Ogletree takes position as head coach of Fayette County High School track and field team
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (BVM) — The former head coach of the track and field team at Fayette County High School passed away right before the start of the 2020 spring track and field season, leaving the position open for the first time in fifteen plus years.
Although the team and many other students and staff at the school were left devastated by John Strickland’s passing, a new coach was needed to lead the team.
As Ebonie Ogletree had been working under coach Strickland as assistant coach for seven years, she was the perfect fit for the job, so she stepped up to the plate when her athletes desperately needed her.
Although Ogletree never received any training or tips on how to be a head coach, nor was she prepared to become head coach, due to Strickland’s untimely passing, her can-do attitude and willingness to work with others to get the job done proved to aid her throughout the first season in her new position.
With the spirit of determination, and not letting fears of the unknown get to her, Ogletree took the position with open arms, solely wanting to do her best as a coach and to not let anyone down.
In preparation for the upcoming spring season of track and field, Ogletree decided to make changes to a few components of the team, starting with hiring multiple assistant coaches.
This change in personnel is quite different from previous years under Strickland’s guidance, where Ogletree was the only hired assistant coach. Strickland preferred to have a small group of coaches to eliminate differing opinions.
With Ogletree as head coach, the assistant coaching staff increased by six times. With all areas of events covered by at least one coach, the following track season was a success.
Alfonso Hale covered high jump and sprints, Richard Clark covered long distance, E. Smith covered hurdles, Leon Glass covered sprints, with Bruce Truitt assisting part time and Nick Clemens covered throws.
All of the coaches mentioned above were handpicked by Ogletree from the community. Ogletree informed them that positions were available for the team; one of the coaches, being a paraprofessional, was hired directly through the school system.
“I picked the coaches because of the love and passion they have for the sport and the kids in the community,” Ogletree said. “The coaches I had around me are very knowledgeable and well respected in the world of track and field.”
When asked about the head coach expectations, Ogletree mentioned that the job was what she expected and more. There were back office obligations and lots of paperwork that had to be done that she wasn’t aware of when she was an assistant coach. She had to grasp all of this while learning to be a head coach.
Ogletree said, “There were a few moments that I felt overwhelmed but I never considered my decision to take the position a mistake.”
Consequently, because of the increased responsibilities and paperwork that comes with being a head coach, Ogletree was not able to be with her athletes as much as she used to.
“I enjoy coaching and interacting with the athletes; being a head coach took me away from the athletes more than expected,” said Ogletree. “Although I enjoy being a head coach, I did enjoy the ‘care-free’ feeling of assistance coaching.”
Everything considered, the season was an overall success. Even though there were some challenges with COVID-19 protocols, both the boys and girls teams were region champions and there were several state top-eight finishers.
Ogletree said, “I knew with the talent of the athletes and the knowledge of the coaches, the program would be successful…I am very proud of our program.”
When asked if she could change anything or any decisions that she’s made as a head coach, Ogletree said, “I would not change a thing. Moving forward with the knowledge and experience I have gained, I am sure that next season will be even better.”
