There’s no such thing as a beaten path in arena football, and Josh Resignalo knows that fact now after all the headlines during his 17 years in the business.
“Oilers Add Resignalo as Offensive Coordinator” … Sugar Skulls Name Resignalo Defensive Coordinator” … “Resignalo Named Head Coach in Cape Fear” …
He’s been a Cobra, a Hero, and a Grizzly, too, and he’s well aware each town, venue, and fan base offers varied challenges to overcome before success – on the field and especially at the ticket office – can be achieved. And now, he’s in Wheeling, and Resignalo’s Miners franchise is the fifth mutation of this indoor football product to compete in Wesbanco Arena.
And, despite an undefeated record (6-0) and an in-game staff that’s mostly local, Resignalo – a husband, a father of two, and a resident of Mount Airy, N.C. – continues working the crowd here in the Upper Ohio Valley in hopes he’ll soon see more fans in the those stands as the American Arena League playoffs approach.
As a California native, what do you like most about living on the east side of our country?
Honestly, most places are not that different other than the prices at the grocery store.
I miss California, but I don’t really miss living there. I’ve been in North Carolina since 2000 when I was stationed at Camp Lejeune as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
What are the three major differences between regular football and arena football?
First, the obvious difference is the size of the field. It’s about half the length and width of a regulation outdoor field. It’s literally the size of a hockey rink with turf instead of ice, and there’s no glass but there are pads on the dasher boards.
The speed of the game is much faster. Playing 8-on-8 vs. 11-on-11 is different, and in arena, we have three offensive linemen, three wide receivers, a running back, and the quarterback. On defense, we have three defensive linemen, two linebackers, and three defensive backs.
The fan interaction both during the game and after the game, is much different. One of our players can literally high five fans and engage with them during the game, and after the game, fans can come down to the field and meet the players in person, get autographs, and take pictures along with the dance team and our mascot Cole.
What is it about business that makes sense to you?
For indoor/arena football teams to be successful, you must treat the organization like a business. It’s not about the football, but more-so how you approach the community. At the end of the day, community partner dollars (sponsorships), and ticket sales help make the team successful and last year after year.
So, it’s important to be involved in the community.
Now the product on the field is important because we are a football team, and winning is one of the main ingredients to success at the ticket office.
What would it take to have you and your family move to Wheeling, West Virginia?
Well, there are a lot of factors involved in a big decision like moving. My wife and I own a business back home, a full-service salon and spa called Salon Resi, so, we’d have to figure out that.
My wife also sings in a Hall of Fame beach music group called The Catalinas. She loves music, so the music scene here in the valley and all the way up to Pittsburgh is a definite plus in the equation.
I would very much be interested at some point, and if taking over a high school or a college program – or being a coach in a program – would make that decision a much easier one for me.
What has surprised you most about the people of Wheeling West Virginia?
The people, for sure. The people of Wheeling have been very welcoming so far. From building the team, to creating lasting friendships, the people have helped me in a big way.
Plus, getting linked back up with a good friend and former high school football teammate in Matt Porter has been awesome. It’s something I could have never planned. Being able to do what I love is very important to me, but to also build something pretty awesome with a good friend who loves football, too, is a true blessing.
