Northeast Ohio Flag Football Incorporated was created by high school football coaches in order to teach youth the basic skills of football in a fun, positive and professional environment.
Northeast Ohio Flag Football will always strive to provide the best facilities, officials, and overall experience for our youth. Northeast Ohio Flag Football originators have over 100 years combined coaching experience from youth sports through a variety of high school sports.
President / Co-Founder : Don Schutz
Mentor High School (’77) | The University of Akron
Don Schutz is a Mentor High School Hall of Famer in both football and track. He continued his athletic career at The University of Akron, where he was an All-American and was later inducted into the Akron Football Hall of Fame.
In 2018, Don was named Ohio Gymnastics Coach of the Year, and he has since been inducted into both The News-Herald Sports Hall of Fame and the Mentor Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame (2021).
With more than 40 years of coaching experience in football, gymnastics, and track, Don has dedicated his career to developing young athletes and promoting character through sports.
Vice President / Co-Founder : Bob Berwald
West Geauga High School (’94) | Walsh University
Bob Berwald has over 25 years of coaching experience across wrestling, track, and football at the youth and high school levels.
As Head Coach of the Mentor Girls Track & Field Team, he led the program to the 2021 State Championship and was named GCC Coach of the Year and Ohio High School Girls Track Coach of the Year by the OATCCC, USTFCCCA, and OHSAA.
Bob has also been recognized as GCC & News-Herald Girls Track Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2023, and was honored by the Ohio State House of Representatives in 2019 for his leadership in athletics.
He currently serves as an assistant football coach and head girls track coach at Mentor High School.
Tournament Director: Andy Gruber
Andy Gruber is a certified high school football official, baseball umpire, and volleyball referee with more than 35 years of experience in athletics and community service.
He has volunteered with organizations such as the PGA, United Way, and the Northeast Ohio Special Olympics, where he served as Cycling Director.
Andy has also coached youth baseball, football, and soccer for over 25 years, and has acted as tournament director for more than 50 baseball and football tournaments, ensuring fair play and professional standards across all levels of competition.
Treasurer: Gennine Berwald
Mayfield High School (’93) | The University of Mount Union
Gennine earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine/Exercise Physiology from The University of Mount Union.
Her career began in health and wellness, working with both adults and children before moving into business management.
She formerly served as office manager for seven years at a local CPA firm, gaining experience in bookkeeping, corporate invoicing, and financial operations.
Gennine now works as a teacher assistant at Mentor Schools, continuing her dedication to supporting youth and education in the community.
Her organization, professionalism, and commitment to excellence help ensure the league’s continued growth and stability.
