NEW YORK STATE FOOTBALL: WAVERLY'S MILLER HAS BUILT ALMA MATER INTO POWERHOUSE WITH HOME-GROWN COACHING STAFF (2023-11-30)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
WAVERLY - When Jason Miller took over the Waverly football program 21 years ago, it was a mess. On Saturday, the Wolverines, winners of back-to-back Section IV, Class C titles, play for the first state title in program history.

The first fall Miller took the reigns, the Wolverines had 19 players in uniform. During the first week of preseason practice this August, he had 60 in shoulder pads and cleats. This fall, he coached his alma mater to its fifth Section IV title since 2008.

Much to Miller’s credit, he has built a dynamic coaching staff, chock full of former Waverly players, who "bleed red-and-white."

Perhaps the most integral piece of the coaching puzzle, however, is a Sayre grad — David Shaw, who has been with Miller for years.

"David’s been through the thick and thin with us. We’ve had a lot of good years, and we’ve had some bad years, but not many," said Miller with a smile.

"He does an incredible job on defense. I really have very little to do with the defense.

"When it comes down to it, I have deep faith and trust in what he does," noted Miller. "It doesn’t mean I don’t question some things, but the reality is I usually get talked out of just about everything.

"It’s a blessing to have guys who have been around us so long, and at the top of that is David.

"And, Pete Girolamo has been with me since Day 1," added Miller. "Pete does so much off the field, and takes care of so much stuff that normally head coaches take care of. I’m very fortunate that both those guys have been around for so long."

Miller’s staff also includes Derek Bowman (offensive and defensive lines), Josh Mastrantuono (secondary), Jeff Mastrantuono (receivers), Peyton Miller (slot receivers), Trevor Bauman (line) and Andy Yeckinevich (inside linebackers) — all Waverly grads and former players for Miller.

"The luxury of having eight or nine guys on staff is that they all have a position they work with," said Miller.

"They communicate very well, and they understand us, which is critical because Dave has his own personality, and I have my own personality," he noted.

"The entirety of the staff has experience in the program, and I think that helps because they have tremendous pride in producing a product that the entire community is proud of. They take a lot of pride in the preparation for their positions.

And, we have a singular focus, and that’s winning, and creating a great experience for the kids," added Miller. "I think it’s easier for them to convey it. They’ve been here, they’ve done it, they played in this stadium, and they know what it’s all about."

Miller said he’s learned a few things over the years in how to put together a coaching staff.

"The other thing about these guys is they’re teachers,"he said. "When you come out here, it’s an extension of the classroom. They understand the kids personalities, and they know how to handle them; that’s a real important trait.

"What we do as teachers in the classroom is exactly what we do out here, and that’s really important," he noted. "Once upon a time, I didn’t realize that, but in the last 15 years I’ve realized it’s absolutely critical that you have your people in the building. It also helps our numbers because these guys are constantly recruiting kids.

"And, most of them are head coaches of other sports, and that’s really important," said Miller. "They know what I go through as a head coach because they do it, too.

"It’s a blessing to have guys like that around. They all understand their role, whether it’s minimal or more involved, they are an integral part at all levels, and we look at it as a system," added Miller. "We’re hoping that system is running well, and typical it is running very well."

The last two years have been particularly enjoyable with his son Peyton joining the staff. Peyton Miller was an all-state quarterback under his father, then went on to become a standout wide receiver at Utica College.

"We communicate a lot," said Jason Miller. "He has an extensive wealth of knowledge. He’s changed us in a lot of ways in regards to little things — the Xs and Os.

"He’s played at a high level — the state quarterfinals, and had a great career at Utica College," he added. "A lot of that knowledge, he brings to us."

Miller notes the majority of his staff, including himself, played college football.

"A lot of our guys played in college — Derek, Josh, Jeff, and Peyton all played in college," he said. "They all have that next level experience, and you pick up certain things.

"Overall, our staff is incredibly strong when it comes to Xs and Os," added Miller.

Waverly will square off with Fonda-Fultonville Saturday at 6 p.m. at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse in the Class C Championship game.

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IN PHOTO: Waverly coach Jason Miller is flanked by several of his coaches during a game this season. … VSR STOCK PHOTO.


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