Elias will stay positive at AG
Bill Elias is promoting positive coaching as Albert Gallatin sets to begin the 2008 football season. “Everything we say to the kids is positive,” Elias said. “We really want to encourage the kids and not say negative things when times are tough.”
It’s hard to imagine a coach being optimistic after inheriting a one-win team, but according to Elias, his kids, coaching staff and the school have been very helpful.
“I really want to thank the school board, athletic director and principal,” Elias said. “They have been extremely helpful in working to move the program in the right direction.”
Championships are won in the offseason and Elias had plenty to get excited about after 35 of his approximately 60 players showed up regularly for weight lifting and conditioning.
“We had a good number of kids come for conditioning and that really helps,” Elias said. “We have good kids that come to practice and are very cooperative. The coaching staff is real pleased with the work ethic and we try to sell the kids on why we are here. We respect the kids and they respect us.”
Elias feels very encouraged by the number of kids that he has out.
“I think it is a great number to have,” Elias said. “Especially in the conditioning and we also had some players competing in other sports.”
Albert Gallatin is in the Keystone Conference and wants to improve, but will have to become more of a team to do some damage.
“We have really been stressing being a team,” Elias said. “Football is a team game and it includes not only the players, but the coaches and school as well. We will have to see how it goes.
“I have a great staff and I can’t say enough about these kids. They have been great.”
Albert Gallatin will host Uniontown and travel to Laurel Highlands in what should be two outstanding games in the Keystone.
“I have ties with Laurel Highlands, so that should be a great rivalry game,” said Elias. “Uniontown is also another game that is big along with every game in conference play.”
After the first week of practice, the fundamentals are being stressed and team concept is a big aspect of the Albert Gallatin program.
“Not much has changed from the last time I coached,” Elias said. “You still have to block and tackle and those are the most important elements in football.”
Elias has been a coach at Frazier, Laurel Highlands and California University of Pennsylvania. He feels that his experience at California made him a better all-around coach.
“I am just glad to be back and the kids have made it better,” Elias said. “They are giving their best and showing a great work ethic and really buying into the team concept.”