Bradley Miller, a sophomore, takes on the heavy lifting of the quarterback position for Humphreys, after learning at the feet of predecessor Sean Cook. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Ninth in a series of preseason looks at DODEA-Pacific football programs.
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Reggie Meno likes to call his opportunity to coach Humphreys a new lease on his football life, at least in Korea.
He takes over the Blackhawks from their longtime mentor, Steven Elliott, and Meno says he’s ready not only for the challenge of assuming the helm, but helping build what is a very young ballclub into a long-term Far East Division I power.
“I feel pretty good about taking over the mantle from Coach Elliott,” Meno said before practice Wednesday, two days before the Blackhawks’ scheduled season opener at home against reigning Far East D-I champion Kadena.
That game was postponed due to Tropical Storm Haikui which prevented Kadena from traveling to Korea.
Having taught at Humphreys Elementary School the last few years since moving from Seoul American, Meno says he’s learned much from the Blackhawks’ coaching staff and “added it to my (coaching) repertoire.”
Meno coached Seoul American’s football team in 2017 – what was their final season – and Meno says he would have been delighted to coach the Falcons in 2018 … but not enough players were available to fill out a roster.
Like that Falcons team in 2017, Meno’s current Blackhawks roster is filled with plenty of youngsters.
“We have a lot of freshmen, young players, some of whom have been in Korea for awhile, but they’re new to football,” Meno said.
Thus, the Blackhawks will lean on the few veterans they have returning, such as senior running backs Luke Robinson and Koah Meno, the coach’s nephew. “It’s a family affair,” the elder Meno said.
Meno’s son, Dominic, a junior, will help anchor a line that features a mix of returners as well as “players who have played line in other places,” Meno said.
He cited another potential building block in the line, 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore Blaire Morrison. “He’s showing promise. Very determined to learn his position,” Meno said.
Another sophomore, Andrew Thompson, comes over from soccer to bolster the Blackhawks’ kickoff and punting. “Special teams can win games,” Meno said.
It’s a question, he said, of getting the Blackhawks, especially the new players, “up to speed and playing at a football pace.”
Humphreys’ first regular-season game is now scheduled for Sept. 8 at Nile C. Kinnick. A makeup date for the postponed Kadena game has yet to be announced.
Koah Meno, nephew of Humphreys coach Reggie Meno, is one of the backfield keys that the elder Meno hopes can turn the wheels and get the Blackhawks back to contending status. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Humphreys Blackhawks
2022 season record — 5-0.
Head coach — Reggie Meno, first season. Coached two seasons at Seoul American (2017-18).
Returning players — 11.
Returning starters — 11 at any one time or another.
Key performers — Luke Robinson, Sr., RB-LB; Koah Meno, Sr., RB-LB; Dominic Meno, Jr., OL-DL; Bradley Miller, So., QB; Blaire Morrison, So., OL-DL; Andrew Thompson, So., PK-P.
Strengths — Special teams; as a soccer player, Thompson has a tremendous boot. Leadership from returnees. Summer conditioning program helped.
Drawbacks — Lack of experience. Many freshmen dot the roster.
Overview — Rebuilding, but hoping to contend if the Blackhawks can spin up the newcomers and do it quickly.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 1
Kadena at Humphreys, ppd., Tropical Storm Haikui
Friday, Sept. 8
Humphreys at Nile C. Kinnick
Friday, Sept. 15
Humphreys at Kubasaki
Friday, Sept. 29
Humphreys at Kadena
Friday, Oct. 6
Kinnick at Humphreys
Friday, Oct. 13
Kubasaki at Humphreys
