Minerva, Ohio – The Minerva Lions have found their new head football coach in a familiar face from across the county. The Minerva Local Schools Board of Education officially approved Zach Slates as the head coach during their meeting on Monday night. In addition, the board also welcomed Tim Wolf as a varsity assistant football coach and assistant principal.
Slates arrives at Minerva after spending the last four years as the head coach at Perry, where he was recently let go despite finishing the season with a solid 6-6 record. In his final season with the Panthers, Slates led the team to two consecutive victories in the regular season and into a first-round playoff game.
“I am extremely excited about moving forward with the Minerva Lions football program,” Slates said in a statement. He expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead, noting, “There are some great things that have been done here, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead the Minerva football program starting right now.” Slates also highlighted the strong community support and the commitment from Minerva’s administration to elevate the football program.
Wolf, who will join Slates as a key member of the coaching staff, has previously worked alongside him at Perry and has experience as a head football coach at Fairless from 2008-2011. He has also coached assistant basketball and track and field, adding to his diverse coaching background.
Minerva Superintendent Gary Chaddock expressed his excitement about the new appointments, stating, “I am incredibly excited to be bringing on two dedicated, experienced, and motivated men to lead the next chapter of Minerva football.”
With this new leadership in place, the Minerva Lions football program looks poised for a fresh start as they head into the upcoming season.
