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Ex-Edgewood's Channell new Miamisburg football coach

Longtime Edgewood coach calls his new job  ‘a good fit.’

Steve Channell had a 152-79 overall record during his 21 years as football coach at Edgewood High School. Channell was named Miamisburg’s coach.

Staff photo by Samantha Grier Steve Channell had a 152-79 overall record during his 21 years as football coach at Edgewood High School. Channell was named Miamisburg’s coach.

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By John Cummings, Contributing Writer Updated 7:25 AM Friday, February 3, 2012

MIAMISBURG — In the days of the old Mid-Miami League, Edgewood football coach Steve Channell and Miamisburg’s Tim Lewis used to joke about walking off Harmon Field after a Week 10 game and into retirement together.

On Thursday, Channell was introduced to Vikings players as the successor to Lewis as the school’s next head coach, pending board approval.

“You just never know how things are going to turn out,” Channell said. “Over the years, when we had our battles, I never dreamed of coaching on the home side of Harmon Field. But the thought of it is exciting.”

Channell, who spent last season on the coaching staff at Middletown, was 152-79 in 21 years as head coach at Edgewood, guiding the Cougars to 11 conference titles, 10 playoff appearances, four state semifinal games and the 2003 Division II state championship game.

Miamisburg has struggled recently, winning 13 games in the past six years. Still, Channell thought the Vikings job was the right one to get back into head coaching.

“I’m a guy who goes on a gut feeling,” he said. “My gut told me this would be a good fit. As I evaluated the entire picture, it was clear to see that the ingredients are here to have a successful program.”

While the players will be getting used to a new coach, Channell is well-versed in the opponents he will see on Friday nights. Springboro, Fairborn, Lebanon and West Carrollton all were members of the MML and Channell has experience with Xenia, as well.

The biggest adjustment for the Vikings may be switching from the pro-set offense to Channell’s Wing-T.

“It’ll be a process,” he said. “I see it being a quicker process than expected because the kids want to win. They will be enthusiastic and in tune with what is being taught.”

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