A coach who has spent time as a defensive coordinator for three Class 7A powerhouses and as a head coach for another one, Byron Slack now is ready to take the Cook High Hornets to new heights as he assumes the reigns as the team’s head coach. As part of our 4 Questions series, we caught up with Slack to find out what his plans are for the Hornets this season.
Q: Coach, congratulations on your new position as the Cook High Hornets’ head football coach. Other than heading up Hillgrove for a season as their head coach, you spent time coordinating some really good defenses at Lowndes, Camden, and Colquitt. How eager were you to return to the sidelines as a head coach?
A: I am super eager to be a head coach. I learned a lot from my [previous jobs] and I am hoping to put what I learned to work as the head coach of Cook High School.
Q: Let’s talk about Cook. During the search to find the right person to lead their football team, I talked to several seasoned football people who all said that Cook was one of the top programs in the state poised for success. Did that same potential draw you to pursue the job there?
A: It certainly had an affect of me taking the job. I have been in this area for a number of years and have always heard about Cook, and have watched them play on occasion. I believe it is a place where you can win.
Q: What has been your initial impression of the Hornets program, and the support of the fans and administration, since arriving at Cook?
A: The people here have been great. That is from top to bottom. Starting with the kids. They have answered the bell at every turn. We are doing a lot of things differently and they haven’t missed a beat. The administration has been great as well. The entire staff has been on board from the start. And I cannot say enough about the support. We are making some more changes to our facilities in the coming weeks that I think people will be pleased with.
Q: What is your message to Hornets fan who are ready to see Cook make a run at a state championship?
A: I would say to continue to come out and support us. The kids are ready. I’m ready, all we need is those stands to be packed each Friday in Adel!
