Jonathan Henderson, Canton Repository

April 23, 2012: CANTON, Ohio – It’s déjà vu all over again for the Canton Longshoremen organization.

For the second time this season, the team will have a new person residing in the owner’s box above Svab Memorial Stadium.

This time it’s a newcomer – and he says that’s not going to be a problem.

Michael Schroeder has been given the keys to the Longshoremen organization, taking over a franchise that has been mired in mediocrity right from the get-go.  But with a 9-10 start in 2012, even with a few key players missing time early this season due to injury, things may be pointing up for the Longshoremen – and Schroeder intends to keep the trend going.

“Bottom line is there is nothing preventing this organization from winning,” he said in an introductory press conference.  “We have everything that it takes to be successful.  We just need to tweak some things, and I’m prepared to do it.”

Schroeder did not elaborate on exactly what direction he plans to take the franchise, but his energy throughout the 30-minute question-and-answer session was contagious.

“I’m going to be honest – I’m treating my strategic plan like the nuclear football right now,” he said with a laugh.  “I will say this, though – we definitely have some assets in this organization.  The cupboard is certainly not bare.

“I’ve been in contact with manager Harry Toner, and I can tell you that we’re all on the same page.  He wants to win as much as I do.”

When asked if he feels that his age might work against him in league dealings, Schroeder quickly dismissed that notion.

“It’s an overused cliché, sure, but age is just a number,” he said.  “It’s the skills that matter, and that’s all there is to it.”