Hello PrepsKC Community. My name is Camron Smith and I am the Head Football Coach of Washington High School. I also teach Journalism, and Digital Media, and have a Degree in Communications. It is with great enthusiasm that I enter into this realm and It is my goal to give you an in-depth look at the mind of a high school head football coach. There are so many topics to discuss so let’s get to it!
Being a high school football coach is no easy task to say the least. The requirements and amounts of hats worn are certainly more than meets the eye. Most people would associate knowledge of the x’s & o’s, depth charts, game plans, and play calling with our role, but it’s the often-overlooked roles that play the biggest part in our athletes’ lives.
Over the last twelve years I’ve played the role of big brother, uncle, advocate, father figure, tutor, academic advisor, collegiate advisor, counselor and so much more. The reality is the amounts of hours that coaches put in today usually overwhelmingly outweighs the pay 10 times over. But, in all my years of coaching I have never come across one coach that did it for the money.
To an extent it’s the passion for the game. There is nothing like finding a way to stay attached to the sport that you love. But for me, it’s the opportunity to provide our youth with the knowledge needed to excel within the sport, as well as training their mind to overcome life’s challenges. I truly believe that the life-long lessons learned within the sport of football are unmatched.
Over the years I have had a front row seat to witness the formation of life-long bonds that will endure the test of time. I have been to graduations, weddings, and held babies of former athletes. I’ve been consulted by former players about college, relationships, and career decisions. I have received autographed keepsakes, memorabilia, and college graduation party invitations from former players.
Within the sport of football persistence is a requirement of success, endurance separates talent from perseverance, and dedication provides opportunities that would be otherwise unattainable within this game. These reasons and more form ‘My Reason Why’.
