As you enter the Nelson Field House, the sound of clanking weights echoes from the weight room you pass on your right, while nearby conference rooms buzz with the chatter of energized sports teams. Straight ahead, a hallway lined with shining trophies leads to a stairwell that takes you to the second floor. At the top of the stairs, just to your left, you will find the office of Bloomsburg University’s head football coach, Coach Sheptock. His name is proudly displayed on the door. Inside, the room reflects the intensity of his game, papers scattered with plans, footballs resting on chairs and shelves, and Coach Sheptock himself in his seat, phone in hand, making calls. His style of coaching is aggressive and is part of who he is, “I don't know how to describe it physically, it's like a one-on-one battle situation and I must win with every I've got,” said Sheptock. He is implying that this is his belief that applying aggressive force towards teams will win more games. Game days for Sheptock were very locked in as he claims, “I've delivered pre-game speeches to fire up the team, often fueling my own energy by watching WWE wrestling videos beforehand to tap into that intensity and aggression.” Ultimately, Coach Sheptock’s entire approach for on and off the field is driven by intensity, preparation, and competitive edge to give his team the best chance to win from a coaching standpoint.
Practices with Sheptock started with six in the morning meetings. “I am an early riser and like to go for four in the morning runs before my six in the morning meetings begin with my players,” said Sheptock. After his early mornings, he follows with more meetings before three o’clock because that’s when practice will begin in the afternoon. Nestled among beautiful mountains, the five-thousand-seat stadium, named after Robert B. Redman, offers a stunning backdrop for football games. “I head out before the players do and help set up the drills with other coaches before we start practice on the turf,” said Sheptock. Whistles blaring, players hustling from drill to drill, and Coach Sheptock commanding the field with intensity. “My goal with each player is to make them get better at one thing or one percent each day. If that means I must get in their face because they got a play wrong or a drill, then so be it because I want to see them succeed,” said Sheptock. The goal is to push players past their limits, even if it means yelling, being uncomfortable, and being hard on players because Sheptock wants the best for you on and off the field. Furthermore, you must send Sheptock your study hours each week to prove to him you are getting your schoolwork done. “Yes, I require all my players who are freshmen or have gpa below a 3.0,” said Sheptock. From pre-dawn to afternoon practices, Sheptock’s success is focusing on daily improvement of players to set the tone for the culture and growth of the team.
Being an All-American college football player like Sheptock came with many memories and lessons that contributed to his coaching success. For example, Sheptock made an early start for East Stroudsburg. “My freshman year I was not happy because the team was not particularly good at that point. The guys on the sideline were not as much into football as I was and I told my mom and Lisa, who is my wife now after the game, I am out of here. They do not understand what it takes to win,” said Sheptock. This early competitive drive gave him an early outlook on what it takes to build a winning program. He later mentions his transition to the West Chester football team, “a team filled with culture, aggression, and preparation,” said Sheptock. The program started to win, and things started to change. The team ends up playing in the Eastern Division championship. “Looking back at that level I played at, helped build my IQ and confidence for coaching the game today,” said Sheptock. Based on his experiences, Sheptock’s understanding of the game has grown and contributes to his knowledge of what it takes to win games.
Most people do not realize what it is like to be a head football coach and the day-in-the-life aspect. Sheptock mentions from his coaching experiences from his years that, “I would think that they do not have an appreciation of everything that goes into putting a program together again whether it is healthy administration thing, the relationship thing, monitoring academics or you're dealing with parents, there's so many facets from a coaching standpoint on and off the field, said Sheptock.” It is clear Sheptock has a lot on his plate as a head football coach and can handle it well. “I pay bills, invoices, and have my family involved with the program. My wife Lisa is at every game supporting the team and me, while my daughters, Kelly and Nicole help prep food for the players after their games,” said Sheptock. However, Sheptock has made an impact for the team and program off the field. Coach Sheptock’s support off the field may not be heard enough. “When you have some of those private moments with your guys when they are dealing with life it is important to listen to. I helped many players dealing with kids, family issues, money problems, etc. I do not think there is a more satisfying thing than you can experience as a coach or human to change a player positively. I have helped players with mental issues, having kids, money issues, family problems, and more,” said Sheptock.
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