"Friday nights lights" is a phrase used quite often by many community members and fans as they talk about the excitement around their hometown football games.
Whether the team has a winning or losing streak for the year, there is a nostalgia surrounding Friday night lights.
High school students celebrate the event with face paint and cow bells, while the football players prepare themselves by wearing their jerseys to school that day.
High school alums make their way out to games to cheer on their hometown players while thinking back on their days in the student section, out on the field, on the sidelines cheering on the team or playing tunes as the team makes another touchdown.
Throughout the past decade, Union County High School (UCHS) has seen many changes surrounding the football department and it is now going to see a new head coach enter the game.
Coach Steve Smith, who has been an assistant football coach and math teacher at UCHS for four years is now fulfilling the role of head coach.
Smith began his career in education and coaching at Crockett County High School in West Tennessee in 1994.
Carmen Murphy, UCHS principal, is extremely excited to welcome Smith as the head of the Patriots.
“We feel blessed to have him and confident he will carry on the upward trajectory of Union County Patriot football,” Murphy said.
Smith is not only a dedicated coach, but also a dedicated teacher. He believes that every student and player deserve teachers and coaches that will help them reach their full academic, extracurricular and post high school potential.
“You try to put them in situation where they can be successful,” Smith said. “It seems like a shame if you could do that but for some reason decide not to.”
Smith, along with many other UCHS faculty, are determined to bring in assistant coaches that are not only quality coaches but quality role models. Smith wants a supportive team that will teach players not only how to do well on the field but also teach them how to excel off the field.
“One man cannot effectively help an entire team of young men individually,” Smith said. “It takes a dedicated staff working at a high level for every play at practice to get that payoff on Friday night.”
Smith is extremely encouraged by the coaching staff he has assembled so far and hopes to continue with adding members that possess the needed qualities.
Smith has found that in order to teach kids effectively, one must lead by example and be consistent with their efforts. He goes on to say that arriving early, working hard and leaving last cannot simply be a catch phrase.
“You have to live it and you have to expect it from them as well―praising them when they do it and encouraging them to do better when they do not,” Smith said. “You have to practice what you preach.”
Smith encourages the community to come out and watch the kids play next season.
Many say it takes a village. These students do not only need teammates and coaches, but also community members and a strong support system behind them. Make sure to come out to a few games and support these young players.
At the end of the day, they are the future of tomorrow, and what better way to invest in the future than supporting your local youth.