On the Spot with Head Coach Devin O'Brien...

Name: Devin O'Brien (1^st year)
High School: Ephrata High School
Playing Record: 48-24 (4^th in 2A 2002)
Coaching Experience: 3 years (Ellensburg High School)
Coaching Record: 14-6 (JV 2007)
Major: Elementary Education at Central Washington University

~What made you want to get into coaching?

O'Brien: My father was a big role model for me, and growing up watching him coach at Ephrata, it was always something that I wanted to do. I love being in the gym, but the relationships that I have a chance to build with my players is my favorite part of coaching. I also like the challenge of trying to get a bunch of individuals to come together and become a successful team.

~How did you get started coaching?

I was lucky enough to be given a foot in the door by Eric Davis at Ellensburg. I got to spend two years working directly under him and learning before the Junior Varsity job opened up last year. It was a great learning experience, and I am definitely a better coach for it. Coaches are always learning, but I was very fortune to learn under one of the best in the state.

~How would you describe your experience so far at Cle Elum-Roslyn?

Awesome. We had a good summer program and I feel like we made significant progress as a team. It was a good chance to get to start building relationships with the players and parents. The school, administration, parents and booster club has been extremely supportive, and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such a good community of people.

~What are you looking forward to most about this year?

I am looking forward to the day we can get into a gym and start practicing. If we continue to make progress like we did this summer I think we can have a good season. Right now I just wish all of our athletes playing football and cross country to continue having good seasons. Hopefully we can build off the success that our athletes are having this fall, and keep having success this winter.

~How would you describe your team?

I think we are a fairly balanced team. We can do a lot of different things, which as a coach, is exciting. We have a solid base of seniors who I am confident will become good leaders this year. If they provide good leadership and the younger kids follow along we will have a chance to be competitive in every game.

~What are your goals coming into this season?