Coach Malone Reflects On Last Season; Looks To The Future
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by Dwight Turner When Head Coach Tracy Malone signed on to lead the Tigers into the 2006 gridiron season, he knew he faced a formidable challenge. Ardmore was coming off a disastrous 2005 season, which saw the Tigers plummet to a 0-10 record. As last season commenced, Malone was cautiously optimistic, but didn’t know for certain how the Tigers would stack up against an imposing schedule. Malone’s optimism proved prophetic as Ardmore, led by a group of inspired and dedicated players, compiled an 8-3 record and made the state playoffs. After the season, Malone was in for another surprise. Coach Malone was honored as Area 14 Coach of the Year. “It was both a shock and an honor,” said Malone regarding his selection. “My first year as Head Coach, I really just wanted to keep our head above water. In our region, three or four coaches could have won the award. But really, it wasn’t just me. I had a great coaching staff and the kids played their hearts out. Coaches get too much credit when they win, and too much blame when they lose.” |
Tiger Head Coach Tracy Malone |
Malone was both humble and candid in assessing the accomplishments of last year’s Tiger squad.
“I think one of the keys to our success last season was due to the fact that the kids were a close knit group,” said Malone. “Further, the players were open to change. They knew I wasn’t coming in to change things for the sake of changing. They bought into what we were trying to accomplish.”
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Malone added that several position changes, particularly moving Derrick Green from wide receiver to tailback, played a big role in turning the Tigers around. Malone, however, is not focused on past accomplishments. As spring practice opened last Saturday, the coach stressed the importance of teamwork and football fundamentals. The Tigers ran through basic drills as the Tiger coaching staff began to assess the skill of the players who turned out for spring workouts. |
Tiger Head Coach Tracy Malone, center, puts members of the offensive line through their paces during the opening day of spring practice, held on May 5th. (photo by Dwight Turner) |
“This year the expectations on us are different,” remarked Malone. “Opposing teams will be taking us seriously this season. Some folks think last year was a fluke, but I think our players will be very competitive.”
Malone and the coaching staff put the Tigers through their paces on Saturday.
“After this first practice we mainly want to see who is physical and ready to play,” said Malone. “I am optimistic that we can meet the challenge in 2007. We have a great group of seniors who can provide the leadership we need to make the season a success.”
Malone concluded the interview by stating that as spring practice opens, most of the players are healthy. Only Travis Toone is sidelined with a hand injury.
The Tigers will continue with spring practice until May 18, when the annual Black and Gold game will take place.