WHEN JAKE Tyre was a young man playing football at Cascade High School, he found a father figure in his coach, Kenny Parker. Coach Parker gave Jake advice and support, helping him think through decisions and giving a firm push when needed. Because of that early influence, Coach Tyre credits Coach Parker with his decision to become a teacher and a football coach. The legacy of Coach Parker continues in Coach Tyre’s philosophy.
“He may not always tell me what I want to hear but he’ll tell me what I need to hear,” is how Tyre described some of the counseling he’s received from Parker. Even today he’ll still reach out to the retired coach to get advice and talk through a decision. Tyre sees the greatest reward as a coach is being there for his players. Having the opportunity to watch them come in as freshmen and help them build a strength in character and senseofselftobecomeyoungmenlivingan honorable life.
Tyre stresses teamwork above all else. “Do your job better to benefit your team and trust your teammate to do their job,” he said. “Don’t worry about someone else’s job.” Understanding a person’s part in the organization and taking responsibility for completing their job successfully is an important football lesson.
“The ultimate team sport,” is how Coach Tyre describes football. Helping his players to consistently make the right decisions and to choose right from wrong is important to him. He is gratified watching his players grow in their ability to make solid decisions and build trust in each other. Watching his players transfer those lessons off the field is part of what makes football the ultimate team sport.
As a graduate of Cascade High School, Tyre enjoys the sense of homecoming that happens at every game. The community support and people greeting friends and neighbors in the stands make the sense of belonging precious to the players. It is heartwarming to experience the crowds supporting the players, celebrating the triumphs and sympathizing with defeat. Community support extends to a variety of athletics and academics. The goal of creating well-rounded young men is important to the entire Cascade support network.
Defeat is part of life and football is a great place to learn how to handle getting knocked down. For one thing, Tyre encourages his players to help their teammates get up if they get knocked down or tackled. Remind them that we’re all in this together and none of us need to go through challenges alone. Life is tough. No matter what our background is or how much money we have, we need to come together to achieve our goals.
Coach Parker taught the young Jake Tyre to set a strong course for his future and do the right thing, no matter what. Now Coach Tyre is passing that same lesson, delivered with the same compassion and tough love, to the football players at Cascade High School. Witness the legacy of Coach Parker at home games on September 10, October 1, October 8, and October 29. More information is available at cascadehs.bedfordk12tn.com -GN
