Old Mill’s McCormick is the Week 8 BTC Coach of the Week
His Patriots are 8-0 and back in the 4A postseason after a big win over Broadneck
During his five-plus seasons as the head coach at Old Mill, few area football coaches have won more than the Patriots’ Chad McCormick, who is 63-8 during his time at the Anne Arundel County powerhouse, including a state title in 2011 and a return to the 4A final in 2014. In 2016 the Patriots are rolling again, moving to 8-0 with a 34-10 rout of rival Broadneck, last Friday, clinching a return trip to the post-season for the Patriots and earning McCormick recognition as the Week 8 Baltimore Touchdown Club Coach of the Week. It was a special win for McCormick and the Patriots because Broadneck upset an 11-0 Old Mill squad in the 4A East Region playoffs last fall, ending the Pats season which appeared destined for a return to the state finals. “Our win versus Broadneck was a nice win for our program and very important for entrance into the playoffs,” said McCormick. “Broadneck is an extremely competitive team and we were fortunate to make some great plays in all three phases of the game. We try not to look too much at the past season, but it is always rewarding to defeat a team that we lost against the previous year.” Teams like Old Mill and Broadneck, as well as Annapolis and Meade, among others, have made Anne Arundel County one of the area’s top leagues, making Old Mill’s sustained success under McCormick even more impressive. “I believe Anne Arundel County is developing as one of the more competitive counties in the state,” added McCormick. “Our success has come from the commitment of the young men that play at Old Mill and the coaching staff.” According to Coach McCormick, it begins in the offseason. “Our varsity players are asked to sacrifice a lot of time in the offseason for workouts and our team strength has paid off. One of our core program beliefs is that we can win any game that we play. With that type of attitude, it has allowed us to stay competitive in tough games. “Our JV program has also done a great job in developing players to be ready to compete at the varsity level. The Old Mill Youth Association also continues to develop competitive teams and players as well that eventually become Old Mill High School football players.” McCormick pointed the strength of his coaching staff as another key. The staff includes Todd Sommerville (Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs), Ron Smalley (Defensive Line), Scott Harmon (Outside Linebackers / Running Backs), Craig Eckenrod (Inside Linebackers), Mike Pfisterer, Sr. (Quarterbacks / Wide receivers), Larry Stoner (Offensive Line), Jim Grim (JV Head Coach) and Stan Springer (JV Assistant coach). “My assistant coaches have done a great job at Old Mill and are vital to our success. Without their commitment and sacrifice my job would be near impossible. They are extremely dependable and knowledgeable and put the time in each week to prepare for our opponents. All of our coaches also do a great job helping develop each player's football ability and character development.” McCormick stated his appreciation for being named BTC Coach of the Week. “It's a great honor to be recognized by other coaches of the BTC as Coach of the Week. I really look at it as a great honor for our entire program,” said McCormick “Football is a great game and there are so many parts that make a team successful. This is a great honor for our current players and coaching staff and also the players and coaches of the past who led to the tradition that is expected at Old Mill.” McCormick also echoed past winners with his respect for the work done by the BTC. “The BTC does a great job in support of high school football. The organization has the best interest of Maryland high school football players, coaches and teams. The BTC hosts a great senior all star game which gives many players the opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of many college coaches and spectators who are in attendance. It's organizations like the BTC that continually support the game of football which has been a key factor for the development of many student athletes.”
