The Playbook: A Guide to the 2022 AFCA Convention
January 5, 2022
It’s almost time for the 2022 AFCA Convention, and as you make your final preparations, here’s your Playbook to get the most out of your visit to San Antonio!
Sunday – January 9th
Getting Started
This year’s AFCA Convention be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, and the Exhibit Hall will open at 9 AM on Sunday, January 9. Be sure to make Registration your first stop since AFCA badges are required for all the events you want to attend. You should also swing by the information desk/ticket booth to purchase your Honors Luncheon tickets.
There will be three separate lines in the Registration area. From left to right, those will be, PREREGISTERED, SELF REGISTRATION, and ONSITE REGISTRATION.
Route One: Preregistered – If you already purchased your membership AND Convention registration, use this route. Ahead of the Convention, you should have received an email with your badge credential information, which included a link to make sure your badge looks the way you want it and has a barcode. When you get to the front of the line, you can either scan the barcode at the kiosk or look up your account using the email or cell phone number on your account and print your badge.
*As a reminder, the Convention registration is a separate, additional item from your membership dues. If you only purchased a membership renewal, you will not be able to print your badge until you purchase a registration, which will be $60 for AFCA members.
If you have not purchased your membership dues and/or your Convention registration before the event, you will need to use either SELF REGISTRATION, ONSITE REGISTRATION, or attempt to register on your phone/computer.
Route Two: Self Registration – If you still need to register at the event, the middle line of registration will have some self-service computer kiosks setup to login to your AFCA account and finish purchasing your membership dues and/or Convention registration. This option should only be used if you know your AFCA login credentials and are paying with a credit card.
Route Three: Onsite Registration – If you still need to register at the event, the line on the right will have clerks ready to help you complete your purchase using a credit card, cash, or check as payment.
*AFCA Convention Badges will be required for entry into AFCA Educational Sessions, AFCA Business Meetings, AFCA Committee Meetings, and AFCA Meal Events beginning on Monday, January 10, at 8:30 AM. Should you lose or misplace your badge, a badge reprint fee of $10 will be charged. Badges will be available for reprint at Registration in the Exhibit Hall or at the AFCA Information Booth. Photo ID will be required when requesting a reprint.
Check out the Foundation Booth in the Main Lobby. The AFCF is dedicated to furthering your education and supporting football coaches around the globe.
You’re going to want to spend plenty of time checking out the AFCA Exhibit Hall floor (open 8 AM-5 PM on Sunday and Monday, and 8AM-Noon on Tuesday). There will be over 200 exhibitors on display, coaches teaching on the AFCA Skills & Drills Field, and another great environment to network with fellow colleagues.
Skills & Drills: 9:30 AM-5 PM in the Exhibit Hall
After making its debut at the 2018 AFCA Convention, this has quickly become something you don’t want to miss! This is a chance to watch some of the premier coaches in the game teach position-specific drills with athletes performing live demonstrations. These fast-paced sessions are just under 30 minutes long, and this is an opportunity to ask questions and pick up some new drills for individual practice periods.
Skills & Drills Sunday Lineup
Time Position Speaker
10am Specialists Erica Vinson-Ondecko, Waynesboro HS (PA)
10:30am Running Backs Scott Young, Valor Christian HS (CO)
11:30am Defensive Line Burl Jordan, Cy Ridge HS (TX)
12pm Offensive Line Gabriel Fertitta, Louisville
12:30pm Offensive Line Kyle Skierski, West Georgia
2pm Offensive Line Jameson Croall, United States Merchant Marine Academy
2:30pm Quarterback James Kikel, United States Merchant Marine Academy
3:30pm Skills & Drills - Quarterback Nick Winkler, Clintonville HS (WI)
High School Coaches Academy: 2-5 PM (Check schedule for room assignments)
We have Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern) speaking at 2 PM on the importance of high school football. As well as, Ron Woitalewicz (Dakota Ridge HS) in the 2 PM time slot. Followed by 3 PM sessions with PJ Gibbs (East Lee County HS) covering program development and buy-in, and John Davidson (Mastery Charter Schools) discussing his experience as a high school football coach. The National High School Coaches Forum is at 4 PM and features Jeff Traylor (UTSA), Joey McGuire (Texas Tech), Coby Gipson (Lamar), and Jim Benkert (Simi Valley HS).
First Timers’ Meeting: 1-1:50 PM in B/O 2 – Hemisfair C2
If it’s your first time attending the AFCA Convention, make your way on over to the First Timers’ Meeting with Fred Farrier (Alabama A&M). He will help get you set on the right path to ensure your first experience is a great one!
