Head Coach - Jeff Grubich

The 2020 campaign was a season that almost didn’t happen. With the country in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, high school football was not on the list of high priorities to schools. The State of Ohio recognized the importance of athletics to the student population and with strict safety rule enforcement the Bombers returned to action. This responsibility fell to Coach Grubich and he responded. With none of the usual summer preparation, he led the Bombers to a successful, abbreviated season which included everything from cancelled games to a playoff victory.

In 2019, the Bombers graduated the greatest football class of all time. Replacing the talent, leadership and determination of the senior class was difficult but with Grubich’s experience in building young talent into winners, the Bombers rose to the occasion. For example, Grubich’s first state title was conceived four years ago when he decided to play a bunch of talented freshmen and sophomores to build the future. Grubich’s insight proved correct as the Bombers won OHSAA Division 3 tournament with a squad of experienced and talented juniors and seniors. The victory laid to rest the ghosts of having lost its previous two state championship games (1986, 1995) by a total of four points, 6-7 in 1986 and 0-3 in 1995. When asking Principal Tom Gabram about Grubich he states “without a doubt it’s his leadership. He has the unique ability to listen and make proactive decisions from there.” Learning from the 2017 season, Grubich kept the team focused and motivated through the final whistle in 2018 by driving home the “Vengence.3 (V.3)” slogan which reminded each player how they felt after missing the playoff by 3 tenths of a point in 2017. Grubich has been recognized for his efforts that year by being named the News Herald’s Bob Ritley Coach of the Year award, Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Division 3 Coach of the Year, Sam Rutigliano Cleveland Legends Coach of the Year, and the Paul Brown National Football Foundation NEO Chapter Coach of the Year. With this year’s record of 8-3 Grubich’s overall record improved to 57-33 in his eighth season of Bomber football. Under his direction Kenston has earned two conference championships including 2014 and in 2018 – the program’s thirteenth overall.

The current playoff success is not new to Grubich, he has led the Bombers to consecutive OHSAA playoff appearances from 2012 to 2014 highlighted by the 2012 first round victory over the #1 seed Tallmadge. He has done this by developing and overseeing a program culture that requires accountability, promotes respect, prepares young men for life, and develops football skill sets that maximize a player’s talents and ability. Born and raised in Chagrin Falls with two degrees from Ashland University, Coach Grubich made it clear from the day he took over the program stating that “We are going to make the Kenston students, staff, parents and community proud of everything we do.” With the success the bombers have had both on and off the field, Grubich has indeed made Kenston proud of his Bombers!