By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

“Getting to Know” is an ongoing series that was 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 Mogadore High School athletic director and teacher Steve Lutz.

Q: Hometown?

A: Mogadore, Ohio.

Steve Lutz as an assistant coach for the Mogadore boys basketball team in 2011.

Q: High school?

A: Mogadore High School. Class of 1980. Played football, basketball and baseball.

Q: College?

A: University of Akron. Class of 1998. Bachelor’s Degree in Education (grades 1 through 8) and History (grades 7 through 12). Master’s in Education.

Q: Current occupation?

A: Eighth grade history teacher, athletic director, lead mentor for MLSD and Washington D.C. Coordinator.

Q: What inspired you to become a coach?

A: Working with student-athlete before and right after graduation.

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

A: Allows you to give back to the student-athletes, institution and community. Keep Mogadore tradition(s) alive.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence?

A: My dad was always a big part of me wanting to become a coach and mentor.

Q: Favorite food?

A: Steak, baked potato with mushrooms and onions. Any good lasagna.

Q:  Best vacation?

A: Any with Denise (wife), Staci (daughter), Joel (son-in-law), Parker (grandson), Stevie (son), Leann (daughter-in-law), Sydney (granddaughter) and Stephen (grandson).

Q: Favorite quote?

A: “I don’t care how rocky the sea is, just bring the ship in.” — Lou Holtz

Q: Coaching resume?

A: Mogadore youth football (1980-1991); Mogadore youth basketball (1980-1996); Mogadore youth baseball (1993-2001); Mogadore High School football (1992-2005); Mogadore High School boys basketball (1997-2005 and 2008-2013); Mogadore High School baseball (2005 and 2010-2021).

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: The Ohio State University.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Blizzard Trophy Company.

Q: First car?

A: 1968 Chevy Impala.

Q: Best friend?

A: My wife Denise.

Q: Most memorable moment as a player?

A: 1979 football state championship.

Q: Most memorable moment as a coach?

A: 1996 and 2002 football state championships.