Q&A with Philip Simmons football coach Eric Bendig
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A Q&A with Eric Bendig, head coach of the Philip Simmons High School football team.
Please share some history or backstory on the team/club/program.
Eric Bendig: School opened in 2017 with freshman and sophomores. We have built the program since then into a consistent championship contender and have averaged over 9 wins a year for the last four years. We have also won two region championships in 2021 and 2024. We have made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs or later 3 of the last four years and into the 3rd round two of the last four years.
What are the team’s goals for the current/upcoming season?
Bendig: We train and speak regularly to win championships here at Philip Simmons. We have three phases of championships, on the field, the region championship, the lower state championship and the state championship.
Who are the team’s captains or leaders? What makes them a vital part of the team’s success?
Bendig: Tavien Orellana, Daniel Scarth, Kolten Kellermann, Darriel Porcher. They are complete student athletes. They buy in to being leaders on and off the field. They are pivotal in our culture and have worked since they were in middle school for our program to be great student athletes.
Does the team have any pre game rituals or traditions?
Bendig: We have the players check in each Friday for Gatorade and snacks to ensure they start the day off great. We have a Team Meal Thursday morning that our parents provide for our players. We eat at Kings Cross Church for Pregame meal every Friday. We have an Iron Horse Walk that is done each home game to hype the crowd up. We do yoga and other stretching techniques before each game.
How does the team welcome new members?
Bendig: Everyone is welcome, no matter what your background or where you came from. The school is free to attend and our program is free to play. However, we ask that all players buy into our culture and process. That is not for everyone. We open the doors and welcome parents and players into our Family. We do not turn anyone away.
How does the team celebrate?
Bendig: We play the song “You’re the best Around” by Joe Esposito for all wins. We dance and sing a specific song in the locker room after each win. We honor our players with Player of The Game awards and highlight big accomplishments each week.
Has the team (or any individuals) broken any records this year?
Bendig: Tavien Orellana broke the school single season and career passing records and holds the most wins as a starter. Kolten Kellermann set the single season Touchdown receiving record and also turnovers recovered in one game. Alex Tchoryk set the single season record for sacks. Trevor Tonon broke the school record for tackles in a game. Jeremiah Richardson set the game record for longest kickoff return touchdown as well.
What has motivated the team to reach their goals this season?
Bendig: This season, our team has been driven by the desire to win each day. We approached every game with the mindset of a heavyweight boxing match, ready to take on challenges and withstand tough moments. Our focus has been on delivering powerful strikes when it matters most, ensuring we finish strong and achieve our goals.
Throughout the offseason and the season, we consistently emphasized our commitment to being a championship team. Everything we did, both on and off the field, was designed to replicate the habits and practices of successful champions. This dedication has fueled our motivation and guided our journey toward achieving our aspirations.
Is there anything else you’d like to share:
Bendig: Our program consists of three levels on the field. Our Varsity and Junior varsity are high schoolers that attend Philip Simmons or home school students zoned for Philip Simmons. We have a successful middle school program (7th and 8th grade students) that we would love to keep expanding on. Students in our attendance zone can play for our B team when they reach the 7th and 8th grade. Students from PSMS, DIS, Home schoolers, or students at private middle schools but are in our attendance zone, can play for the Iron Horses and be coached by our great staff. We love having as many players in the Purple and Black as we can!
Also, our program is run completely free to athletes (we do require players to participate in fundraising). All the money we raise goes right to the players. Nutrition is a huge aspect and we never cut corners on taking care of our players. Feeding the athletes and making sure they have the best and most safe equipment costs a lot of money and we always appreciate business and our community members for their generous donations.
Coach Bendig can be reached at [email protected] if you feel so inclined to help out these great young people!
Coaches
- Head Coach: Eric Bendig
- Defensive Coordinator/ Assistant H.C. – Alex Renner
- Offensive Coordinator/ Quarterbacks Coach- Tamyn Garrick
- Strength and Conditioning Coach/WR’s Coach- Mac Roche
- Offensive Line Coach- Rick Taylor
- Running Backs Coach- Kyle Reilly
- Tight Ends/ Asst. OL Coach- Will Owens
- Asst. Wide Receivers Coach- Jazavier Smith
- Asst. Quarterbacks Coach- Steven Duncan
- CB’s Coach- Allen Gethers
- Safeties Coach- Dan Bennett
- Linebackers Coach- Ben Tonon
- Special Teams Coord./ Defensive Line Coach- Ryan McCauley
- Asst. Defensive Line Coach- Todd Oligino
- Assistant QB’s Coach- Matt Goddard
- Team Manager- Caleb Blease
- Team Chaplain- Matt Statham
- Academic Coordinator- Angela Pilson
- Athletic Trainer- Josh Michael
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