Coach Josh Puckett Inspires Students to Build on the Lessons of the Past to Create a Better Future.

by | Sep 2021

INSPIRATION FOR Josh Puckett comes from real-life examples of coaches who have influenced his life. As an adolescent, football was a place to excel and find acknowledgment for his skills. He made lifelong friends, some he considers as close as brothers, many he is still connected with today.

At Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS), Coach Puckett is dedicated to building a culture of being great teammates who can count on each other. Each person takes care of their responsibilities and contributes to a winning season. Only two years in as head coach, and after winning the 2019 State Championship at Lake County High School, he’s still building momentum among his players and helping them to see his leadership in action.

Ultimately football is about winning games, and he would love to see SCHS make it to the playoffs this season. “We have some new teams we’ll be up against in the region as SCHS moved up from a 5A to a 6A team,” explained Coach Puckett. Winning doesn’t happen overnight, it comes as a result of consistency and accountability. Developing his players from boys to young men is all about how to go through adversity without quitting. Beyond winning championships, Coach Puckett sees himself as a success if he assists his players in becoming strong husbands, good fathers, and responsible members of society.

Coach Puckett values the history lessons available to each of us if only we ask the right questions and look for unsung heroes. When the story of Bedford County Training School’s (BCTS) undefeated streak from the 1940s came to his attention, he set out to recognize and honor those unsung heroes and learn from their adversity. He uncovered a powerful story about coaches and players from the all-black team who made do with very little financial support who achieved multiple winning seasons. Each season Coach Puckett has committed to play one game on a Thursday night, the night BCTS played their games, as a way of honoring them. There will be a sign erected during the September 3 home game to acknowledge the record-setting team.

Celebrating the wins and learning from the losses is part of the experience of playing football. He finds the reward in helping his players who might have challenges at home or in school find ways to create success in all areas of their lives by applying the lessons from football.

Football is a year-round experience for players in 2021. With just two weeks off around New Year and two weeks off in the summer, players are expected to build strength and stamina, which comes out on the field as the days turn shorter and the weather cooler. Coach Puckett jokes, “We’re a weight lifting team who plays football in the fall.”

Having a big crowd in the stands means the world to the players. Coach Puckett hopes to see the community at all the home games and some of their away games, too. The comradery and witnessing the heart and soul that goes into every play is something to enjoy firsthand. 2021 home games are August 19, September 3, September 24, October 8, October 22, and October 28. More information is available at schs.bedfordk12tn.com -GN

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