MORE ABOUT STEVE SPECHT
Specht, who won Ohio Division I (large school) state titles in 2005 and
'07, has a 71-17 record since being named head coach at his alma mater
in 2004. His success on the field speaks for itself, but it isn't the
only representation of the man.
"Coach Specht is respected a lot by high school programs around Ohio
and the country because he has built a program that competes every year
despite not always being the most talented and athletic team," said
Wisconsin defensive end Pat Muldoon, a former St. X player. "Not only
has he helped get the program to being a contender every year but the
thing I think most people respect is that he has built the program with
class. Everything the program runs around is a central set of beliefs
and morals. Football is not the be all and end all, it teaches life
lessons."
Mark Porter, director of ScoutingOhio.com, said Specht is held in high regard with college programs across the country.
"Specht at St. Xavier is like the perfect storm for a football team
because of the talent and tradition at (the school) mixed with Specht's
leadership and coaching style," Porter said.
The Bombers use a 3-3-5 defensive scheme that is very complex and
can morph to defend different offenses from week to week. Porter said
the scheme is becoming more popular with the emergence of the spread
offense in high school and college.
"Specht has been a pioneer with this scheme in high school using it
to baffle opponents all the way to state championships," Porter said.
Specht led St. Xavier to a Division I regional runner-up finish in
2010 and had several standout players sign with major college programs,
including Boston College-bound linebackers Steven Daniels and Sean
Duggan.
"Whether it be a major D-I prospect or a high academic
prospect, college coaches have come to trust the product Specht and St.
Xavier produces," Porter said. "If you land a player from St. Xavier as a
college you can expect a great young man who is already battle-tested."
