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Springboro's always-upbeat football coach Ryan Wilhite talks about the upcoming fall football practice, which kicks off July 31.

Q You've taken the team to the Camp Higher Ground retreat in West Harrison, Ind., for three days. It's been called "a football coach's dream with acres of woods and cornfields and away from everything."

A This was our third year for it (July 18-20). It's a perfect setting to get done what we want done. There are two full-length turf fields (courtesy of the University of Cincinnati football team) with film towers and video capabilities. Players and coaches bond and get to know each other. We have a bonfire. We brought in Anderson (state Division II champions) this year for a 7-on-7 as kind of our guests.

Q What are your goals for the upcoming preseason practice?

A This is the critical time where we will launch our season and come together as a team. We don't want to still be forming an identity during Week 2, 3 or 4. We have to be ready when the opener hits with Kings, Sycamore and Piqua staring at us on our schedule.

Q What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

A We want to compete in the GWOC (Greater Western Ohio Conference South). It'll be a challenge after coming on strong and winning it last season. We also would like to compete in our crossover games against the GWOC North and Central. It's important for our guys to make a statement and we want to be respected. The GWOC South hasn't been competitive against those divisions in the past, but we want to change that pattern. Our crossovers are against Piqua, Trotwood, Sidney and Vandalia Butler.

Q How's the quarterback situation stacking up after graduating productive passer John Rock.

A We're going to be inexperienced at the spot, but I like the players challenging for the position. Senior Matt Graber has led this class of players since grade school and he's won at every level and he's excited about the opportunity to lead this team. There is also junior Jason Stinebaugh who is a nice athlete with a lot of talent. We'll see where he's at. Wayne transfer Josh Lakes, a sophomore who was the backup to Braxton Miller last season, is also in the mix. (Wayne coach) Jay Minton speaks highly of him. He can play and be competitive.

Q What is the burning question facing the Panthers as they enter preseason workouts?

A How the offensive and defensive lines end up. Our entire defensive line graduated and we have three starters back on the O-line. It's a critical area. If you can't control the line of scrimmage, you're going to struggle. You just don't know how it plays out until the pads come on. Our returnees include two-year starter Eric Damian, Jason Hutchins and Austin Kaiser. D-line candidates include Lucas Staton and Austin Plenzler. Critical decisions will have to be made here. Like most positions, once they get the pads and we see them in battle-tested positions, we'll find out if they can perform under pressure.

Q You're entering your third year as the head coach, are you pretty much settled in now?

A In that first year, you're flying by the seat of your pants. We've settled in developing an offensive and defensive identity. Someone asked me how do you develop tradition and I said you have to find a consistent way to do things and be successful. Find out what works and what you believe in strongly, then start to win.

Q If you were OHSAA commissioner Dan Ross, would there be any football-related issues you would address?

A There is too much of a gap between the smaller D-I schools like us and the larger D-I's. The smaller schools deserve to compete against like opponents. I just wish they would address the large gap. I don't want to sound like there is no hope for us. As we grow here in Springboro, we will compete.

Q Would you be in favor of spring football? That's been the trend in the big football states like Florida and Texas.

A Any time you get an opportunity to practice and work and not preparing for games is a good thing. You get a chance to get creative and try new things. Kentucky has spring football, too.

Q Finally, the best lesson you learned from Wayne head coach Jay Minton (Wilhite was a valued assistant at Wayne prior to coming to 'Boro).

A Surround yourself with great coaches on your staff and let them do their jobs.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2478 or rjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com.