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Coach Interview: Rodger D. Horton School Cincinnati Hughes STEM: Position Associate Head Coach @Proud2BRog @Hughes_football

Tagged under: Beyond The Keystone, Coaches Corner, News

| October 17, 2021


1- How long have you been coaching?

18 Years

2-Where was your first coaching job?

Cincinnati Chase School (Jr. High)

3-Which sports did you play in high school/college?

None. At the time I was at Central State we did not have an active football program.

4-What is the most enjoyable part of coaching?

Seeing my former players come back and talk to me about how they have applied the principles and skills they have learned in football to their everyday personal and professional lives. Celebrating their successes as being great fathers and men within their community. I thoroughly enjoy supporting and mentoring them as they thrive and progress in other aspects of their life.

5- What are your expectations for Hughes this season?

We look at this year the same way a person would look at eating a dinosaur. You have to take small bites until it is finished. This year we have the potential to make it a special year. We cannot look past anyone and have to put ourselves in a position to win each week. We have been locked in since March. And our numbers have grown astronomically. This is a testament to how our kids work and push each other in the weight room and on the field. The competitive nature of this team is infectious. They are ferocious competitors. This has evolved under Coach Mobley’s tutelage. Our kids realize it can be a special year and have really committed to doing the little things and paying attention to all the details that can manifest into success.

 

6-The Crosstown Showdown at one point was a great way to kick off the season. Do you think being part of mega-events like this is good for the schools? Why or why not? The city of Cincinnati and in particular Southwest Ohio is a hotbed of competitive football. It should be showcased when you have an opportunity to do so. You have your legacy programs and you have your up-and-coming ones. What better way to put them on a platform and grow their following and fan base than to use a vehicle like this. I know all coaches are striving to develop their programs. This is a good way to see how you match up against the best teams in the region and also see some things that you could incorporate into your program that could possibly benefit you and your players.

 

7- Where do you think the state finals should be held?

I think it should rotate in an equitable fashion between Cincinnati, Columbus, And Canton.

 

8-What are your thoughts on so many teams making the playoffs?

I welcome it and look forward to the challenge. The more teams involved, just means that you have to work on developing depth, avoiding injury, and understanding the importance of body recovery. A football season is a long journey and involves many twists and turns. Those that are ultimately the most victorious do a great job of controlling what they can control and keeping distractions to a minimum.

 9- Did coaches miss having fans at the games?

ABSOLUTELY!!!! Fans are an intricate part of what makes Friday nights and high school football special. Plus if no one saw it, did it really happen?

10-As a fan and as a person who covers the game in many states I love the Thursday and Saturday afternoon games. As a coach how do you feel about them?

Us football coaches are creatures of habit. We don’t want anything to disrupt our ritual and routine. While we welcome the opportunity to play anytime, a Thursday night game can rush the process of preparation. This could create areas of neglect to critical pieces that could create a win for you. While Saturday games can create situations of excess because we cram more in. We all want to use our time in the most productive way. Friday nights are just right. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

 

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