Quick Facts:
Born: March 16, 1965
High School: Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (1983)
College: Youngstown State (1983-1986)
Fun Fact: Coach Shepas is a member of the Youngstown State HOF and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney HOF
Head Coaching Record – Massillon
| Year | Won | Loss | Tied | Points - MASS | Points - OPP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 150 | 210 |
| 1999 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 311 | 141 |
| 2000 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 333 | 204 |
| 2001 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 554 | 237 |
| 2002 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 557 | 151 |
| 2003 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 201 | 269 |
| 2004 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 284 | 227 |
| 7 Seasons | 53 | 27 | 0 | 2,390 | 1,439 |
Overall Winning Percentage: 66.3%
Overview 1998-2004
Overall Record: 53-27-0
Record vs. McKinley: 5-3-0
OHSAA Playoff Appearances: 4
* 1999 Lost in Div I Regional Round 1
* 2000 Lost in Div I Regional Round 1
* 2001 Lost in Div I State Semifinal
* 2002 Lost in Div I State Semifinal
Additional Coaching Experience
1989 – Defensive Backs/Wide Recievers at Alliance, OH
1990-1992 – Defensive Coordinator at Poland Seminary, OH
1993-1995 – Head Coach at Poland Seminary, OH
* Overall Head Coaching Record at Poland Seminary: 27-7-0
* Led Poland Seminary to Mahoning Valley Conference Champions (1993)
* Led Poland Seminary to first ever OHSAA Div. III Playoff Appearance (1993)
* Led Poland Seminary to Metro Athletic Conference Champions (1994,1995)
* Led Poland Seminary to OHSAA Div. III State Semifinals (1994,1995)
1996-1997 – Head Coach at Seneca Valley, PA
* Overall Head Coaching Record at Seneca Valley: 14-7-0 – 6-4(1996), 8-3(1997)
* Led Seneca Valley to victory over #1 state-ranked North Allegheny (1997)
* Led Seneca Valley to Quad A North Conference Champions (1997)
* Led Seneca Valley to WPIAL Semifinals (1997)
1998-2004 – Head Coach at Massillon Washington, OH
* Athletic Director (1998)
Overall High School Head Coaching Record: 94-41-0
Overall High School Head Coaching Win %: 69.62%
2005-2016 – Head Coach at Waynesburg University, PA
* Overall record at Waynesburg University: 69-55-0
* 69 Wins currently is the most by a Head Coach in Waynesburg history (MAY 2018)
* Tied for Presidents Athletic Conference Championship (2012)
* Played in Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Bowl Games (2012, 2013, 2014)
Profile:
Rick Shepas first stepped into Paul Brown Tiger Stadium as a graduated high school senior from Youngstown Cardinal Mooney HS. There he caught the winning touchdown pass for the North in the North vs. South All Star Game. He also caught something that would stay with him for years … the “Massillon Mystique”.
During his two week stay in the city in 1983, Rick gained an appreciation for the tradition, history and especially for the community’s love and support for the game of football. That Tiger enthusiasm was something he never forgot as he continued his athletic playing career and especially when he went into coaching.
In 1998, Rick returned to Tiger Stadium, not as a young player, but as Massillon Washington High School’s new head football coach. Rick’s success started in high school as a wide receiver for the tradition rich
Youngstown Cardinal Mooney. After a successful athletic career (35-3) including the 1982 State Championship title, he earned a four year scholarship at Youngstown State University. He continued at Y.S.U. by leading the conference in receptions and gaining All Conference/All American honors. He still ranks 2nd as all time leading receiver and was recently inducted into the Y.S.U. Hall of Fame.
After college Rick played one year in the Arena Football League with the Pittsburgh Gladiators. He also had NFL tryouts with both the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers.
At Alliance High School Rick spent one year as a receiver/secondary coach before moving on to Poland High School as defensive coordinator. After establishing Poland as the league’s # 1 defense, he was promoted to the head coaching position.
In three years he successfully went 27-7 which included three straight league titles – two playoff appearances in 1993 and 1995 reaching the state semifinals in 1995. Twice named Coach of the Year, Rick was also selected as a coach in the Big 33 All Star Football Classic in Hershey, PA.
The playoff season at Poland proved to be a springboard for Shepas. In 1996, he was hired at Seneca Valley High School – a Quad A (Ohio Division I), north of Pittsburgh, PA. In 1997, Coach Shepas guided his team to become the North Conference Champions beating arch rival North Allegheny High, who was ranked #1 in the state and #10 in USA Today.
He also was named Coach of the Year for the third time. One of Coach Shepas’s goals as the new coach’ at Massillon is to be an active presence at all playing levels. From the program at the Boys Club to the middle schools, he hopes to build a bridge between the youth who participate in these programs to those who are on the varsity field on Friday nights. He believes that the skills and knowledge which these young athletes develop early are crucial components to the success of the varsity program. Coordinated work with these programs will ensure their future success. “Those who stay will be champions” says Coach Shepas.
Rick hopes that every young Tiger has a burning desire to one day become a State Champion! “Together we can make it a reality.”
The coaching staff is essential to the success of any program and coach Shepas is especially excited about this year’s knowledgeable and dedicated staff.
Rick also receives great support from his wife Christine and their three children, Maria, Katie and Gina.