Independence Football players speak out to bring Coach Brown back next year

Kynyatta Tshiona, junior football player, tweets a picture of the rock that reads “We Want Coach Brown” to Coach Lewis and the Big I Patriots Twitter accounts.

By: Carson Gravely and Tanaysha Johnson

Independence High School – Charlotte, N.C.

The rock in front of Independence High-School now reads “WE WANT COACH BROWN” as football players are protesting to have Coach Brown back as their Head Coach.

Many of them argue that Coach Brown didn’t get a fair enough chance to be Head Coach because he was thrown in a week before the first game, without prior preparation or notice.

This year, Coach Young was removed as head football coach one week before the season started for the 2016-2017 school year. Coach Brown, who has been coaching at Independence High School for over 10 years was put in as the Interim Head Coach for the football team.

The football staff is currently interviewing to fill the Head Coach position for the 2017-2018 season but football players think that Coach Brown should be given another shot at the position.

Chase Rappe, on his way to the gym.

Rising senior Chase Rappe explained how not having Coach Brown will be a hardship for both varsity and junior varsity players. “He is the most experienced and has made us stronger. Our team respects him and he knows a lot.” 

Players feel as if he didn’t get a fair chance. Varsity team member Jeremiah Reed said, “He is very intelligent and we hate not having him as our coach.” He feels that if they have Coach Brown back or even just a consistent coach they will learn more and have a winning streak.

Jeremiah Reed, varsity player, poses for a photo after an interview with the Big I Dec.

Over the past few years, Independence has had over seven new coaches and many players argue that the changing position has caused their difference in performance.

Players are upset that if Brown leaves, they will have to start everything over and build up again, learn new plays, get comfortable with the plays and the new coaches. “If he is not Head Coach we have to go through another year of a new head coach” Michai Riley said.

The Head Coach decision was meant to be announced last week although the statement has not yet been released.

Regardless of the outcome, our football team definitely has the potential to do great things for next season and many seasons to come. No matter who assumes the position of Head Coach next year, the Independence High School football program will continue to thrive.