Vanatta Poised to Continue Football Tradition at Hazelwood Central

The game of football has produced many memorable names that seem appropriate for the sport and its bruising style.

Many of these athletic, burly and tough football players have not only played professionally, but have gone on to coach, making football a lifelong endeavor. After all, it's hard to imagine a ballet dancer or golfer named Chuck Bednarik, Nick Buoniconti or Dick Butkus.

And the name Van Vanatta is another one that just fits with that of a football player and coach.

I can picture Van Vanatta walking the muddy sidelines during a game in a Hazelwood Central football poncho and wearing a headset.

This has surely happened in the past at , and it will certainly be replayed in the future.

Vanatta was named head football coach at Hazelwood Central, and his hiring was recently approved by the Hazelwood School District Board of Education.

He won't be a stranger to the program and not only does he fit the mold of a coach with that striking name, he follows a long line of homegrown head coaches at Central.

That short list includes Steve Miller, Mike Unger, Norm Ryan, John Hotfelder, John Pukala and Rich Nixon.

There was little confusion or panic at Hazelwood Central when Nixon announced his resignation shortly after the 2010 season.

Nixon, coming off of Class 6 titles in 2008 and 2009 and a second-place finish in 2010, wanted to spend more time with his young family, and he accepted an assistant coaching position at Lindenwood University.

Given the current economic conditions within the district, the hiring of Vanatta wasn't much of a surprise.

He was already on staff and his knowledge of the program and the tradition at Central made this hire pretty simple.

"We are two different people on the football field," Nixon said. "I know Van will coach the game his way with his style and personality. He wants to do the right thing for the kids and this program."

Vanatta, from Jupiter, Fla., played college football initially at Missouri State and then finished his career at Central Methodist.

He has been leading the defense at Central for the past three seasons. In that time, the Hawks have been one of the most consistent teams in the state on defense.

"I was interested in the head coaching job from the beginning," Vanatta said. "I talked to John (Pulaka) right away. I just had to wait and see what happened. I'm going to work hard to keep the strong tradition going."

Vanatta said fans and players won't notice a difference in coaching style with the change in title.

"The kids we having coming back have accepted our program and philosophy, and they have bought into the program," Vanatta said. "I won't be coaching any different than before."

Vanatta watched and learned from Central coaching alumni, such as Ryan, and he feels ready for the challenge.

"I have had a lot of guidance here," Vanatta said. "I have seen a lot of different episodes and have given advice on what to do. I think the talent is here, and I know the tradition will continue. There have been a lot of good coaches here. And I don't think that will change."

I'm betting it won't change either, especially with that perfect football name.