Getting to Know New Abington Head Coach Terence Tolbert

Tagged under: Coaches Corner, District 1, News

Willie McGonigle | January 20, 2023

On January 10, Terence Tolbert was named the 18th head coach in Abington history. Recently he sat down with Pafootballnews for a Q&A.

PFN:What is it like to return to your Alma Mater and be named head coach there?

TT: Any athlete would want to return to where they competed to lead the team. Returning to my Alma Mater is definitely a bucket list item checked off.

PFN: Was there anything else besides it being your Alma Mater that drew your interest to the job?

TT: There have always been great athletes in the Abington area which still holds true today. The opportunity to lead them was just good timing with the move back to PA from Florida.

PFN: You coached in Florida where there is high-level football played what has that taught you and how do you feel it’ll help you at Abington?

TT: The approach to coaching and practice structure could be compared to a small college. I plan to bring those same attributes to the football program at Abington. Coaching is teaching, different methods are required for athletes to understand schemes. With the coaching staff I have assembled the athletes will benefit from their experiences on and off the field.

PFN: What are you looking forward to about competing in the tough Suburban One League where you have the likes of North Penn, Pennsbury Neshaminy?

TT: I’m looking forward to getting reacclimated to the whole Suburban One League landscape. Getting our team ready to compete week in and week out against every opponent. Preparation is a key metric to being successful in an ultra-competitive league with good teams.

PFN: What was it like working in the NFL High School Player Development Program?

TT: It was a great experience working with Billy White Shoes Johnson. Who actually has ties to the Abington communitythrough marriage. However, it was hard work facilitating the site, hiring coaches, distributing gear, organizing the field, developing the schedule, scripts for 7v7. Obtaining the guest speakers for the student athletes participated character development small groups. The HSPS program outlined NCAA eligibility requirements, setting goals, time management and social media presence.

PFN: What are some of your expectations heading into this season?

TT: The expectations for the student’s athletes to take care of business in the classroom first. Then set goals and meet and in some cases surpass goals in the weight room. Learn the new schemes being taught by the coaching staff. Work hard in practice, which translates to games.

PFN: What has it been like to be back around Abington since you got the head coach job?

TT: I’m seeing a lot of familiar faces, and there are several people I grew up with that have student athletes participating on the football team. It’s been a great experience thus far.

Ok coach now that we have talked about your coaching background let’s get to know the coach a little better

PFN: What’s your favorite food?
TT:Toasted PBNJ.

PFN: What’s your go-to vacation spot?

TT: Clearwater Beach Florida beach, my wife Valerie’s happy place.  

PFN: When it’s not football season what can you be found doing to help relax?

TT: I’ve been a small business owner since 1995. I actually enjoy cutting hair and the whole barbershop atmosphere. That’s the one place where everyone from different walks of life engages in conversation with each other.

PFN:Who were some of your mentors in life and why?

TT: My parents were the biggest influence on my work ethic and discipline. My family as a whole whom were small business owners employing several people in our neighborhood. My position coach from high school Warren Harvey. Who always had me look at situations from different perspectives prior to making a decision. My siblings who always showed support and redirecting me when it was appropriate.

PFN: Who’s your favorite football team?

TT: I grew up a Colts fan, but always supported the Eagles.

PFN:Who were some of your favorite athletes to watch growing up?

TT: Prime Time, Lynn Swann, Jerry Rice, Larry Csonka, Terry Bradshaw, Dan Marino, Jim Harbaugh, and Steve Atwater.

We appreciate Coach Tolbert taking time and sitting down with us and wish all the best this season.

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