Represent B-W in Aztec Bowl in Toluca, Mexico
By: Matthew Florjancic, Correspondent
BEREA, OHIO—For the third time in four years, the Baldwin-Wallace College Football program will have two representatives on Team USA in the Aztec Bowl. The Aztec Bowl annually pits the NCAA Division III All-Stars against the Mexican College National Team. This year, the game will be played on December 17 in Toluca, Mexico.
Making his fourth consecutive appearance as a member of the coaching staff is former B-W head football coach and Berea resident Bob Packard. This year, he will be joined by All-North Region standout defensive end Ryan Lewis.
Lewis finished his career with 28 quarterback sacks, two shy of a school career record. During his senior campaign, Lewis was third on the team in tackles with 57 stops, led the team with 16 tackles for-loss and led the OAC with 12 sacks which was just one shy of a B-W single-season record.
"Ryan Lewis had an outstanding season and career and we are proud that he is representing the College at the Aztec Bowl," said current Yellow Jacket Head Coach John Snell, who suceeded Packard and has a 28-14 career mark in four seasons, including one NCAA Division III National Playoff berth.
Lewis is happy to be playing in the Aztec Bowl.
"It is an honor representing B-W, Division III and the USA in the Aztec Bowl," said Lewis. "I have worked hard and sacrificed a lot to play and represent B-W on Saturday’s. Now I get a chance to represent Division III and the USA. It is exciting.
"It also is an opportunity to lace up my cleats and strap on my pads one more time," Lewis added. "I am looking forward to meeting the other guys that I am going to be playing alongside. These are the best guys in the nation and I know playing alongside them is going to be fun."
Lewis joins All-American safety Greg Koch (Olmsted Falls), wide receiver Dave LaBahn (Strongsville), quarterback Geoff Helmlinger and placekicker Chris Kondik as Yellow Jackets who have appeared in the game. These young men made an impact during their Aztec Bowl games. LaBahn was tabbed as the 2002 Aztec Bowl Most Valuable Player. Kondik still holds the record for field goals with in a game with five and points scored with 18 en route to the MVP honor.
Packard is glad to see so many Yellow Jacket athletes succeed among some of North America’s best talent.
"There is a sense of pride among the B-W players because we have played very well at the Aztec Bowl," said Packard. "Every player who has represented B-W in the game has done very well.
"It just goes to show that Baldwin-Wallace has always been able to get some good athletes that can certainly play at the highest level."
Packard, whose 156 wins are first all-time at B-W, enjoys the atmosphere of the game.
"It is really kind of a unique game," said Packard. "It is their (Mexico’s) National Championship team plus 20 other all-stars. There is great intensity from both teams because they are each representing their country."
Despite the fun atmosphere surrounding the game, Packard and the staff, along with Team USA Head Coach Ron Schipper, arrive in Mexico earlier than the players to implement the game plan.
"The coaching staff gets there a day early to talk about the players and the talent level and what we think we are capable of accomplishing on offense, defense and special teams," said Packard. "Once the players get there, we go two-a-day practices for the first four days.
"We do not do a lot of contact drills because we only have 44 players and we don’t want any of the kids to be injured and risk the opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime game," said Packard. "There is an awful lot of learning going on all week. We also make sure the kids have fun too."
The coaching staff may have a short time frame to prepare for the game, but Packard is used to high-pressure situations. He was hired as the head coach after the legendary Dr. Lee Tressel, father of current Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, retired.
"I played for Coach Tressel and then I was the offensive coordinator for Coach Tressel," said Packard. "He was a hard guy to replace, and I’m not quite sure anyone could ever replace Coach Tressel (Lee). I just tried to be myself.
"I learned a lot of important lessons from Coach Tressel," said Packard. "Most of all, I learned to treat people like you want to be treated and respect each one for his ability."
Even though the players are in Mexico for the game, they get to experience some of the culture south of the border.
"Each week, we take one afternoon off and go to a cultural event in the area," said Packard, who plays a lot more golf now that he is retired. "It is a great experience for the players. They are learning what Mexico is all about.
"That is part of the reason why the game is in Mexico," he added. "It allows the players to learn a little bit about another country."
Packard may no longer be on the sidelines for the Brown and Gold, but he is still active in the classroom. He teaches the Coaching of Football class in the department of Health and Physical Education.
"I really do enjoy teaching the class," said Packard. "It is a little more fun now than when I was coaching. I always had so much I needed to do. You were looking at your watch, seeing how much time you had left beforec practices or meetings with staff and student-athletes. Now, kids are raising their hands saying, ‘Coach, it is way past time’."
Despite enjoying both the spoils of his retirement and his teaching assignment, he still misses the game he loves so much and one that he spent some 40 years in as a player and coach.
"Some things you do not miss too much, but I miss the association with the coaches and the association with the players," said Packard. "The kids are what keeps you young, energetic and excited."
Coach Packard will once again get that feeling of association on Dec. 17 when he represents B-W and the USA as a coach in the Aztec Bowl. He will also get the thrill of sharing the moment in Mexico with Lewis. These two, along with the other Team USA coaches and players are looking for their eighth win in the last nine games. Last year, Team USA defeated Mexico, 23-3, in Cancun.
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