Week 9
School: College Park High School
Years Coaching: 16
How long have you been coaching? Where did your career begin? College\university you attended?
I attended Trinity University in San Antonio, TX and played football. I then went on to Hardin-Simmons University to GA and earn my masters. I am now in my 16th year of coaching.
Why do you coach?
I started coaching because my most influential role models in my life where my Dad and my coaches. I started my career coaching Division 3 football for many years and was fortunate enough to end up working at the University of Texas on Coach Herman's staff, but ultimately, I decided to coach high school to start my family with my wife, Lauren. I enjoy teaching the game and pushing kids to be better than they think they can be. I think football is a vehicle that can be used to motivate young men to learn the values of hard work, being part of a team, and learning how to persevere through tough times.
What is the most rewarding\fulfilling part of your job?
Seeing the faces of the kids after they have worked hard all week for a chance to win and succeed. Also seeing how much fun they have being around each other and being together. I also really enjoy scooping up my son, Calvin, after games. Win or lose, he's happy to run on the football field and see his Dada.
In your opinion, what is the most misunderstood thing about the coaching profession?
I think everyone knows there is a large time commitment involved being a coach, but I don't think people see the cost of that time. I try to be available to my players at all times so they know they can always call me and, but I don't think anyone realizes the cost of that time on my own family. My wife is an absolutely rock star… I couldn't do this job without her.
Please share the importance of what your staff/ players are doing for your community?
First off, I think that I have an amazing staff of coaches who many will be looking to hire as head coaches and coordinators in the years to come. Many of us have kids under 5 years old, so we are all navigating the duties of coach, husband, and dad all at the same time. They are all great men of faith and do a great job of holding our kids to a high standard while also making sure our players understand that they are loved and cared for.
Our players have done an amazing job throughout this season to take our opportunities one game at a time and not get lost in the big picture. I think they do a fantastic job of representing themselves and their families on and off the field, while also maintaining a toughness and determination that has made them successful on the field. What I'm most proud of as their coach this season, is we've found ourselves in some tough situations throughout the year, but we have never backed down and we've never lost hope. These kids are coached hard and pushed every day, and I'm very proud of them for all they've been through and all they've accomplished. I know our community is so proud of our boys as well.
