I recently had the opportunity to interview the New Castle Varsity head cheer leading coach Dave Rapko. The interview I conducted asked questions about Dave’s coaching experience with the New Castle cheer leading program – Chelsea.

Question: How long have you been coaching for?

Dave: I have been coaching for 10 years.

Question: How long does it take to prepare for football and basketball season?

Dave: I hold tryouts in April. We start practicing in July. We prepare for football first, then after the season ends we start preparing for basketball. We practice from July to March. 

Question: What made you want to start coaching?

Dave: I have always loved the sport. My passion for cheer-leading inspired me to become a coach. 

Question: Define your vision for the program when you first begun.

Dave: New Castle always had traditions when it came to sports, so I wanted to bring back the traditions that the program got away from. 

Question: What makes you different from other coaches?

Dave: I like to think that we as a program are a family and as much as I want my athletes to strive, I also want to make sure they are healthy and doing well.

Question: What other coaches, teachers, or other people have been great influences in your life and why/how?

Dave: My College Cheer Coach. 

Question: What motivates you to coach?

Dave: The love I have for the sport, and most important my athletes. 

Question: What are the qualifications as well as skills necessary for a cheer coach?

Dave: Leadership skills, knowledge of the sport, and experience.

Question: What does teaching the youth about cheer mean to you?

Dave: It’s not just about learning cheers and cheering at games. We also teach our athletes responsibility and respect. It’s amazing to watch how they grow throughout the years.

Question: Do you think you’ve made an impact over the years on the athletes you’ve coached?

Dave: I have coached many athletes so I would like to believe that I have. They sure have impacted my life for the better.