cub in 1996.

Q: Most memorable moment as a coach?

A: Watching our team be the No. 7 seed last year and make it to the Baron Cup final.