By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The “Getting to Know” series was created to learn more about 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 golf coach Chris Mossa, who begins his 18th year with the Wildcats this fall.

Q: Hometown?

A: Swanton, Ohio.

Q: High school?

A: Evergreen High School. Class of 1991. Played golf, basketball and baseball.

Q: College?

A: Walsh University. Class of 1995. Bachelor’s degree in English. Master’s degree in educational administration.

Q: Current occupation?

A: English teacher at Mogadore High School (2000-present).

Q: What inspired you to become a coach?

A: My general love of sports and competition and being around the players.

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

A: The student-athletes. They have such a passion, support and desire to succeed.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence as a coach?

A: Dr. Joseph Ezzie, who was my golf coach and economics professor at Walsh University. He is an incredible man.

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

A: Once in a college golf tournament, I hit a ball out of the brush and it hit me in the head. One stroke penalty.

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

A: In 2008, my wife went into labor with our son as my golf team was playing a practice round at Seven Hills. I had to run off the course to get to the hospital. I made it and the team qualified for state, as well.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: Breaking Bad.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Goodfellas.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: Rush.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Spaghetti and meatballs.

Q: Best vacation?

A: Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with my wife.

Q: Favorite quote?

A: “Trust thyself.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Q: Describe your coaching philosophy?

A: Respect your craft, opponent and work ethic. Enjoy it or else what is the point?

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Fat Heads.

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

A: Smile more and not take things so serious.

Q: Coaching resume?

A: Mogadore High School golf (2006-present); Mogadore High School baseball (2006-13); Mogadore Junior High track and field (2003-06; 2013-20); Mogadore High School cross country (2002-05).

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: Cleveland Indians/Guardians.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Bernie Kosar.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: Nick Chubb.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Turnpike rest stop.

Q: Family member that plays gave you the best advice?

A: Both of my parents: Treat people with kindness and respect authority.

Q: Favorite video game?

A: PGA Tour Golf.

Q: Favorite candy?

A: Reese’s Cup.

Q: First car?

A: 1980 Toyota Tercel.

Q: Best friends?

A: My wife Kelly Mossa and my colleague Rich Brumbaugh.