SUN Coaches Podcast

Coach Johnson has been a successful HFC in Florida and is part of the staff at Coffee that just won a state championship this past year here in Georgia. Plainly stated the man is a winner. A native of Newton GA in Baker County, Coach Johnson had a long career in GA in the GISA as an assistant and HFC before going to Florida to do the same. He has returned to GA and man I thoroughly enjoyed his story and I hope you do too!

Israel Troupe is a native of Tifton Ga and DGD! Coach Troupe is currently the OC at Thomasville HS in SOWEGA (Southwest GA for ya'll) and has spent the past few years in Ware County where he was part of a staff that won a state title. He has been an assistant football and baseball coach and steadily been working his way up the ladder. Coach Troupe is a bright star in the young gun group and I am proud to call him friend! I hope you enjoy hearing about his journey thus far.

Coach Matt Burleson is a native of the panhandle of Florida where he played his high school ball for his dad who was a 37 year high school football coach. Coach played at Wake Forest and UT Martin in college and went on to GA at UGA and Georgia Tech. Coach Burleson has been an assistant at some great programs in the state of Georgia and learned from some of the giants of the high school game in Georgia before building his empire in McRae. I hope you enjoy Coach Burleson's story!

Coach Hancock graduated from The University of Georgia with a BSED in Health and Physical Education. He graduated high school from Athens Christian School. His coaching experience includes: seven years at Loganville High School, two years at Chestatee High School, two years at Monroe Area High School, two years at West Hall High School, and eight years at Walnut Grove High School. He's and old head that has done it the right way everywhere he has been. Enjoy Coach Mike Hancock!

Coach Brad Smith is a native of Logaville GA. He played high school ball for the legendary Tommy Stringer and college ball at Shorter for Coach Phil Jones. Coach has been a STC GA, assistant coach and now a HFC at the high school level all over NE and NW Georgia. I hope you enjoy Coach Smith's journey and stories along the way!

Coach Banks is a native of Lithonia Ga and a graduate of Lakeside-Dekalb High School. Coach Banks is building and empire at Greene County High School via exit 130! He started as a lay coach and worked his way up to being a HFC at Newton, Meadowcreek, Tri Cities and now Greene County High School. I really hope you enjoy his journey and perspective!

John Ford, the head football coach at Effingham County High School, shares his extensive coaching journey across Georgia. He reflects on the profound impact coaches have on young athletes and the importance of personal growth in the profession. The conversation explores the dynamic of high school football in Effingham, the challenges of community building, and the emotional ties of sports rivalries, particularly between the Saints and Falcons. Ford's insights on coaching camaraderie and loyalty illustrate the evolving landscape of athletics.

Coach Ed Dudley is a legend. He played for a legend in high school (George Maloof), started his coaching career for a legend (Billy Henderson Clark Central), and has become a legend himself. He worked for some legends as well. He has had a long and winding career as an assistant and a head coach. Coach Dudley is one of the good ones and if you don't like him, something is probably wrong with you! I hope you enjoy Coach Ed Dudley!

Coach Dobson is a native of Monticello Florida where he played at North Florida Christian in Tallahassee. He then played QB at Georgia Southern for Coaches Jeff Monken and Willie Fritz. Coach Dobson has coached at Cook and North Forsyth before returning to take over the HFC position in Statesboro. One of the bright younger stars in the business, Matt brings a different perspective to the HFC position than I normally have on here. I hope ya'll enjoy Coach Dobson!

Coach Stowe is one of the best humans in the business. A native of Toccoa GA, Coach Stowe played his high school ball for the legendary Coach Rodney Walker at Stephens County. He graduated from the University of Georgia and began his coaching career in the North Georgia mountains. Coach Stowe has been from the mountains to South Georgia in his 28 years in the business and has influenced many young people along the way! I hope you enjoy Rob's story!