How 3 former Peoria educators are helping Stark County flourish in football and beyond
WYOMING — A pack of positivity from Peoria has migrated north.
On a calm, cool night when Stark County wrapped up an undefeated regular season, three of the high school football program’s biggest supporters had a sideline view for the game.
Superintendent Brett Elliott, principal Megan McGann and athletics director Roland Brown spent much of the contest cheering on the program's first 9-0 campaign since their 2015 Class 1A state runner-up finish.
This trio all have ties to Peoria Public School, specifically Richwoods, but have left the River City and settled into this school of nearly 250 students just 45 minutes from their roots.
Week 9 coverage: Recap | All the scores | Top performers | Takeaways
“Stark County is a gem,” McGann said at halftime of Stark County’s 28-20 win over Monmouth United on Friday night at Gary Johnson Field. “It’s a hidden secret that you didn’t know was there. … I realized all the benefits of a small community that you kind of overlook even in Peoria. Here Peoria’s the big city. … We talk about it all the time how special this place is and what they have is so unique to the area.
“We are excited to build off that.”
'Peoria North'
Elliott came to Stark County prior to the 2020-21 school year after four years as the Richwoods principal. The encouraging energy he gives off has been an incredible addition to the communities of Toulon, Wyoming and LaFayette that make up Stark County.
Elliott said his hiring was a tremendous opportunity, as well as a perfect fit. He wanted to take on a superintendent role but still wanted to be close enough to connect daily with the students.
“Our philosophy is we make decisions what’s best for kids,” Elliott said, “but kids should be surrounded by positive energy at all times from the first time they walk through the door in the morning to when they leave. It’s our job as the adults to make school fun but also challenging for them.
“If they can have fun while they’re learning and being successful, then we’re doing our jobs.”
McGann was then hired as the junior/senior high school principal ahead of the 2021-22 school year, wanting to learn and be mentored by Elliott. She was an assistant principal under him for a year at Richwoods.
Now in her third year, McGann has gotten used to Elliott’s dynamic approach and has rave reviews.
“You can’t really compare it to anything,” she said. “I’ve worked with a lot of great administrators, but he is the best of the best. Second to none. The top. He is just different.”
Brown was the final piece of the Richwoods to Stark County pipeline trifecta. After 11 seasons highlighted by seven playoff appearances and a 2011 Class 6A state runner-up, the former Richwoods football coach retired following the 2020-21 school year.
He was sitting around in February 2022 when he got the call from Elliott and McGann.
“The running joke is Richwoods North,” Brown said with a laugh, adding that SC assistant principal Michael McGovern also came from Peoria. “This gives me a chance to stay around sports, involved in sports. Work with coaches. Work with the kids. … It’s a great school. It keeps me plenty busy enough.”
Added McGann, “I’m claiming that idea 100 percent. It was the best idea I’ve ever had.”
The football program feels it
The administrative care isn’t lost on Jade Noard. The 19-year coach says the encouragement the students get from their super, principal and AD goes a long way in getting them involved in all school extracurricular activities.
Just the fact that the admins are recognizable faces around school is a huge part of the students wanting to active pupils at Stark County.
“They’re our kids’ biggest fans,” he said. “I think when the kids see that it just endears them to the community and to the kids.”
Quarterback Luke Rewerts echoes that sentiment.
“(Elliott) brings it every Friday,” the senior said. “We walk in those school doors, and he’s already hyped up. He’s giving fist bumps. He’s giving hugs. He’s ready for the game.
“It’s just something we haven’t had. It’s amazing. … You never walk in with a frown on your face on a Friday.”
As for the game, Stark County completed an undefeated run through the newly formed LincolnLand Small-Division Conference. The Class 1A fifth-ranked Rebels (9-0, 8-0) used a steady offense and made plays when it needed to secure their first undefeated regular season in eight years.
A 26-yard touchdown run by Rewerts set the final score with 9:27 to play. The 6-foot-3, 175-pounder, who finished with 110 rushing yards and two scores, was 8-for-12 on passing with 169 yards.
“I don’t know if we expected an undefeated season,” Rewerts said whose 24-yard pass to Connor Wagenbach late in the fourth quarter iced the game, “but we knew we were going to be something.”
His backfield mate, Nolan Orwig, chipped in 104 yards on 13 carries, scoring two second-quarter TDs behind the offensive line of center Ben Siebenthal, left tackle Tanner Price, left guard Owen Gibler, right tackle Cole Merriman and right guard Cole Kinsella.
“Both really good runners,” Noard said. “They got to honor them both which makes us a little bit difficult to defend.”
United (3-6, 2-6) rolled up 306 total yards (233 rushing, 73 passing) led by Jacob McElwee (132 rushing yards, TD) and Tony Rodriguez (81 rushing yards, TD).
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Stark County football unbeaten with help of former Peoria educators
