LATHAM - Shaker High School did not have to look far in its search for a new varsity football coach, as the Blue Bison have tabbed offensive coordinator Greg Sheeler for the post.

Sheeler, Shaker’s offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, also served as the junior varsity head coach for one year prior to that. A 2002 graduate of Ithaca College, he served as a college assistant at Boston-area Stonehill College and Bridgewater State for five years before coming to Shaker, where he teachers physical education.

A former quarterback at Gloversville High School, Sheeler played collegiately at Ithaca College. He made his mark as a senior during the 2001 campaign, filling in for starter Brian Young, who was injured two plays into a postseason game against Montclair State. Sheeler led Ithaca to victory over an undefeated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute team a week later on ’86 Field, passing for 268 yards and a pair of touchdowns on a 18-of-25 performance.

Sheeler hopes to ask a bit of spark to Shaker’s offense. The Blue Bison finished 3-6 in 2009, missing the postseason for the fourth consecutive season.

"There are always challenges," he said. "I think the key as a quarterback is understanding that there is a lot more to it than just one person. We’re going to try to involve as many guys as we can and make sure they understand that it’s all about the team concept. It’s about all 11 guys working together to move the ball down the field."

Sheeler replaces Dennis Bender, who stepped down at the end of the 2009 season. In six years at the helm, Bender led the Bison to a 20-35 record and one postseason victory, a 16-6 triumph over Christian Brothers Academy in the 2005 Class AA quarterfinals.

"I think the guys just need to buy in and accept that we need a change in attitude," said Sheeler. "There is no secret recipe. We have a lot of hard work and challenges ahead of us."