Q: You are the football Head Coach at Irving MacArthur, which is a 5A program near Dallas, Texas. What is it like to coach big school Texas football?
A: Coaching High School football in Texas is great. It is probably as close to college football as you can get at the high school level. The competition is very, very good. The talent pool is very strong, as there are several Division I players at almost every team we play. With spring football, two-a-days, off-season athletic periods and summer strength and conditioning programs, you can concentrate on football 12 months out of the year. The teams are very well-coached and prepared so you have to work hard to compete every week of the season.
Q: How did you end up in Texas?
A: I was offered a job at Colleyville Heritage HS in Colleyville, TX. I interviewed with them at a job fair at Ohio State, where I was in a masters program.
Q: How long have you lived there and do you have a family that you would like to share?
A: I have lived here for 16 years. I have been married to my wife, who is from Houston, for 13 years. We have a 10 year old son and an 8 year old daughter.
Q: I believe you played football at Miami University. What lead you to choosing Miami coming out of high school?
A: I loved the school and thought it was an ideal fit for me. I had the opportunity to play at several Div. III and NAIA schools, but I wanted to go to Miami because of the level of Academics that were offered. I ended up walking on there, but was put on full scholarship before my Senior season.
Q: Did I hear, correctly, that you are related to Ohio State kicker Drew Basil? If so, how are you related? (I believe it was a close relative to Drew on JJHuddle that told me that, via private message)
A: I am not related to him that I am aware of.
Q: What is your favorite Hilliard football memory?
A: I remember all of the strong relationships that were built with my teammates and coaches. I went into coaching because of the influence that my coach, Barry Blackstone, had on me. We all looked up to him as players, and I wanted to have that kind of an impact on others. I still keep in contact with him to this day.
Q: How did Hilliard High School prepare you to be the person you are today?
A: Hilliard was a wonderful place to grow up. Everyone knew each other, and there was such a sense of community that does not exist in many places today. The biggest thing I got out of growing up in Hilliard was the importance of community.
Q: Did you have any favorite Hilliard “hot spots” growing up?
A: Loved to go to Luigi's pizza, Dairy Queen and hang out at the Hilliard West pool.
Q: How often, if ever, do you come back to Columbus?
A: We get back every few years. We were just there the first part of June. I had fun taking my son to the old Memorial Field, were the old stadium was. We had to go to Dairy Queen to get a Blizzard afterwards!
Q: If you could give advice to the current Hilliard Davidson football team what would it be?
A: Enjoy every moment you have to play High School football. You will never forget your teammates, the hard work you put in, and the opportunity to be a part of such a special program.
A: Coaching High School football in Texas is great. It is probably as close to college football as you can get at the high school level. The competition is very, very good. The talent pool is very strong, as there are several Division I players at almost every team we play. With spring football, two-a-days, off-season athletic periods and summer strength and conditioning programs, you can concentrate on football 12 months out of the year. The teams are very well-coached and prepared so you have to work hard to compete every week of the season.
Q: How did you end up in Texas?
A: I was offered a job at Colleyville Heritage HS in Colleyville, TX. I interviewed with them at a job fair at Ohio State, where I was in a masters program.
Q: How long have you lived there and do you have a family that you would like to share?
A: I have lived here for 16 years. I have been married to my wife, who is from Houston, for 13 years. We have a 10 year old son and an 8 year old daughter.
Q: I believe you played football at Miami University. What lead you to choosing Miami coming out of high school?
A: I loved the school and thought it was an ideal fit for me. I had the opportunity to play at several Div. III and NAIA schools, but I wanted to go to Miami because of the level of Academics that were offered. I ended up walking on there, but was put on full scholarship before my Senior season.
Q: Did I hear, correctly, that you are related to Ohio State kicker Drew Basil? If so, how are you related? (I believe it was a close relative to Drew on JJHuddle that told me that, via private message)
A: I am not related to him that I am aware of.
Q: What is your favorite Hilliard football memory?
A: I remember all of the strong relationships that were built with my teammates and coaches. I went into coaching because of the influence that my coach, Barry Blackstone, had on me. We all looked up to him as players, and I wanted to have that kind of an impact on others. I still keep in contact with him to this day.
Q: How did Hilliard High School prepare you to be the person you are today?
A: Hilliard was a wonderful place to grow up. Everyone knew each other, and there was such a sense of community that does not exist in many places today. The biggest thing I got out of growing up in Hilliard was the importance of community.
Q: Did you have any favorite Hilliard “hot spots” growing up?
A: Loved to go to Luigi's pizza, Dairy Queen and hang out at the Hilliard West pool.
Q: How often, if ever, do you come back to Columbus?
A: We get back every few years. We were just there the first part of June. I had fun taking my son to the old Memorial Field, were the old stadium was. We had to go to Dairy Queen to get a Blizzard afterwards!
Q: If you could give advice to the current Hilliard Davidson football team what would it be?
A: Enjoy every moment you have to play High School football. You will never forget your teammates, the hard work you put in, and the opportunity to be a part of such a special program.