Homecoming Not Just About Football, Brinson Says

Football coaches can be paranoid creatures. Boca Ciega High School football coach Antez Brinson is not exactly one of those.

For many football coaches, whether it's high school, college or the NFL, they try to keep players in sort of a football cocoon. The absolute worst cardinal sin of a football coach is distractions whether that's media – mainstream, new or social – or any type of extracurricular activity not associated with football.

So for a lot of football coaches, Homecoming Week is the bane of their profession. The entire week is about nothing but distractions. Often, players are thinking about just about everything but proper blocking and tackling techniques. In some cases, the parade, the festivities, the dance, girlfriends (or trying to find a girlfriend) will occupy a player's mind as much as the game plan for the homecoming opponent.

But Brinson -- though like all football coaches does not enjoy distractions -- welcomes homecoming. In fact, he encourages his players to take part in as many homecoming activities as possible and has adjusted practice times to allow players to do so.

"We're just trying to keep things as normal as you possibly can but also realizing that this is a special time for our seniors that they can never get back," Brinson said. "I want them to enjoy the moment, participate in all the activities that are going on. I don’t want to monopolize them and make this week solely about football and about the game on Friday."

That's the difference between Brinson and some football coaches. Brinson fully realizes he is coaching young men, not men. Brinson vividly remembers his fond experiences as a high school football player at Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, and doesn't want his players to miss out on those same functions.

"These are experiences and memories they will have for a lifetime," Brinson said. "We will get them on the field a little bit earlier and get them off the field a little bit earlier so they can participate in the parade, experience all they can, go to the homecoming dance, participate in the homecoming dance, even after football try a different sport, go to the prom.

Life is so much more than about football. My high school experience, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I want [the football players] to have the same experiences."

2011 Homecoming Events

Boca Ciega High School is hosting a grand opening/ building dedication and tour of the new building at 4:30 with the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction in CWMP Auditorium (followed by unveiling the names of the gym lobby). Senior Night begins at 6:30 with the homecoming game vs. Tarpon Springs High School starting at 7:30 p.m.

Are you going?

If so, feel free to share your photos from the events with us at Gulfport Patch! Send them to the Editor at cherlene.willis@patch.com.