Scott Venick enters his third season as Waynesburg’s defensive coordinator. Venick joined the Yellow Jacket staff in the summer of 2006 following a two-year stint at nearby Washington & Jefferson.
After laying the foundations of his defense in 2006 and 2007, Venick’s finest work was on display this past season as Waynesburg featured the top defense in the Presidents’
Athletic Conference.
Not only did the Yellow Jackets hold opponents to a meager average of 17.8 points per game, they also dominated opposing rushing attacks. Over the span of 11 games, opponents averaged a miniscule 68.1 rushing yards per game and were held to an anemic 1.9 yards per carry. In 11 games, opponents scored just 12 rushing touchdowns against Waynesburg.
Venick also played a role in developing some truly special individual performers.
In 2007, senior defensive end Mike Czerwien led the nation in sacks (23) and tackles for loss (34.5). Another senior, inside linebacker Brendon Steele, also had a memorable final college season as he led the team with 93 tackles with 10.5 TFL, two sacks and three interceptions.
Current senior defensive end, D.J. DeWitt, also had a 2007 to remember as he finished second to Czerwien on the team with 10.5 sacks and 19.5 TFL.
All told, five members of the 2007 defense were honored as first-team selections to the All-PAC team in 2007, including Czerwien, DeWitt, Steele andsafeties Stefon Strothers and Ryan Krull. Four more defensive starters were named honorable mention additions to the All-PAC squad.
The only negative for Venick after witnessing all the stellar work that his defense has accumulated during his time at Waynesburg, is trying to find replacements for six starters from last year’s group
In his first season with the Presidents, he coached a W&J secondary that recorded 27 interceptions, led by two-time All-American safety Frank Pilato. Pilato along with the rest of the secondary, were pivotal in the Presidents’ record-setting 2004 season, as the team set a single-season school record with 12 victories and advanced to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals.
Venick got his start in coaching in 1992, serving as defensive coordinator for Jefferson-Morgan, his alma mater, for five seasons. From there he coached the defense at Ringgold for three seasons before taking the head coaching position of the Rams in 2000. In two seasons as head coach, he guided Ringgold to an 11-3 conference record, including the Quad West Conference Championship.
As a player, Venick was a free safety at Salem College. Venick is a 1992 graduate of Waynesburg. He and his wife, Julie, have three daughters, Emily, Kaylin and Riley.
