Adult voices
Stebbins High School has a new football coach this season. Greg Bonifay, who had been head coach at Southeastern for nearly a decade, took over the program in February.
“We are extremely excited to have Coach Bonifay join Stebbins High School,” Chad Wyen, superintendent of the Mad River School District, said at the time. “His coaching resume, approach and philosophies all align with the vision we have for the direction of the Stebbins football program.”
Bonifay replaces Trace Smitherman, who accepted the position of head football coach at Xenia High School, and now we learn more about him in this rapid-fire Q&A:
Q: Talk about the job. What attracted you to it?
A: I taught in the district in the early 2000s, and when the opportunity came up to come back here and coach, it just felt right. It’s like a homecoming for me.
Q: What is most rewarding about your job? What makes it all worthwhile?
A: Teaching not only football but implementing what we learn on the field to the players’ everyday lives.
Q: What college did you attend?
A: Wilmington. Degree in elementary education. I have also received my special education certification.
Q: You were defensive coordinator at Stebbins for four seasons under former Indians head coaches Jason Krause and Brian Conner. Where else have you worked?
A: I worked in South Carolina at Wilson High School. Also Miamisburg and Southeastern.
Q: What honors and/or awards have you received?
A: Miami Valley Coaches Association coach of the year, Southwest District coach of the year
Q: Can you tell us about your personal background?
A: Just got married July 4th. I have four girls.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I enjoy the outdoors.
Q: Where did you grow up and what high school did you attend?
A: Born in Pensacola, Florida, graduated from Miamisburg High School
Q: What’s your favorite book?
A: “Winning Every day: The Game Plan for Success” by Lou Holtz
Q: Who was your favorite teacher or coach growing up?
A: Tim Lewis, Miamisburg head football coach
Q: Why do you love coaching in Mad River?
A: The staff, community, and my players
Q: Who has helped you most during your career?
A: My family has been by my side my entire career.
Q: Any advice for those aspiring to go into coaching?
A: Be in it for the right reasons. You have to truly love the game and care about the well-being of your players.