Tim Sawyer

Alexander Football

Favorite thing about High School Sports: “Usually it’s the close knit relationships that are developed.  Some of the bonds will last a life time.”

AB: Following the fantastic team-effort versus Holley a week ago, who impressed you most coming out of that game?

TS: “ Our defense was solid once again.  Also our special teams play was very good.  Sam Browne had an 85 yd punt return for a TD but it was definitely helped by 3 huge blocks in the open field.  Also we blocked a punt and sophomore Derrick Busch scooped and scored it from 20 yards out.“

AB: What have you been most proud of when it comes to your team this season? In other words, what have your athletes done to make you proud to be their coach? Anything specific?

TS: “We have been very focused and we’ve progressed every day but one.  That’s not bad after 6 weeks.” 

AB: Even at 2-2, where do you see this team winding up at the end of the season? What is your measurement of success for this group?

TS: “We always try to keep the immediate game in front of us.  Our motto is ‘The biggest game is the next game.’ With that in mind I’ll say we hope to get back into the Class DD Sectional Playoffs and a 5-2 record would get us in but I’m not sure that 4-3 would.” 

AB: How do you try to make the most of your team?

TS: “It is a total team effort each night. Any given night any player can step up and do great things.  We take pride in each player doing their job to make this team perform effectively. Quite often it is nothing flashy, but effective play within the game plan. I hope our young men find satisfaction in that. You almost never read about an offensive lineman’s performance, but they are just as important to our success as the QB or a RB.“

AB: Throughout your years coaching football, what has drawn you to the game most?

RC: “Without a doubt it is the relationships. With the young men and with my coaching staff. Even with coaches from other schools. There are so many good young men and older men involved in this game that I am just fortunate to be involved in it. As a coach, I really get to know what makes most of these individuals tick on a personal level. I get to see individuals struggle with disappointment, struggle with pain, struggle with a loss and even struggles with life’s issues. On the flip side I get to witness individuals overcome obstacles, enjoy success and be rewarded for their efforts, I get to share in their happiness and in the laughter. I get to see teammates edify others and I get to watch young men display empathy for a teammate who has fallen on hard times.  28 student athletes and 3 coaches get to share in this team this season.  I hope in some small way I can have a positive influence in these athlete’s lives now and in their future. “

AB: What are your thoughts on your coaching staff? Being together so often, you guys must have developed an incredible relationship?

TS: “I have a great coaching staff.  We work 6 or 7 days each week depending on if we play Fridays or Saturdays. We always have our coaches meeting on Sunday nights. We review footage of our game and we review our upcoming opponents. We determine what areas of our program need to be strengthened and we will set the game plan for the week. Coach Matt McCracken is our defensive  coordinator. He is thorough and meticulous in his planning and the players love him.  He is a fiery young buck and he brings enjoyment, certainty, and confidence to our defense. Coach Bob Smykowski is our special teams coordinator. He looks exactly like Tom Coughlin only Coach Smy is more intense. Smy has been with me since I first started here at Alexander in 2000. In the off season Coach Smy and I cut a lot of fire wood together and enjoy time out in the country. These guys always are willing to go to clinics and volunteer a lot of time to our summer workouts program. Very dedicated men.“

AB: How do you try to make Alexander football mean a lot to the athletes?

TS: “I figure when individuals invest a large part of themselves into something then it has meaning and value to them. They need to see that same investment from me and the other coaches. It truly helps that I teach here in the HS /MS building every day. I think the young men see a sincere approach from the coaches and other football players to do things right and to do things with a committed, positive attitude. I hope it’s contagious and I hope football at Alexander is something that young men want to be part of.“

As you can see, coach Sawyer is very passionate about his job as Alexander head football coach. Bringing an excitement like no other every day to practice, he has this team working extremely hard to achieve their goal of reaching the Class DD Sectional Tournament. Stay tune in the coming weeks to find out if they reach it!!!

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