Coaching Troubles in Waterloo

Jeremiah Strickland

This week, we've been made aware of coaching problems at each end of Lauderdale County. Here's some input on the Waterloo situation:

My son came to Waterloo four years ago, the support was great, he coached baseball, and assisted with football. He became head football coach, he and his dad worked for weeks cleaning and getting the weight room ready for workouts. There were problems the first year, but he said this is the first year, it will be better next year. The mayor was asked not to be on the field in year two. The principal told him "We have to keep the mayor happy." He ignored the request to stay off the field, leave the players alone, and do not interact with the officials. So, this caused trouble and ended with trouble.

He always tried to build the players' character and show them that being part of a team was a great thing. He did yell sometimes and get upset, but he always wanted the players to do their best. I have not spoken to any faculty, but I am sure he was a good coworker. There was struggles along the way, and he is not perfect, but I can say he worked hard and went beyond expectations for his students and athletes. There are standards he was raised with and learned throughout his adult life of what was expected of him.

Lastly, he was told the community can't get behind him, he was asked to resign from the Head Coaching position, with false truths in a letter to the board. This is all I wanted to share, I raised a well mannered, respectful adult. He was raised to tell the truth and give respect when it is deserved, and this is the reason for leaving the football program.