BATESVILLE — Oldenburg Academy will begin its first year of high school football in the 2013 season under the direction of Franklin County High School graduate Wes Gillman, according to a press release from OA marketing coordinator Kayla Wessling.

Gillman is a science/engineering faculty member at OA  and will lead the Twisters’ new program. As they will compete on select Monday and Friday nights beginning in 2013, according to the release.

Gillman's credentials include prior coaching experience at Union County High School and current responsibilities of leading a St. Michael youth football team in Brookville.  Gillman was also the 1995 Phil Eskew Mental Attitude Award recipient in his high school career while leading Franklin County to a state championship game appearance. Gillman has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Butler University, according to Wessling.

OA Athletic Director, Ryan Brammer stated "Coach Gillman's experience and desire to lead the Twisters with a 'building from the ground up' approach solidified him as our guy.  He brings to the table the right enthusiasm, knowledge, care, sportsmanship, and tactful approach that is needed for the undertaking of the contact sport and has assembled a support staff that has an extraordinary amount of successful football coaching and playing tenure." 

Joining Gillman as assistant coach will be longtime assistant and prior head coach of Franklin County, Brice Sayne.  Sayne was a four year starter for Earlham College as well as a member of the Earlham College Athletic HOF.  He has over 20 years of experience coaching football and wrestling at the high school level.

Justin Seals and Kevin McDonnell will join as an assistant coaches.

Seals is a 1993 graduate of Franklin County High School and was an all-state linebacker.  He spent seasons at Rose Hulman as a football team captain and starting linebacker and earned his BA from Wilmington College.  Seals is currently employed at Hill-Rom.

McDonnell is a 1998 graduate of Notre Dame and had four years of kicking duties for the Irish, according to Wessling.  McDonnell is currently employed at Hill-Rom.