Basic v Spring Valley Football - Sept. 16 2022

Keeping up with Coach D

From Youth Leagues to High School

by Aspen Swecker

Sports Editor

One of the oldest athletic programs at Basic is football, which has been offered since it’s opening in 1942. This fall is the program’s 80th season. We had the opportunity to sit down with freshmen football coach, Dequa Coleman, affectionately called “Coach D” by the WolfPack.

“I feel really good about this season, and I think we have the student athletes to take us where Basic needs to be, which is State,” said Coach D.

Part of what Coach D looks for in student athletes reflects his own attitude towards life.

“First I look for someone who has good grades so that they’re eligible and able to be on the field; I look for someone who has that ‘don’t quit’ attitude and is just willing to work hard on and off the field,” said Coach D.

Football players have been practicing throughout summer to get prepared for the season.

“We do a lot of weightlifting, we do a lot of running, basically conditioning, getting ready, kind of acclimating ourselves to the heat during the summer so that we’re ready to play right now.” said Coach D.

Three years ago, Coach D made the decision to add high school football coaching to his roster, having previously coached only youth leagues. “I coached youth football for twelve years, and once I saw all the kids that I started out with go to high school, I kinda just wanted to follow them and keep them on the right track,” said Coach D.

Coach D has been coaching at Basic for three years.

“We come everyday ready to work, ready to get these guys to a championship level,” said Coach D.