Women in Coaching Meeting: 4-4:50 PM in Room 209
We are so excited to be bringing the Women in Coaching meeting to the 2022 AFCA Convention! The meeting will be moderated by Mickey Grace (Dartmouth), and include a ‘Hiring Women Panel’ with Buddy Teevens (Dartmouth) and John Davidson (Mastery Charter). All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Kickoff Speaker 5-6 PM in the GS/TG – Stars 234
This year, Sam Pittman (Arkansas) will be getting things started on Sunday evening. Don’t miss out on this exciting session as we set the tone for an awesome Convention!
Buzz Sessions 6:30-7:20 PM (Check schedule for room assignments)
Nate Baker (Savannah State), Zach Wilkerson (Hardin Simmons), Nate Masters (West Georgia), Pete Bennett (Memphis), Steve Rapp (Wise HS), Daniel Da Prato (South Florida), Daniel Lundy (4th Down University), Lee Weber (Rose Hill HS), Dominique Bowman (Marshall), Joshua Aldrin (Indiana Wesleyan), Will Windham (South Alabama), Alex Golesh (Tennessee), Ben Hammer (Rock Island HS), Diego Ryland (Virginia Union), and Tyler Funk (Indiana State).
Buzz Sessions 7:30-8:20 PM (Check schedule for room assignments)
Seth Wallace (Iowa), Joshua Schumacher (Concordia-Ann Arbor), Doug Socha (Keiser), Kyle Skierski (West Georgia), Sajan Thakkar (Harvard), Ryan Wallace (Purdue), Theron Aych (UTEP), Patrick Toney (Louisiana), Milton Patterson (Florida A&M), Aaron Smetanka (Saint Vincent), Kenny Jackson Jr. (College of Sequoias), Christopher Rubio (Rubio Long Snapping), Erica Vinson-Ondecko (Waynesboro HS), and Brennon Marion (Texas).
Monday – January 10
High School General Session: 2-4:50 PM in B/O 1 – Hemisfair C1
Great opportunity to hear from high school coaches including Jeff Steinberg (Beaumont HS), Doug Samuels (Comstock Park HS), and Lee Weber (Rose Hill HS).
Junior College General Session: 2-4:50 PM in B/O 2 – Hemisfair C2
David Rico (College of Sequoias) will be kicking off the Junior College General Sessions, followed by Travis Burkett (College of Sequoias) and Joseph Foteh (Blinn College).
International General Session: 2-4:50 PM in Room 216 AB
Check out these sessions as Val Gunn (Istanbul Rams, European League of Football), Rich Worsell (Akron), and Austin Jones (AaB 89ers) share their knowledge and experiences from coaching football around the world!
Skills & Drills: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM in the Exhibit Hall
The live demonstrations on the AFCA’s Skills & Drills Field continue Monday, but this is your last chance to see it! This year we are also featuring strength and conditioning sessions on Monday, so this is your opportunity to pick up some new drills and exercises to implement in your team’s off-season program!
Skills & Drills Monday Lineup
Time Position Speaker
9:30am Linebackers Adam Harvey, Hutto HS (TX)
10am Linebackers Mike Mendenhall, Princeton
10:30am Demo BlazePod
11:30am Quarterback Aaron Smetanka, Saint Vincent
12pm Defensive Backs Darren Jackson, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (NC)
12:30pm Demo Riddell
2pm Defensive Backs Paul Gonzales, TCU
2:30pm Defensive Backs Joshua Jones, Northwestern State
3pm Defensive Backs Charles Clark, Memphis
Graduate Assistants/Career Forum: 2-3:50 PM in B/O 3 Hemisfair C3
Every year, this is one of the most popular sessions at the Convention, so be sure to get there early! This year’s lineup features Bret Bielema (Illinois), Sean Lewis (Kent State), Ryan Riemedio (Mercyhurst), Julian Griffin (UTSA), and Alvin Parker (Virginia Union) in a discussion moderated by Fred Farrier (Alabama A&M). Come hear what coaches are looking for when hiring assistants and learn from the experiences of those on the panel. Don’t forget a pen and paper, because you’re going to want to take notes!
Honors Luncheon: 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Join us as we take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate fellow coaches who have had a tremendous impact on the game of football! We will present the Outstanding Achievement, Academic Achievement, Trailblazer, and Assistant Coach of the Year Awards. Reminder: this is a ticketed event, and you can purchase tickets at the Information Desk up to 30 minutes prior to the event if you didn’t grab one at Registration.
