He may be the most successful coach in Southeast Georgia that you have never heard of. That is, unless you follow high school track and field. Then the name DeAndre Davis is very familiar. He has been the head coach of the Bradwell Institute Tigers track and field team for eight years and has led them to seven region championships during that time, a feat that is especially tough for the Hinesville school because it competes in Region 3-AAAAA, which includes the likes of Brunswick, Glynn Academy, Ware County, Camden County, Coffee County, Effingham County, South Effingham, Statesboro, and Richmond Hill.
DeAndre Davis grew up in Savannah, where he graduated from Sol C. Johnson High School. From there, he went to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he competed in the 100 and 200 meters, the 4×100 and 4×400 meter relays, and the long jump. After college, he returned to his high school alma mater to coach track for the Atomsmashers for six years. He left in 2007 to join the staff at Bradwell Institute, and he became head track coach the following year. Since then, he has been the Region Coach of the Year seven times and the Best of Prep Sports Coach of the Year three times.
Who were your biggest influences?
“My biggest influence was Roosevelt Coleman. He was my football and track coach in high school. The crazy part is, he gave me my first high school job at Johnson. My second influence was Emmitt Watkins. While I was coaching at Johnson, he was the coach at Bradwell. He persuaded me to come with him at Bradwell. I accepted, not knowing that he was planning to leave when I got here. I learned a lot from him in one year.”
What has been your proudest moment as a coach?
“I would say that my proudest moment was last year. Every year, we lose at least eight guys to graduation. Going into the season, Effingham was the team to beat, and they were loaded in every area. They are one of the few schools who have a pole vaulter. With that, they go into every meet up 18 points because of that event. My kids fought hard every meet but would fall short because of their depth. Every invitational, we would get closer and closer. The region championship was no different. The kids stepped up and pulled out the victory. Even with being down at the start, we ended up winning our sixth championship by 12 points.”
What was your first “big moment” as a coach?
“My first big moment was when Larry Henry won the high jump championship my first year coaching. He was also my triple jumper. He jumped 7’0” that year. He missed 7’2” by a couple of inches. He was also given the best performance trophy.”
As a track and field coach, how do you coach so many athletes in so many events?
“In track and field you have to have a plan. Each kid has their own individual plan. My main responsibilities are sprints, jumps, hurdles, and relays. I’ve been doing it for so long that it becomes second nature. I would love to have other coaches. Most schools have at least 8-10 coaches. You can get a lot more done when all the kids’ needs can be met. It is hard to find experienced people who will work for free.”
Coach’s Corner
De’Andre Davis
Bradwell Institute
Quietly Succeeding
By Rob Asbell
