Coach Matt Turner is the head coach of the East Hall Vikings, a high school football team in North Georgia. With 17 years of experience in education, Coach Turner has a background in both football and golf during his high school years. After initially pursuing a career in business, Turner discovered his true calling in coaching and education, leading him to East Hall, where he impacts young athletes both on and off the field. Coach Turner is known for his focus on character development and his commitment to fostering a family-like environment within his team.
In this engaging episode of the North Georgia FCA Coaches Podcast, hosts Clint Fair and Joel Williams sit down with East Hall Vikings' head coach, Matt Turner. Broadcasting from the iconic Longstreet Cafe, the episode dives deep into Turner's journey from business dreams to fulfilling a purposeful calling in high school coaching. Turner shares his passion for impacting young athletes through character development and providing life lessons that extend far beyond the football field. As a first-time podcast guest, Coach Turner offers candid insights into the realities and joys of coaching.
Coach Matt Turner discusses the evolving challenges of high school football coaching, such as maintaining student commitment amidst a myriad of distractions and societal pressures. The conversation addresses vital themes such as time management, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) concerns, and the importance of community support from local businesses like Longstreet Cafe. Turner emphasizes the value of character-building over wins and losses, noting, "The greatest joy is when you see them years later and they come back and say, you're still coach." With a focus on creating a nurturing environment, the East Hall program proves that football is more than just a sport.
Coach Matt Turner transitioned from a career in business to coaching, viewing it as a calling to impact young lives through education and sports.
High school coaching today involves balancing athletic commitment with academics, social media influences, and financial constraints.
Turner's philosophy stresses character development and life lessons over athletic achievements, with weekly character lessons being integral to the program.
The support from local businesses like Longstreet Cafe is invaluable, as they provide meals and opportunities for fellowship and faith sharing.
Despite modern challenges, maintaining the purity and communal aspects of high school football is a priority for Turner.
"The greatest joy is when you see them years later and they come back and say, you're still coach."
"If you haven't played, you have no bad habits."
"When you bring money into anything, it usually doesn't go well."
"I've never had one player that's came through the program for four years and looks back, man, I wish I hadn't done that."
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