Week 2
School: Elkins High School
Years Coaching: 18
How long have you been coaching? Where did your career begin? College\university you attended?
I just started my 18th year in Coaching. I started my career at Clear Lake High School back in 2008 after graduating from Texas A&M Commerce.
Why do you coach?
I get the opportunity to affect lives and shape lives through sports. It is a tremendous blessing, and I will say it to anyone that ask; I have never worked a day in my life. I believe in pushing student-athletes to their perceived max and being by their side as they challenge that ceiling and strive for growth. I love painting a picture of what I see in a student and the vision I have for them and watching them strive to achieve that vision. I try to use the game of football, and sports in general, to make young people better: husband / wives, fathers / mothers, brothers / sisters, employees, and friends later in life. I hope and pray my impact last longer than the years they're in high school.
What is the most rewarding\fulfilling part of your job?
The most rewarding part of being a coach is the positive feedback you get from stakeholders regarding the development of players and coaches. Although it's not always instant feedback, it always fills my cup to max when it happens. When I see the look on a kids face as they're achieving a goal; it's priceless. When a parent or coach comes back after years of being away and says "I'm so thankful my son / I was involved in your program"; its humbling and rewarding. Or just a simple hug and an I love you from a player, keeps me going through the hard days that come in this profession.
In your opinion, what is the most misunderstood thing about the coaching profession?
That X's & O's are the root, that wins and losses tell the whole story, and the time commitment from the coaches, and their families, that it takes to be successful.
Please share the importance of what your staff/ players are doing for your community?
We understand that what we do on campus and on the field of competition is a direct reflection of our community. We understand that our players, wearing our logo, represent more than themselves. We provide a program that our community can be proud of and that provides hope for some in our community. We also understand that serving our community is probably the most significant outreach we can do as an athletics program.
