Ex-Montesano coach gets post at River Ridge

Schultz hired to revive Hawks' football program

ELLIOTT SMITH THE OLYMPIAN

LACEY -- River Ridge's open head football coach position drew a lot of interest, but in the end, Steve Schultz's desire to make himself a fixture with the school proved to be the clincher.

The former Montesano head coach beat out eight interviewees to replace Hawks coach Danny Greene, who left the school after three years to run the family business in Texas.

"Steve is absolutely what we were looking for," River Ridge co-principal Brian Wharton said. "He's going to bring great energy, great organization and true love for working with young people."

After Greene left, Wharton said the school received about 25 inquiries for the position. Eight candidates were then interviewed by a combination of students, parents and staff, and from that group, two finalists were chosen.

"We had a very good process," Wharton said. "What really impressed us is that he is making a long-term commitment to River Ridge. He's not just going to be here for a couple of years and then move on."

Schultz coached six seasons at Montesano, including four as head coach. He led the Bulldogs to a 27-9 record, including a state semifinal appearance in 1998 and a 6-3 mark last season. Schultz also coached track at Montesano, giving him an idea of the kind of talent the Hawks have available.

The 32-year-old said he would bring an exciting style to River Ridge.

"We're going to utilize the speed and strength on the offensive line," he said. "We're going to spread you out and if we can run, we'll do that all game long. We need two guys at wide receiver that can run past people and a quarterback that can throw the ball downfield and run. The ball's going to be thrown down the field and spread from side-to-side. It all kind of fits into the scheme."

The Hawks have struggled recently, compiling a 4-14 record over the past two seasons as they were racked with injuries and struggled with consistency.

Wharton said that bringing in a coach with a proven record wasn't the sole goal of the committee.

"Six of the eight coaches we interviewed had run very successful programs in the past, but that wasn't our criteria," he said. "What most impressed us with Steve was that the program was successful, but we would have viewed it that way if he had lost more than he won. He has a clear vision for the freshman, JV and varsity teams. He has for working with student-athletes.

"It's nice that he has a winning record and playoff experience, because we think we can get there, too."

Schultz is anticipating the challenge at River Ridge, but stresses that building the program the right way is the most important factor.

"I'm setting goals. I want participation and I want people that are going to be at practice, be on time, have fun and work hard consistently," he said. "That's the case whether it's my first year or fifth year.

"We're not going to get it done my way, but our way. I'm going to meet with the team and we're going to decide what we're going to do. And it's got to be done with pride, discipline and commitment. That's who I am. Hopefully, that's why they picked me."

Elliott Smith covers sports for The Olympian. He can be reached at 754-5473 or ejsmith1@olympia.gannett.com

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