2025 Interview with Ty Harper from Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton Eagles (NY)

 

*Coach Harper is one of the classist coaches I have met. Win or lose he will not only talk with me after the game, he will answer any question right on the spot.*

Ty Harper

School: Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton Eagles

Position: Head Coach, OC, DLine Coach College: St. John Fisher (D3, New York) Former Head Coach at CSP

What were your first words to the team?

They had a really good season in 2024. These kids were one game away from playing for a section championship. I just told them that they were probably a lot closer to accomplishing their goals than they might realize. I also told them that I was really excited to build relationships with them and that I would do everything that I could to help them achieve their goals.

What was the first thing the team said to you?

They were very welcoming. I started working in the building in March, and many of the kids came up to my room or walked over during my lunch duty to introduce themselves and shake hands. It was pretty impressive on their end. It also made the transition a lot easier.

What made you decide on taking the job coaching the Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton Eagles?

First and foremost, it was a decision that will benefit my family. I live in Mayville, about 7 minutes from Chautauqua Lake. My wife, Lauren, is an administrator at Westfield, and my three sons all go to school there. This job gives me the opportunity to be more present for them, which was something that was weighing on me. Additionally, the administrative support at Lake has been incredible, and the facilities are the best in the county.

What have you noticed that is different with this job compared to other coaching jobs you have had?

The facilities are tremendous—we have a turf game field with lights, multiple practice fields, and a weight training/fitness room that would rival some small colleges. It’s also nice to feel like the administration values football and will do anything to help the program be successful.

What goals are you setting for the team this season?

We want to compete at a championship level (which is the same goal I’ve had for all of my teams). I also want them to enjoy playing football. Sports are fun.

What offense and defense will you run this season?

We try to be multiple on offense and change personnel groupings with regularity. Some of what we do will depend on the opponent and what we feel like we can exploit. I will say that we have some very talented skill players returning. My goal is that we will become a physical football team. The sweet spot in football is being able to do the finesse stuff but knowing that when you have to do it, you can punch someone in the mouth until they quit. Defensively, I know Coach Payne will do whatever maximizes the talent of our personnel. I think we’ve got some good ones on that side of the ball as well.

What will it be like when you face your former team, CSP, later this season?

Right now, I’m just focused on getting better every day. Our kids have been pretty locked in since our first meeting in March, and we’re just working hard to improve. Every opponent in this league is good, and we have to take it week by week. I’m sure the kids at CSP will be motivated for that game, though.

What are you looking forward to the most this season?

Friday Night Lights. I haven’t coached a home game on a Friday night in many years. I think anticipation is building for the season in these communities, so the opener on September 5th should be an exciting night.

Will there be an open competition for starting positions, or will the starters keep their starting spots?

I’ve always been a huge believer in the importance of competition, so we’ll split the squad during the first week of practice. I’m excited to watch the kids get after it and earn their positions. That said, watching the films from last season, it’s obvious that there are certain guys that have a knack for making plays. My job is to put our kids in the best position to be successful, so that’s what I’ll try to do.

What are your numbers looking like this year?

We’re looking at between 90 and 100 players across three levels of football. At the varsity level, we’ll likely dress between 30 and 35 kids.

In getting to talk to you, I will guess you will downplay this, but you have earned a good reputation in the coaching world in your area. You win, and that cannot be disputed. Does this bring extra pressure with it, especially with a new team who are trying to get where you have been, and that is a state champ multiple times?

I truly appreciate the kind words, but the kids that I’ve coached deserve the majority of the credit. I’ve also been fortunate to work with some other great coaches. I’m very grateful that Chris Payne was willing to join me in this new adventure—he deserves a lot of credit as well. I was also able to bring Bill Delcamp, another longtime assistant, with me. Having that familiarity has helped in this transition, and I think we have a great staff of coaches who were already at Lake/Westfield/Brocton. As far as pressure is concerned, I want there to be pressure. I want high expectations. I want people to believe that we’re going to do great things.

How will you go about choosing team captains?

The players will vote (that’s how I’ve always handled it). It gives them ownership of the team and helps to make them accountable.

Outside of coaching, what are you doing for fun?

My kids keep me pretty busy. We play a lot of wiffle ball. My oldest son loves to fish; the twins like to swim. Whenever the weather is decent, we’re doing something outside. My wife and I both enjoy live music—we went to see Chris Stapleton and George Strait at Highmark Stadium in June, and that was awesome.

If you could have season tickets for any team, what team are you getting tickets for?

I had Bills season tickets for 10 years during the drought. There’s nothing like a Bills tailgate, and that was before Josh saved the franchise. If I lived closer, Michigan (I know you’ll love that answer). The Big House is on my bucket list.

What is your go-to snack?

I eat a lot of pretzels at work. I also love Funyuns. There’s a Steakhouse Funyun out right now, and I could eat a bag of them every night.

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