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 softball coach Jeff Fankhauser, who recently completed his fifth year leading the Wildcats’ program.

JEFF FANKHAUSER

Q: Hometown?

A: Minerva, Ohio.

Q: High school?

A: Minerva High School (Class of 1989). Played football, basketball and baseball.

Q: College?

A: University of Akron (Class of 1993). Degree in Education (grades 1 through 8).

Q: Current occupation?

A: Junior high seventh and eighth grade science teacher.

Q: What inspired you to become a coach?

A: I have always loved playing and watching sports and am quite competitive by nature. Coaching allows me to share that love and competitive side with my players and teams.

Q: What makes working at Mogadore special to you?

A: Mogadore has a unique, tight-knit community and it reminds me a bit of my hometown.

Q: Who was your biggest influence or mentor?

A: My biggest influence was coach Lynn Molen. He was passionate, caring, sincere and was able to get the best out of the athletes he coached because HE always gave HIS best to us. Currently, my biggest mentor is coach Tom Pollock. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge and has a very humble way of coaching that I admire.

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

A: I was ejected from one of my high school football games in the second quarter.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: Alone.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: The Shawshank Redemption.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: Does sports radio count?

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Steak.

Q: Best vacation?

A: Siesta Key with my family.

Q: Shoutout to former teammates?

A: I had the pleasure o playing three years of high-school sports with my older brother Bill Fankhauser.

Q: Favorite motto or quote?

A: My favorite Bible verse is Micah 6:8 — “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.”

Q: Describe your educational philosophy?

A: Caring about students and investing in them and getting to know them on a personal level is a priority that will undoubtedly impact their educational experience.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Texas Roadhouse.

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

A: Be present in the moment and enjoy even the little things.

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: Coach Lynn Molen.

Q: Coaching resume?

A: Mogadore varsity softball head coach (5 years); Mogadore junior varsity softball coach (1 year); Mogadore baseball assistant coach (3 years); Mogadore 7th grade boys basketball coach (7 years).

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: Cleveland Browns.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Brian Sipe.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: I worked on my uncle’s farm bailing hay, milking cows and doing whatever he needed me to do.

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

A: My mom and dad have always given me loving and timely advice.

Q: Favorite candy?

A: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

Q: First car?

A: Chevy Nova.

Q: Best friend?

A: My wife, Babette, is my best friend.