Zanesville Hires One Of Its Own in Former Standout Clapper
ZANESVILLE, OH
It’s been a tumultuous four-year stretch for the Blue Devils. Four total wins, including none in 2024, plus no playoff appearances, but Zanesville hopes the right man is now in place with former standout Zach Clapper.
“I think it is important as the head coach to embody the values that you are trying to implement within the program” said Clapper. “When you become the head coach, you accept that by title. I want to make sure that I set the tone.”
He played for the Blue Devils from 2010 until graduation, while also participating in the shotput and discus events as a track and field athlete in the spring before continuing his football career at Capital University in Bexley.
A 2014 graduate from Zanesville, Clapper adds to the long legacy of coaches at his alma mater, becoming the 34th in line. Clapper recently has been assistant on the staff for T.J. Carper last year and T.J. Langermeier during the 2023 season. The new head man at Zanesville understands that it’s always a challenge, especially coaching for a school that has had it’s fair share of struggles in recent years.
“I want to build on things that they do well. I got a start by being consistent for three different coaches in high school. I want to make sure that they know that I believe in them and that I am trying to promote what they do well. We got to make sure those kids understand that before we worry about a lot of other things.”
The significance of Zanesville rings true for Clapper, as his head coaching dream leads him back to his alma mater. “I’ve always wanted to be a head coach. I started under (Chad) Grandstaff and (Nate) Brownrigg. They have been huge in helping me grow.”
Clapper continues, “this place has such a special place in my heart. I know that when things are done a specific way, that it can end up in success.”
He credits Grandstaff for his discipline and structure, along with the importance of the relationship and communication aspect that he can take away from his time with Brownrigg.
“He (Brownrigg) looks out for all of his players, his students, and his staff really. I just go back to when I was coaching under Brownrigg. When my wife and I bought our first house, he came over and put the new front door in for us, just to teach me how to do it. That’s the value I want to give back. Those guys are so instrumental in my development.”
Now the third coach in as many seasons for the Blue Devils, Clapper made one guarantee to the interview panel and administration. “I want to promise this to the players. It’s a privilege to play Blue Devil football on Friday nights.”
He is currently a math teacher at John McIntire Elementary School in Zanesville.
