The beginning of the school year introduced some new coaching faces around the Columbus Valley. All sports have seen a few changes in coaching personnel at local high schools, but it seems none more so than football. Long-time Kendrick High School head football coach Jerry Dukes announced his retirement before the end of the previous school year. Dukes’ successor was named in April, and those who have followed high school football in this area for a number of years might recognize the person who has taken over the reins of the Cherokees’ program. Cedric Ware, a 2002 Hardaway High School graduate and collegiate athlete who spent a little time with the Columbus Lions organization, is Kendrick’s new head football coach. In The Game High School Sports Magazine asked Ware a few questions about his first season at Kendrick.
In The Game: When did you begin your coaching career?
Cedric Ware: I began my coaching career in 2008 at Opelika High School.
ITG: When did you officially take over the position of head coach at Kendrick High School?
CW: I officially accepted (the job) to be the head football coach at Kendrick High School on April 1, 2015.
ITG: Do you coach any other sports or teach any classes?
CW: I coach football and teach health and physical education.
ITG: Where did you coach prior to Kendrick?
CW: I coached football, track, and one year of basketball during my three years at Opelika High School. I coached football and track at Fort Middle School for two years, and I also coached football and track at Aaron Cohn Middle School for two years.
ITG: Who are the coaches who make up your football coaching staff?
CW: Collins Jones, Antron Murray, Tommy Casciaro, Kadale Jenkins, Sheldon Mays, Demetrius McClellan, and Art Thompson.
ITG: How many returning starters do you have on the varsity team?
CW: We have four returning starters.
ITG: Do you have some athletes to watch this season?
CW: Walter Boze (RB/WR/DB), Kayleem Bonds (LB/RB), Rickey Owens (FB/DL), Cincere Sellars (SS/WR), and DeAndre Singelton (OL)
ITG: What do you feel sets your program at Kendrick apart from other high school programs?
CW: My vision for the Kendrick High School football program is to create an atmosphere and environment for all players to be successful. Our program will provide academic support for each student-athlete and prepare young men for life after football. Our program will teach young men how to give championship effort on the field, in the classroom, in the weight room, and in the community. The players will have a sense of ownership to the program and hold themselves and teammates accountable for their actions. Being a part of a team is being a part of something greater than themselves. When the team is successful, our young men are successful, and when our young men leave they will remember those important values and display them for the rest of their lives.
ITG: Did you set any goals prior to the beginning of football season?
CW: Have the highest cumulative GPA amongst all sports teams at Kendrick High School. 100% graduation rate for all football players. Create a competitive mentality and winning attitude amongst our players. Have a winning record for our varsity and junior varsity Football. Qualify for the 2015-16 Georgia 3-A State Playoffs.
ITG: What is the best thing about coaching and teaching at Kendrick High School?
CW: I have only had the pleasure of working with our principals, fellow coaches, and student-athletes throughout the summer. But the best thing about them is their competitive edge and their willingness to help.
Personal Bio
Name: Cedric Ware
Age: 30
Family: Wife, Dr. Nylvia Ware and daughter, Gabriella Ware
Hometown: Columbus, Georgia
Education: Hardaway High school, Fort Valley State University, Concord University and Columbus State University
B.A., Health and Physical Education
M.A., Health and Physical Education
Past Sports or athletic history:
Coaching Highlights
Opelika High School Football: Region 6-AAAAA Playoffs (2008-2011)
Opelika Track: Boys Sectional Champions (2008-2010)
8 Boys Track and Field State Champs 2.100 meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, 4×100-meter, 2x Long Jump, 3200-meter run
2 Girls Track and Field State Champs 100-meters, 3200-meter run
Fort Middle School: Football Divisional Champions (2001, 2012)
Fort Middle School: Track and Field Boys City Championship (2013)
Fort Middle School: Track and Field Girls City championship (2013)
Aaron Cohn Middle School: Track and Field Girls City Championship (2014)
Aaron Cohn Middle School: Track and Field Girls City Championship (2015)
Football/Track Career Profile as an Athlete
AFL 2, Columbus Lions: 32 Tack, 5 Ints, 12 Pass break-ups, 1 TD
Fort Valley State University: 113 Tack, 13.5 TFL, 4 Sacks, 5 Ints, 7 Pass break-ups, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recovery, Pre-Season All-Conference (2004-2005) 2x SIAC Defensive Player of the Week, East Coast Senior Bowl
Concord University: 56 Tack, 3.3 TFL, 1 Int, 9 Pass break-ups, 1 forced fumble, 6 Punt returns, 1 kick return, WVIAC All-Conference, WVIAC conference freshman, WVIAC All Conference Track and WVIAC Long Jump Champion
Positions you hold at Kendrick High School: Teacher, Head Football Coach
Favorite Pastime: Playing with my daughter, Gabriella
Person you most admire: The person I admire the most is my father (Stan Ware). He has always been someone I look up to because of his determination, his work ethic, and his commitment to his family. He is a Godly and respectable man, and I pray that I can be the same.
Sports Zone/Columbus Valley/October 2015
Cedric Ware
Kendrick High School
Columbus, Georgia
Story and photos by Beth Welch
