It has been said that change is inevitable. Major change can sometimes be the potential for growth. The Gators football program of Glenwood School is about to find out.
Last May, just weeks prior to the end of school, Glenwood’s football coach for the past three seasons resigned for personal reasons. Tripp Henderson’s team had a disappointing 2015 season, going 4-6 with a 2-3 region record. After the sudden departure of Henderson, Glenwood had a two-week search for a new coach. On Friday, May 13, Jason Gibson was announced as the Gator’s head football coach for the 2016 season.
The Gator Nation was still reeling from the unexpected resignation of the former coach when Gibson was selected as successor. It was kind of a puzzling move on the part of both Gibson and Glenwood School because Gibson is the coach for the Columbus Lions, the local arena football organization.
According to Gibson, who resides not far from the Alabama private AISA 3A school, he shouldn’t have a problem managing the two coaching jobs as the high school football season is wrapped up in November long before the Lions take to the field in the spring.
Despite coming to the dance so late, Gibson is very optimistic and enthusiastic about taking over the helm of the Gators football program. His resume includes coaching the Lions for the past 10 years but also includes some high school coaching experience in North Carolina.
The roster for Glenwood’s 2016 football team was not available early this summer. The 2015 season record might appear dismal but there was a lot of talent on that team that will be carried over to Gibson’s first season. At least five players have the makings of college prospects. Will Cadoura (OL), Maro Richmond (FB/DE), Latavius Calhoun (RB/DB), Jack Rhodes (DE), and Carrington Huddleston (QB/DB) are on the list and should be big contributors this fall.
Quarterback Carrington Huddleston made a name for himself last year as the Gator’s leading rusher (109 carries for 720 yards), leading passer (98 attempts for 456 yards) and the team’s leading scorer with a total of seven touchdowns. Gibson will undoubtedly find Huddleston valuable in the new program.
Another player to watch is Thomas Camacho. The 6’ 165 lb. athlete is returning as the team’s kicker and has a reputation as a pretty good soccer player. Both Camacho and Huddleston hold the top academic records on the team, carrying a 4.0 GPA into the school year.
Although new to Glenwood, Gibson established early on his approach for the upcoming season was to increase student participation. Usually, a school gains athletes in programs when those programs start winning. To be successful, Gibson is expecting his team this season to be fundamentally balanced. He says they will focus on playing solid defense and a multiple look offense.
His three major goals for his first season as head football coach at Glenwood are to increase the numbers of participants, win the state championship and develop student athletes. Gibson says his biggest challenge is to bring about that increase in numbers and to also increase time spent in the weight room.
No details were available about the staff who will work with Gibson as he is being selective in putting together the new group. It may take a bit of time for Gibson to get used to dealing with younger athletes and working with a new staff but it didn’t take long for him to size up the value placed on athletics at the small, close-knit school.
“Glenwood School prides itself on fans, community and parent involvement. In order to run a successful program, their support is a must,” he says.
Gibson isn’t afraid of a challenge and is excited about the Gator’s fall football schedule which will pit Glenwood against some tough competitors. The seasoned coach knows better than to look too far down the road when asked if there was a particular game he anticipated to be meaningful.
“The first game because it will mark a new era. Our focus is ‘US.’ That’s the only thing we can control,” says Gibson.
Glenwood Gators
Glenwood Gators Prepare For New Era Of Football
Written by Beth Welch
Photo by Glenwood School
