Staff photo / Dan Hiner
Andy Hake addresses the Weathersfield Board of Education after being named the Mineral Ridge head coach on Wednesday.
WEATHERSFIELD — The first way Andy Hake described his return to Mineral Ridge: bittersweet.
Hake was approved as the Rams’ new football coach on Wednesday at the district’s board meeting.
“I want to thank my family, all these supporters out here and the supporters that aren’t here today, because you guys backed me and I’m gonna do right by this,” Hake said. “We’re gonna build a program that you guys are really gonna be proud of, I promise.”
Weathersfield School District Superintendent Damon Dohar said 16 applicants were interviewed, but he elected to go with the homegrown product. Hake is a 1998 graduate of Mineral Ridge.
“It’s a great thing, and it’s good for the town,” Hake said.
Hake spent the last four years at Valley Christian, where he led the Eagles to a 28-15 record. He provided some stability for a Valley Christian program that went through a couple coaches in a short stretch.
During his time at VC, the Eagles made the playoffs three times.
The Eagles went 7-4 and made the Division VI postseason. After dropping their season opener to Malvern, the Eagles won six straight games.
They fell to Dalton in the first round of the playoffs.
“It’s wonderful to be back, but at the same time, it’s bittersweet,” Hake said. “I really liked Valley Christian. They gave me an opportunity when I was down and out. The kids were wonderful kids. Great time, great memories, helped a lot of kids.
“I wasn’t going to put in to any other place. This is my civic duty.”
Prior to his time on the south side of Youngstown, he spent 11 seasons coaching at Western Reserve.
He posted a 103-25 record as the Blue Devils’ coach with nine playoff appearances.
Now Hake looks to continue his winning ways in his old stomping grounds.
“We’re gonna try to create a culture here and a real movement and a cause that the kids can all be a part of,” Hake said. “We’re gonna get it done. We’re gonna get it done because I’m gonna break my neck trying.”