The following is a transcript of a Q&A conducted by Standard sports editor Jeffery Simmons with new Pioneer football coach Eric Belew:

JS: What made you want to apply for the WCHS job?

EB: Every coach has a circle of coaches they trust. When I asked around to those guys about the potential of the program, they all spoke so highly of the administration from the top down, the facilities, the athletes in the building and the community. I visited twice during the process and everything was exactly what those coaches told me about. 

JS: How quickly did you make up your mind that you’d accept once it was offered?

EB: Anytime I have a big decision like this, I always pray diligently and seek council. That process was not short. Through that prayer and council I felt that this was an opportunity that my family could not pass up.

JS: When you arrive, what’s the first thing you’d like to accomplish as Pioneer coach?

EB: The first thing I would like to accomplish is getting to know our players and start developing those relationships. I want these players to know that I am here for them. I will always be their biggest advocate. The Bible calls us to serve, and that’s Step 1 of the plan. To serve these players and know that this staff will be their biggest supporters. 

JS: Do you have offensive and defensive philosophies that you prefer? If so, what are those and what do you think is a realistic timeline of installing those systems?

EB: I have been fortunate in my coaching career to have been exposed to just about any system you can run. The plan is to learn about our players as much as possible and choose a system that best suits our abilities. Our staff will be fluid in our schematic approach. We want our players to make plays. 

Whatever “philosophy” needs to be in place to do that, we will do. But one thing I do know, we’re going to be physical in every phase and position on the field. That will be the foundation of our identity.

JS: Warren County has always been a welcoming community, but what are ways you feel you can embed yourself into the community and become a part of Pioneer Nation?

EB: I think being transparent is a big component to that. Teenagers are smart. They can always tell when someone isn’t being authentic. Being present for the players in all they do is obviously very important. 

My family moving to the area and my wife being in the school system as well will make it easy for us to start meeting people and getting to know everyone. We want to be woven into the community, which takes time, but we are ready and excited to start that process!