General Session: 8:30-11:50 AM in HBGCC Stars at Night 234
Craig Bohl (Wyoming) will get things started in the General Session on Monday afternoon. Following Bohl is Gary Patterson, Danny Rocco (Delaware), and the day will close with a presentation by Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern). Don’t miss the opportunity to hear and learn from some of the greatest head coaches in the game!
AFCA Tailgate Party presented by FieldTurf and the NFL: 6:30 PM in HBGCC Stars at Night 234
Who will hoist the Crystal Ball? Let’s face it, you’re going to watch the College Football Playoff National Championship—come to this FREE EVENT that features delicious food, cold drinks, massive screens, and fellow coaches! Doors will open at 6:30 PM on Monday, January 10th.
Tuesday – January 11
General Session and Victory Formation: 8:30 AM-11:50 PM in HBGCC Stars at Night 234
The General Sessions wrap up on Tuesday morning with another tremendous slate of collegiate head coaches, including Mel Tucker (Michigan State) and Dave Aranda (Baylor). Our session will end with our Victory Formation speaker, Ryan Day (Ohio State) It’s not X’s and O’s, but the talks focus on the culture and mindset that they ingrain in the people within their programs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
NCAA Recruiting Seminar: Noon-2 PM in HBGCC Room 217
Outside the Lines: 12-12:50 PM (Check schedule for room assignments)
There is much more to coaching than X’s and O’s, and we’ve got you covered with some tremendous Outside the Lines sessions on Tuesday afternoon! Make sure to stop by sessions by Route Analytics to learn how to evaluate more talent faster, Recruiting Analytics to discover the future of player evaluations, or Ed Jones II (Baylor) as he discusses his player development program, Beyond The Field.
Breakout Sessions: 1-1:50 PM (Check schedule for room assignments)
Our time in San Antonio will conclude with two fantastic Chalk Talks done by Steve Cooper (Nebraska) and Tyler Hopperton (Mount St. Joseph). Come hear from these bright football minds as they discuss their schemes and how they teach them to their players. You won’t regret staying for these sessions!
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL 2022 AFCA CENTENNIAL CONVENTION SCHEDULE
The countdown to the 2022 AFCA Convention is nearly over… See you in San Antonio!
Note: This information is subject to change. Please check the on-site program or download the AFCA mobile app here (iOS) (Android) for the most up-to-date information.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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It’s almost time for the 2022 AFCA Convention, and as you make your final preparations, here’s your Playbook to get the most out of your visit to San Antonio!
Sunday – January 9th
Getting Started
This year’s AFCA Convention be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, and the Exhibit Hall will open at 9 AM on Sunday, January 9. Be sure to make Registration your first stop since AFCA badges are required for all the events you want to attend. You should also swing by the information desk/ticket booth to purchase your Honors Luncheon tickets.
There will be three separate lines in the Registration area. From left to right, those will be, PREREGISTERED, SELF REGISTRATION, and ONSITE REGISTRATION.
Route One: Preregistered – If you already purchased your membership AND Convention registration, use this route. Ahead of the Convention, you should have received an email with your badge credential information, which included a link to make sure your badge looks the way you want it and has a barcode. When you get to the front of the line, you can either scan the barcode at the kiosk or look up your account using the email or cell phone number on your account and print your badge.
*As a reminder, the Convention registration is a separate, additional item from your membership dues. If you only purchased a membership renewal, you will not be able to print your badge until you purchase a registration, which will be $60 for AFCA members.
If you have not purchased your membership dues and/or your Convention registration before the event, you will need to use either SELF REGISTRATION, ONSITE REGISTRATION, or attempt to register on your phone/computer.
Route Two: Self Registration – If you still need to register at the event, the middle line of registration will have some self-service computer kiosks setup to login to your AFCA account and finish purchasing your membership dues and/or Convention registration. This option should only be used if you know your AFCA login credentials and are paying with a credit card.
Route Three: Onsite Registration – If you still need to register at the event, the line on the right will have clerks ready to help you complete your purchase using a credit card, cash, or check as payment.
*AFCA Convention Badges will be required for entry into AFCA Educational Sessions, AFCA Business Meetings, AFCA Committee Meetings, and AFCA Meal Events beginning on Monday, January 10, at 8:30 AM. Should you lose or misplace your badge, a badge reprint fee of $10 will be charged. Badges will be available for reprint at Registration in the Exhibit Hall or at the AFCA Information Booth. Photo ID will be required when requesting a reprint.
Check out the Foundation Booth in the Main Lobby. The AFCF is dedicated to furthering your education and supporting football coaches around the globe.
