WHEELING - Being part of the Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Charity Football Classic is exciting for the players.
Madonna coach Doug Taylor thinks his coaching staff might be more excited than even the players to get to camp later this month to begin preparations for the 67th annual game, slated for Sunday, July 29th at Wheeling Island Stadium.
"We've got a good bunch of guys, who are really excited for this opportunity," Taylor said. "We're just chomping at the bit to get to work. This is a great opportunity and we're going to give it our best shot."
Taylor brought most of his current Blue Dons staff and plucked a few pieces from other staffs to complete the roster of coaches.
"We all get along extremely well and we've got coaches who are great X and O guys, who I really believe will get the most of our kids," Taylor said.
Here's a capsule look at the coaches:
DOUG TAYLOR, Madonna - This Blue Dons coach has been at the helm of the Madonna program for one season, finishing 6-5 after reaching the Class A playoffs.
The 1978 Oak Glen High School graduate has been a football coach for 12 seasons, including stops at Weir and Oak Glen. He served with the Red Riders from 2000-08, which included a state title in 2005, his first as offensive coordinator. Prior to arriving at Madonna, Taylor was the offensive coordinator with the Golden Bears.
During his prep days, Taylor participated in football, wrestling and track.
Doug and his wife Mary Anne have two children, Derek (25) and Mallory (19).
JOHN DURDINES, Bishop Donahue - This Bishops coach is making his second appearance in the OVAC All-Star Game. He was a member of the West Virginia staff in 2009.
Durdines has been in charge of the Bishops program for 11 years and, all told, has been a member of the staff for 13 seasons.
During his career, he's been named Mason-Dixon Coach of the Year three times and also received a Dapper Dan Award.
The Wheeling Park and West Liberty graduate has also spent time coaching wrestling at Donahue.
John and his wife, Michelle, have two daughters Anastasia and Ashley.
JOHN McCLELLAND, Madonna - This Blue Dons assistant is making his first appearance on the coaching staff of the Mumley Classic.
McClelland is a 1999 Wellsville High School graduate, who attended Washington & Jefferson College and Franciscan University. Prior to coaching at Madonna, McClelland worked at Wellsville and Weir.
He was a member of the 2005 Weir staff, which won the Class AA state title.
John and his wife, Jessica, reside in Carnegie, Pa.
RAY PERNELL, Madonna - This long-time assistant coach has been with the Blue Dons for just one season.
His prior 14 years of football coaching experience came at Weir. The Weir graduate was in charge of the Madonna wrestling program from 1980-1991.
Ray and his wife, Debbie reside in Weirton and are the parents of two children, Jamie and Justin.
BRAD KESSEL, Madonna - This veteran football coach has made stops at three different area schools, including this past season with the Blue Dons.
Prior to joining Taylor's staff, Kessel was an assistant for two seasons at Weir and then spent 12 seasons at Indian Creek High School.
The Oak Glen High School ('91) and West Virginia University ('95) graduate played football, basketball and baseball in high school and has since coached baseball, basketball and track.
Brad and his wife Amy reside in Weirton and are the parents of two children, Alexa (12) and Braden (7).
JON KENDRICK, Madonna - This veteran Blue Dons coach has been on the staff for eight seasons.
Kendrick helped guide the Blue Dons to the 2009 West Virginia Class A State Championship along with three OVAC titles and four Mason-Dixon crowns. He also serves as a Blue Dons track coach.
The Madonna High School graduate earned his degree from Robert Morris University and owns a master's degree from the University of Phoenix.
ERIC NEJUS, Madonna - This long-time assistant football coach has been on staffs of two highly successful programs in his career.
Prior to coming to Madonna eight years ago, Nejus worked at Beaver Local High School for 14 years.
Nejus was a member of the Ohio coaching staff under Dan Wesson in 2004.
The South Side Beaver High School graduate graduated from Youngstown State University after originally attending Geneva College to play football.
Eric currently serves as the Blue Dons' head track coach.
