Meadowbrook football’s savior: Coach Goodwyn
RICHMOND, Va. (BVM) — The head football coach at Meadowbrook High School, Recharde Goodwyn, describes himself as a “motivator, organizer, a leader of men, devoting passion to helping kids.” Taking over for Kevin Healy as head coach, Goodwyn has been appointed the new head coach, making him the fourth one in the span of five seasons.
The Monarchs have been defeated in 24 straight regular season games since Nov. 2017. Goodwyn’s passion makes him determined to work hard with the students and encourage them to exhibit the same energy as his.
“I’ll attract kids, not only just to make the kids here better. But attract kids with that energy and with that emotion,” Goodwyn said.
The Monarchs have not been on their best game for a very long time. Goodwyn, however, understands the tiring emotional and mental state of his student-athletes. In an interview, he spoke of how the constant changing of head coaches can be a letdown for the kids.
“It is defeating for a kid because I (the student-athletes) get to know this one coach, and then the next coach comes in, and then I am starting to get to know him, and now he is gone. You have a group of kids here, who don’t have a connection to one individual in the position.”
The last winning season for the Monarchs was in 2013. The last game they won was against Hopewell. It took place in late 2017. Goodwyn gave his views on the game saying.
“That’s a heck of a win, and that’s the thing I’m talking about building on. Look what we’re capable of being at Meadowbrook. They’re not committed to football because football hasn’t been committed to them. Because there has been so much turnover.”
He understands that his students can do well if someone puts their faith in them. Goodwyn believes that through his skills, he can make the program and the team more stable.
“The philosophy behind how I run my programs is if I can help you become a better individual, then in time, you will also be a better football player. Because the things that make you successful in life are also the things that make you successful in football – hard work, commitment, dedication. If I can get a student to buy into those things, it will turn you into a better player.”
Goodwyn embodied his philosophy and showed it to his students. He proved it by believing in his abilities to be the one that stuck around for the team when no one else would.
Coach’s consistency and his good faith in the team and the program have also encouraged and motivated students to work harder.
“My actions will speak so loud that you can hear nothing that I say.”
After the tremendous amount of coaching turnover, Goodwyn stayed with the team and the program. His faith in the students encouraged them to work harder. He appreciated the energy that the team gave off. In addition to that, he also applauds the positive environment among the teammates.
Goodwyn’s positive attitude and consistency is slowly building up the energy and courage and refining the capabilities of the students. Goodwyn is the coach we all need at some point in our lives.
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