You’re going to want to spend plenty of time checking out the AFCA Exhibit Hall floor (open 8 AM-5 PM on Sunday and Monday, and 8AM-Noon on Tuesday). There will be over 200 exhibitors on display, coaches teaching on the AFCA Skills & Drills Field, and another great environment to network with fellow colleagues.
Skills & Drills: 9:30 AM-5 PM in the Exhibit Hall
After making its debut at the 2018 AFCA Convention, this has quickly become something you don’t want to miss! This is a chance to watch some of the premier coaches in the game teach position-specific drills with athletes performing live demonstrations. These fast-paced sessions are just under 30 minutes long, and this is an opportunity to ask questions and pick up some new drills for individual practice periods.
Skills & Drills Sunday Lineup
| Time | Position | Speaker | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10am | Specialists | Erica Vinson-Ondecko, Waynesboro HS (PA) | ||
| 10:30am | Running Backs | Scott Young, Valor Christian HS (CO) | ||
| 11:30am | Defensive Line | Burl Jordan, Cy Ridge HS (TX) | ||
| 12pm | Offensive Line | Gabriel Fertitta, Louisville | ||
| 12:30pm | Offensive Line | Kyle Skierski, West Georgia | ||
| 2pm | Offensive Line | Jameson Croall, United States Merchant Marine Academy | ||
| 2:30pm | Quarterback | James Kikel, United States Merchant Marine Academy | ||
| 3:30pm | Skills & Drills - Quarterback | Nick Winkler, Clintonville HS (WI) |
High School Coaches Academy: 2-5 PM (Check schedule for room assignments)
We have Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern) speaking at 2 PM on the importance of high school football. As well as, Ron Woitalewicz (Dakota Ridge HS) in the 2 PM time slot. Followed by 3 PM sessions with PJ Gibbs (East Lee County HS) covering program development and buy-in, and John Davidson (Mastery Charter Schools) discussing his experience as a high school football coach. The National High School Coaches Forum is at 4 PM and features Jeff Traylor (UTSA), Joey McGuire (Texas Tech), Coby Gipson (Lamar), and Jim Benkert (Simi Valley HS).
First Timers’ Meeting: 1-1:50 PM in B/O 2 – Hemisfair C2
If it’s your first time attending the AFCA Convention, make your way on over to the First Timers’ Meeting with Fred Farrier (Alabama A&M). He will help get you set on the right path to ensure your first experience is a great one!
Women in Coaching Meeting: 4-4:50 PM in Room 209
We are so excited to be bringing the Women in Coaching meeting to the 2022 AFCA Convention! The meeting will be moderated by Mickey Grace (Dartmouth), and include a ‘Hiring Women Panel’ with Buddy Teevens (Dartmouth) and John Davidson (Mastery Charter). All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Kickoff Speaker 5-6 PM in the GS/TG – Stars 234
This year, Sam Pittman (Arkansas) will be getting things started on Sunday evening. Don’t miss out on this exciting session as we set the tone for an awesome Convention!
Buzz Sessions 6:30-7:20 PM (Check schedule for room assignments)
Nate Baker (Savannah State), Zach Wilkerson (Hardin Simmons), Nate Masters (West Georgia), Pete Bennett (Memphis), Steve Rapp (Wise HS), Daniel Da Prato (South Florida), Daniel Lundy (4th Down University), Lee Weber (Rose Hill HS), Dominique Bowman (Marshall), Joshua Aldrin (Indiana Wesleyan), Will Windham (South Alabama), Alex Golesh (Tennessee), Ben Hammer (Rock Island HS), Diego Ryland (Virginia Union), and Tyler Funk (Indiana State).
Buzz Sessions 7:30-8:20 PM (Check schedule for room assignments)
Seth Wallace (Iowa), Joshua Schumacher (Concordia-Ann Arbor), Doug Socha (Keiser), Kyle Skierski (West Georgia), Sajan Thakkar (Harvard), Ryan Wallace (Purdue), Theron Aych (UTEP), Patrick Toney (Louisiana), Milton Patterson (Florida A&M), Aaron Smetanka (Saint Vincent), Kenny Jackson Jr. (College of Sequoias), Christopher Rubio (Rubio Long Snapping), Erica Vinson-Ondecko (Waynesboro HS), and Brennon Marion (Texas).
Monday – January 10
High School General Session: 2-4:50 PM in B/O 1 – Hemisfair C1
Great opportunity to hear from high school coaches including Jeff Steinberg (Beaumont HS), Doug Samuels (Comstock Park HS), and Lee Weber (Rose Hill HS).
Junior College General Session: 2-4:50 PM in B/O 2 – Hemisfair C2
David Rico (College of Sequoias) will be kicking off the Junior College General Sessions, followed by Travis Burkett (College of Sequoias) and Joseph Foteh (Blinn College).
