New Coupeville High School football coach Brett Smedley wants to build more than a winning program. He wants to develop student-athletes of high character.

Smedley is Coupeville’s fourth head coach in seven years. Ron Bagby, who held the post for 26 seasons, stepped down after the 2009 season. Jay Silver coached for two years, then Tony Maggio followed for three.

Smedley, the defensive coordinator the past two seasons, now steps into the ring with a goal to mold responsible young men.

“I wanted the Coupeville job because Coupeville has great kids and a very supportive community that I thoroughly enjoy working with,” Smedley said. “I am passionate about building a strong football program here that develops men of character.”

That last comment, character development, is key to Smedley’s coaching philosophy.

“The program will develop well-rounded players by holding them accountable as a model representing the high standards of Coupeville High School football,” he said. “Community and parent involvement is integrated in order to provide players with a holistic and supportive experience.

“Ultimately, we will develop men of integrity and character, who, once they graduate and leave our football family, will be caring and contributing members of society.”

This development will come through the program’s four core covenants: commitment, competitiveness, belief and selflessness.

Smedley wants his troops to commit to all aspects of their lives — family, team, school, community — and compete to be the best they can be as students, friends, sons and football players.

Players need to believe in themselves, he said, so that they “can get the job done.”

“I truly believe that we need to develop selfless young leaders who put others needs above their own.”

So far the growth has been positive. Smedley has worked with the team through off-season activities and said the players are “buying in.”

“I think if you came to a game, practice, school (or) community (event), you would see these four covenants at work.”

One way to produce these positive results is to build a family atmosphere, he said.

“I want every kid, regardless of their skill level, to realize that they are a huge part of this team, and that once they sign up to be on the football team, it’s not just a team, they have just joined a very big family,” Smedley said.

“We have a team full of guys who truly enjoy each others’ company, working hard and being a part of the Coupeville football family,” Smedley said.

Smedley lists a handful of team goals for the first season, and, not surprisingly, several tie directly into the four covenants. Others cover effort, focus, improvement and enjoyment.

These goals, he added, aren’t just for the players but for the coaches and managers as well.

Smedley grew up in Vancouver, Wash., and attended Columbia River High School. He went on to play tight end for Western Washington University and Linfield College.

After graduating from college, he returned to coach football and basketball for one year at Columbia River. He also coached track and field at Hockinson High School for one season, and then football and basketball at Battle Ground for a year.

He moved to Coupeville three years ago with wife Breanne Smedley, who coaches the CHS volleyball team.

The Wolves will continue to run a 3-5-3 defense this fall, he said, but will switch away from the wing-T offense favored by Maggio.

Smedley is assisted by Ryan King, Dylan Schachtner, Nic Shular and Bryan Ford.

Practices for the 2015 season begin Wednesday, Aug. 19.

The opening game is 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at South Whidbey. The Wolves won’t play at home until 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, when Klahowya visits.