The most important aspect of any structure, regardless of its size or age, is its foundation. Without sturdy support on the ground level, even the most impressive external design can crumble.
When Tyrus Ward was hired last spring to redirect the downward spiral of Brainerd High School’s football program, he returned to his alma mater with a very direct and hands-on approach. The intensely driven 33-year-old believes that plan will not only serve as the bedrock for the Panthers’ future, but that the strategy is so deeply rooted in discipline it will extend beyond the football field and affect the surrounding neighborhood.
“We have too many kids who have been surrounded by negativity, told by outside sources and even some people within their own community that they can’t achieve certain things and won’t make it,” said Ward, who some consider one of the state’s most sought-after young coaches. “I had offers to go to bigger schools or private schools, but that’s not where I felt led to coach. The same way pastors say they feel led to preach, I believe I have a calling to be an example, to be one of the young role models for the next generation, because there reaches a point when somebody has to make a stand and let our kids know that they care.
“I believe my role is to go into our community and try to help our kids, give them somebody they can actually see that cares about them and make the change from within. That’s not an easy job, but it has to be done. I want to win as much as any other coach, but make no mistake, I want to do more than just that.”
Brainerd travels to Region 3-3A foe McMinn Central tonight for the final game of Ward’s first season as head coach. Although the Panthers won’t advance to the playoffs, by all accounts – current players and assistant coaches, school administrators and even opposing coaches agree – there were significant improvements made this season within the program that should result in more on-field success in the future.