International General Session: 2-4:50 PM in Room 216 AB
Check out these sessions as Val Gunn (Istanbul Rams, European League of Football), Rich Worsell (Akron), and Austin Jones (AaB 89ers) share their knowledge and experiences from coaching football around the world!
Skills & Drills: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM in the Exhibit Hall
The live demonstrations on the AFCA’s Skills & Drills Field continue Monday, but this is your last chance to see it! This year we are also featuring strength and conditioning sessions on Monday, so this is your opportunity to pick up some new drills and exercises to implement in your team’s off-season program!
Skills & Drills Monday Lineup
| Time | Position | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30am | Linebackers | Adam Harvey, Hutto HS (TX) |
| 10am | Linebackers | Mike Mendenhall, Princeton |
| 10:30am | Demo | BlazePod |
| 11:30am | Quarterback | Aaron Smetanka, Saint Vincent |
| 12pm | Defensive Backs | Darren Jackson, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (NC) |
| 12:30pm | Demo | Riddell |
| 2pm | Defensive Backs | Paul Gonzales, TCU |
| 2:30pm | Defensive Backs | Joshua Jones, Northwestern State |
| 3pm | Defensive Backs | Charles Clark, Memphis |
Graduate Assistants/Career Forum: 2-3:50 PM in B/O 3 Hemisfair C3
Every year, this is one of the most popular sessions at the Convention, so be sure to get there early! This year’s lineup features Bret Bielema (Illinois), Sean Lewis (Kent State), Ryan Riemedio (Mercyhurst), Julian Griffin (UTSA), and Alvin Parker (Virginia Union) in a discussion moderated by Fred Farrier (Alabama A&M). Come hear what coaches are looking for when hiring assistants and learn from the experiences of those on the panel. Don’t forget a pen and paper, because you’re going to want to take notes!
Honors Luncheon: 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Join us as we take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate fellow coaches who have had a tremendous impact on the game of football! We will present the Outstanding Achievement, Academic Achievement, Trailblazer, and Assistant Coach of the Year Awards. Reminder: this is a ticketed event, and you can purchase tickets at the Information Desk up to 30 minutes prior to the event if you didn’t grab one at Registration.
General Session: 8:30-11:50 AM in HBGCC Stars at Night 234
Craig Bohl (Wyoming) will get things started in the General Session on Monday afternoon. Following Bohl is Gary Patterson, Danny Rocco (Delaware), and the day will close with a presentation by Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern). Don’t miss the opportunity to hear and learn from some of the greatest head coaches in the game!
AFCA Tailgate Party presented by FieldTurf and the NFL: 6:30 PM in HBGCC Stars at Night 234
Who will hoist the Crystal Ball? Let’s face it, you’re going to watch the College Football Playoff National Championship—come to this FREE EVENT that features delicious food, cold drinks, massive screens, and fellow coaches! Doors will open at 6:30 PM on Monday, January 10th.
Tuesday – January 11
General Session and Victory Formation: 8:30 AM-11:50 PM in HBGCC Stars at Night 234
The General Sessions wrap up on Tuesday morning with another tremendous slate of collegiate head coaches, including Mel Tucker (Michigan State) and Dave Aranda (Baylor). Our session will end with our Victory Formation speaker, Ryan Day (Ohio State) It’s not X’s and O’s, but the talks focus on the culture and mindset that they ingrain in the people within their programs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
NCAA Recruiting Seminar: Noon-2 PM in HBGCC Room 217
Outside the Lines: 12-12:50 PM (Check schedule for room assignments)
There is much more to coaching than X’s and O’s, and we’ve got you covered with some tremendous Outside the Lines sessions on Tuesday afternoon! Make sure to stop by sessions by Route Analytics to learn how to evaluate more talent faster, Recruiting Analytics to discover the future of player evaluations, or Ed Jones II (Baylor) as he discusses his player development program, Beyond The Field.
Breakout Sessions: 1-1:50 PM (Check schedule for room assignments)
Our time in San Antonio will conclude with two fantastic Chalk Talks done by Steve Cooper (Nebraska) and Tyler Hopperton (Mount St. Joseph). Come hear from these bright football minds as they discuss their schemes and how they teach them to their players. You won’t regret staying for these sessions!
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL 2022 AFCA CENTENNIAL CONVENTION SCHEDULE
The countdown to the 2022 AFCA Convention is nearly over… See you in San Antonio!
Note: This information is subject to change. Please check the on-site program or download the AFCA mobile app here (iOS) (Android) for the most up-to-date information.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
