Columbus native Justin Newman didn’t waste any time in his efforts to get his new football program at Jordan Vocational High School energized. Appealing to modern-day high school athletes and students, Newman started the process by establishing #Ctowntakeover and Buzz City to generate interest and enthusiasm. But Newman also added in a dose of old school by stressing community and fan support is a key ingredient. He acknowledges the value of those in the Jordan Nation who remain committed to seeing the school’s glory days revived.
“This is one of the most vital aspects of a football program in being successful. Jordan has the biggest and arguably best alumni associations in the city of Columbus. The success of a football program starts with full support from all aspects of a school,” says Newman.
The 2002 Shaw High School graduate accepted the position of head football coach back in February. The job at Jordan is Newman’s first as a head football coach. He was formerly the head baseball coach at Pacelli School in Columbus and was the baseball coach at Wheeler County High School when he took the position at Jordan.
At Wheeler County, Newman was the assistant football coach and offensive coordinator under former Pacelli head football coach Randy Grace. The 2014 season for Wheeler County was successful with Grace and Newman at the helm. Newman has also been an assistant coach in other high school programs and views those times as learning opportunities for his new role at Jordan.
One of Newman’s new directions at JVHS was to start the season off with the motto of “Own It.” The new coach explains “in order for things to go well on the field, we have to take care of things outside of it.” He is promoting taking responsibility for actions and every team member carrying their share of the load.
Since Newman is literally the “new man” for the Red Jackets, he isn’t looking back at the program’s lack of success. Instead, a plan to improve in all aspects of the game is his expectation for the upcoming season. For the offense, he is implementing a HUNH (Hurry Up No Huddle) Spread. Defense will be a Multiple 4-2-5. The motivation for his athletes will come from the constant competition.
Every coach has goals and Newman is no exception. He has three specific ones for the 2016 season. First, to make playoffs and advance. Second, to have a 100 percent graduation rate among his seniors, and third (perhaps more of a long-range goal), to win a championship.
Last year’s 3-7 record with a region record of 2-6 was disappointing for the athletes, coaching staff and school. Newman’s plans are to utilize the athleticism he spotted right away but pushing his players to be fast-paced, physical, disciplined and competitive. He wants his players to be focused and take one game at the time.
“We look at each game as they come. The saying for us is the game that is important is the next one,” Newman says.
Eight seniors will be making a big contribution to the Red Jackets this season. DeAndre Snead, Darren Lewis, DeKoreon West, Elijay Mann, Brendon Fitgerald, Raymond Jones, Jakyle Strickland and Renard Swiney are the players who will provide upperclassman leadership and skills. Rounding out the team in terms of talent are nine juniors and sophomores Newman will be counting on to contribute this fall.
Newman has a coaching philosophy that isn’t just about winning games. He understands the value of education and how athletics enhances the educational process as well as prepares athletes for life. A collegiate athlete, Newman was also a baseball player who briefly played in the Cincinnati Reds organization before an injury ended his playing career. He wants his program at Jordan to be a part of a well-rounded education process for all his football players and he is taking the steps to make that happen, he stresses the importance of grades, studying habits and good behavior.
“We want the players to be better people because they went through the Jordan Football Program,” says Newman.
In the end, Newman feels likes his biggest challenge is to get everyone to buy into the program. Once that takes place, #Ctowntakeover and Buzz City will add to the excitement of new traditions taking place at Jordan Vocational High School.
Jordan Red Jackets
Red Jackets Adopt “Own It” Motto For Newman’s Debut Season
Written by Beth Welch
Photo by George McDuffie
