The Shadow Creek Sharks have had another successful regular season. After going undefeated for another regular season, the Sharks have won district championships for the second year in a row. The Sharks are only in their second varsity season and the amount of success that they have experienced, many schools who have been playing varsity football for years have never had a chance to experience.
Yes, the players make an enormous impact in the way the Sharks season has turned out, but without a leader of the program there couldn't be much success at all.
Head coach Brad Butler is the leader of the Shadow Creek program. He started the program from the bottom. He and his coaching staff has contributed to helping many student athletes continue their dream of playing at the next level. Coach Butler has helped mold his players into the young men they are today.
I asked Coach Butler a few questions just to get the inside scoop on how he is able to run such a great program...
VYPE: Last year, you and your team began their first varsity season and was able to advance to compete for a State Championship title. When in the season did you realize your program had something special?
BUTLER: "Timing is so important in sports. From the beginning, we have expected to win. We have an extremely dedicated football coaching staff and players that care about each other and want to be great. Since day one, we have worked hard here. Our program has worked through some tough spots and adversity that has brought us closer together. Sticking together and winning some games has brought validity to the vision we have shared together. We talk about deserving to win and being good people. We have good people here and people are what can make a place special."
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VYPE: As a coach, what is the hardest part of your job when it comes to preparing such a talented team week in and week out?
BUTLER: "As a coach, you are always concerned with the pulse of the team. Most people want it all and they want it now. That is not realistic for a team that wants to be successful. There are always highs and lows throughout a season for individuals and for the team. Having coaches and players that can maintain stability through those times is vital to being successful. If coaches and players can continue to trust and believe in each other, you always have a chance to win."
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VYPE: What are some of the things that your team does to keep each other motivated that's you haven't seen before in other teams you have coached?
BUTLER: "This team really plays for each other. I think much of their motivation is not wanting to let each other down."
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VYPE: Are there any pros and cons that this year's team have versus last year's team?
BUTLER: "Each year the strengths of the team and the personalities change, but to win consistently they all have to embrace being a Shark. Each group has to earn the right to win!"
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VYPE: Are there any rituals that you do or that the team does before every game?
BUTLER: "With the success of the Astros people were talking about all the superstitions in baseball. We have our share of quirky rituals. Some coaches will freeze on the sideline rather than wear an unlucky jacket. We have players that need the same seat at pregame meal every week or the same playlist prior to the game. We are really creatures of habit. We don't like to change our routine in the way we prepare each week."
Coach Butler is planning to have a long playoff year just like last year's but as he said,"it's easier said than done." The Sharks are a team to look forward to watching in some big games this postseason.