Paris High School Teamwork Challenge

Paris High School Football

You ask what makes Paris High School Football special? Paris High School Football is special for many reasons. Some of the characteristics that make us special are that we have overcome adversity, focused on teamwork, and have a great fan and community base.

The story begins several years ago with continuous losing records. For one stretch of three years from 2001-2003 Paris had a record of 1-29. We had one win and 29 losses. That put us at a disadvantage in a variety of ways. We were not able to keep kids on the roster because we were not even competing, not to mention there was little support for the program. Six years ago, that began to change.

With a change of coaches and a little fire lit under the athletes, we slowly began building back the numbers and winning ballgames. We even made it to the playoffs in 2005 and in 2009. That was huge for Paris. During that time period the coaches worked hard to build numbers from barely having enough to play to having 37 players dressed out. Once the players began staying out, the program began to improve.

This year’s team has overcome adversity because every starting lineman as well as the quarterback graduated in 2010. That meant we had a line that was very inexperienced, consisting of mostly sophomores having to step in and fill some very big shoes. So far, these young men have done great. They have done what it takes to work hard and learn their positions. We have begun the season with a 3-1 record losing by one point to Mansfield, who was pre-season ranked 5^th in the state. This team has brought life back to the fans and the community.

In years past, the stands would start out the season packed, but as the season went on, the fans would slowly dwindle. Its no fun seeing a team get blown away week after week. This year is different. There have been 3 home games and each one has been packed. Not only are the stands packed, but the crowd is cheering and yelling for our team. This gives our young men even more fuel to go out and play well. Two weeks ago, we traveled to Heavener, Oklahoma, which was two hours away, our fans packed the stands and there was standing room only. It felt great to have that kind of backing even when the games are far away.

The success on the field has not only rekindled the fire for the Paris community, but also the high school community. The students are participating more than ever, wearing their blue and white, cheering at ballgames and pep rallies and really supporting their team. In the 9 years I have been at Paris, I have never seen fans (both community members and students) so loyal and proud.

I feel the reason we are experiencing some success is because we truly have a team. Our players are working with each other on the field and, although they may not be the best athletes, they are playing with a tremendous amount of pride and heart. They have fought in times where in the past they might’ve given up and put in countless hours in the off season to improve their skill and get stronger. They finally know what it takes to win and are doing everything in their power to stay at the level needed to win. The young men have great attitudes and they are eager to get out on the field and be coached.

As one of their coaches, I have to say it is an honor to be able to coach such fine young men. Many of them are involved in multiple sports at Paris High School, involved in other clubs, and maintain high grade point averages. Many of the student athletes do all this while holding jobs. These men are outstanding young men. I ask that you please consider Paris High School for the “What Makes Our Team Special?” contest. We would consider it an honor to be associated with such an organization as Summit Bank. Thank you for your consideration and the opportunity you are providing for football programs in Arkansas.