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New AP Coach 'Like A Kid In A Candy Store'

RED DEVIL ALUM BONJOKIAN SEES PLENTY OF POTENTIAL

Chris Hoffman/Highlands Today

Avon Park head coach Andy Bonjokian walks his players through the first day of spring practice on Thursday.

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By Christopher  Hoffman | Highlands Today

Published: May 2, 2008

AVON PARK — Whistles were blaring and helmets were shinning in the afternoon sun on Thursday, as new Avon Park head football coach Andy Bonjokian hit the field with his players for the first time since taking the post in mid-March.

"I'm like a kid in a candy store," Bonjokian said. "This is a great opportunity to coach these kids. I even have a special whistle for the occasion.

"I've been dreaming about this ever since I was a kid. I'm trying to emulate all the coaches that I respect throughout my playing days. I'm just really happy to be out here today — I think everyone can tell."

The task at hand isn't an easy one, as the Red Devils are coming off a one-win season, but Bonjokian senses that his kids are adjusting fine to a new coach.

"I know that some of these kids have been through a few coaches," Bonjokian said. "They showed a lot of guts to keep playing hard all the way through 'til the end of the season. We're just trying to get these guys to learn how to have fun playing the game.

"That's my philosophy. Be honest with the kids and have fun and that oes for the coaches, too. I think we get so caught up in preparation and almost stress the fun out of this game. I know from experience that if you're prepared and having fun then winning usually takes care of itself."

As he walked around the field overseeing the different drills, Bonjokian took a keen interest in schooling his quarterbacks on his new system and said he saw much potential for the fall.

"Albert [Moses] has so much talent and is a gifted athlete," Bonjokian said. "He's got a strong arm and is quick on his feet. I like his work ethic, but I also like what I've seen out of Avien Conner. He played on junior varsity last season and was also impressive.

"That's what I want to create here at Avon Park is a healthy competition. No positions are guaranteed here. The one's who work hard in the off-season and are prepared usually find a way to a starting position."

Spring practice has generated renewed interest in football even though the regular season is still four months away, as the parking lot was lined with cars with parents and football fans watching the kids run through the various drills.

That interest and dedication on the part of the fans was something that didn't go unnoticed by Bonjokian, who always enjoys seeing the community take an interest in the school and the football program.

"From what I've heard, the alumni are really excited," Bonjokian said. "Being an alumnus myself, I take a little extra pride to get this program back to prominence. I'm not saying that the past coaches did anything wrong by any means — T. C. Cousins was a good coach and I worked with [Earnest] Perkins, and I loved some of programs and his love of the kids."

"The coaches and the staff here at Avon Park all take the time to work with these kids in the classroom and on the football field. The teachers here love the football program as much as we do."

As the 60-plus kids worked up a sweat running and getting schooled in their specific positions, Bonjokian could only smile and be thankful for his chance to be a head coach and an added bonus was that he's leading his alma mater.

"I never could have asked for anything better than to coach Avon Park," Bonjokian said. "It would be so nice to get this team back to where it was when I was a player. I want the kids and the community to bond. I want the community to come out and make Joe Franza Stadium a loud and festive place to play football and watch us get better.
"All I ask is that we get better every day. Winning will take care of itself."

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