Coach and Coordinator Podcast National Coach of the Week - Coaching Through Rivalries: Preparation, Pressure, and Community - Gary Swenson, Head Coach, Valley HS (IA)
On this episode of National Coach of the Week presented by Modern Football, host Keith Grabowski sits down with Gary Swenson, Head Coach at Valley High School, to discuss the unique intensity of rivalry games in high school football.
They dive into the emotional impact these games have on players and communities, the strategic preparation required by coaches, and the importance of moving forward after the final whistle—win or lose. Swenson also shares insights on the challenges of facing rivals multiple times in a season, the decisive role of special teams in game mechanics, and how routine and fundamentals help players thrive under pressure.
This episode highlights not only the competitive spirit of high school football but also its deeper role in fostering school pride and community connection.
Chapters
- Introduction to Rivalry and Season Start
- The Emotional Impact of Rivalry Games
- Preparation Strategies for High-Stakes Games
- Moving On After a Rivalry Game
- Facing a Rival Again: Adjustments and Strategies
- Special Teams and Game Mechanics
- Conclusion and Reflections on Coaching
Connect on X:
Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski
Gary Swenson: @CoachSwensVTFB
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