By Josh Beavers
Many things come with summer. Afternoon thunderstorms, dads wielding iron fists over control of the thermostats, and kids waiting for the pools to open.
Also, coming in the summer is change in high school sports programs. As some coaches move on, others come aboard. One such coach is Reagan Smith, who follows in David Feaster’s footsteps out North Minden way at Glenbrook School.
Fresh off a deep run in the playoffs and a memorable season on the gridiron, the Apaches will be looking for Smith to lead them to bigger and better things.
He spoke with me late last week.
Question:
What inspired you to become a football coach, and how did you get started in coaching at the high school level?
Answer:
Several factors converged to inspire my journey into football coaching. My father fostered my deep love for the game at a young age, and my wife, Lisa, encouraged me to pursue my passion for coaching. Guiding young athletes and imparting them with the knowledge they need to succeed has always resonated with me. I began my coaching career by mentoring a youth football team, and from there, I progressed to coaching high school camps, ultimately leading me to where I am today.
Question:
What attracted you to this particular high school and football program, and what do you hope to achieve here?
Answer:
I was initially drawn to this high school and its football program 14 years ago when I first started my coaching journey at Glenbrook. I firmly believe that there is untapped potential within the school, and I am eager to develop the program further. I envision our football program achieving exceptional feats as we grow and evolve together.
Question
What are your goals for the upcoming season, and how do you plan to prepare your team for success?
Answer:
My primary goal for our team is to maximize our potential and seize every opportunity that comes our way throughout the entire season. This entails a meticulous focus on every play, every game, and every moment. By providing exceptional teaching and coaching, we will equip our players with the skills and mindset they need to succeed.
Question:
How do you approach developing a winning culture within your team, and what do you consider to be the most important factors in building a successful program?
Answer:
Building a winning culture and a successful program relies on several key elements. Exceptional teaching, coaching, honesty, positivity, and clear communication are fundamental in shaping a winning culture. By instilling these values within our team and fostering an environment that embraces growth and teamwork, we can lay the foundation for success.
Question:
How do you balance the need to win games with the development of your players and their character?
Answer:
By approaching coaching from the right perspective, there is no need to compromise between winning games and developing players’ character. A holistic coaching approach encompasses both aspects seamlessly. Our focus will be on nurturing our players’ skills, character, and values, ensuring their growth both on and off the field. When players develop as individuals, success on the scoreboard naturally follows.
Question:
How do you evaluate talent and decide on your starting lineup, and what role do you see for underclassmen on your team?
Answer:
Evaluating talent involves considering numerous attributes, ensuring that each player in our program is in the best possible position to succeed. We prioritize the growth and development of every player, determining where their unique skills can be most effectively utilized. Underclassmen play a valuable role in our team, as they provide fresh perspectives, energy, and potential that contribute to the overall success of the program.
Question:
How do you handle in-game adjustments and make strategic decisions during a game, and what is your approach to coaching during halftime?
Answer:
During games, making strategic decisions and adjustments requires careful and thoughtful consideration. Our coaching staff will analyze the game situation, assess the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, and collaborate to formulate the best course of action. Halftime serves as an opportunity for constructive feedback, positive reinforcement, and necessary adjustments to ensure that we capitalize on our strengths and overcome challenges in the second half.
Question:
What is your philosophy on team discipline and accountability, and how do you handle disciplinary issues within your team?
Answer:
I believe that establishing clear expectations and maintaining open lines of communication are the cornerstones of team discipline and accountability. By setting and effectively communicating team rules and standards, we create a framework for success. When disciplinary issues arise, they will be addressed promptly and fairly, with a focus on helping the player understand their actions, learn from them, and make amends if necessary. Our approach to disciplinary issues will be guided by a desire to foster personal growth, ensuring that our players understand the importance of accountability and the impact of their choices on themselves and the team.
Question:
How do you keep your players motivated and focused throughout the season, especially during the ups and downs of a long football season?
Answer:
Maintaining motivation and focus throughout a demanding football season is crucial. To achieve this, we will redefine success beyond the win-loss record. Our emphasis will be on effort and execution, instilling a sense of pride in our players’ commitment and progress. We will celebrate individual and team achievements, encouraging a positive and supportive atmosphere that helps players stay motivated and focused even during challenging times.
Question:
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing high school football coaches today, and how do you plan to address those challenges in your coaching?
Answer:
One of the significant challenges facing high school football coaches today is striking a balance between the competitive nature of the sport and prioritizing the safety and well-being of our student-athletes. To address this challenge, I strongly believe in prioritizing player safety. We will adhere to the guidelines and recommendations provided by reputable organizations that govern our game.
