Q&A with Askari Adams: HC of the Napa High football program
NAPA, Calif. — Askari Adams, a former Penn State University football player and free agent with the Buffalo Bills, grew up rooting for teams who were dominant in the 1980s: the Chicago Bears, the New York Mets, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Today, Adams is Head Coach of the Napa High football program. He previously served as the school’s Interim Head Football coach during the 2020/21 season and continues to be the team’s Defensive Coordinator.
How would you describe your coaching style?
Askari Adams: I demand a lot from the kids, but I don’t want them to lose sight of having fun. You have to work hard. You have to achieve your goals. But if you’re not having fun, you’re not going to get better.
What do you want to improve upon in the new season?
Adams: I want to focus on getting the kids stronger and faster. With everything they’ve had to deal with this last year–I’m not making excuses–but they didn’t get a full off-season workout program.
As a former player, what’s the best advice you received from a coach?
Adams: Play every play like it’s your last one. With this sport, it can be over in a second. Give 100 percent.
What do you hope to teach your team, outside of football?
Adams: I want to teach each player to be a productive citizen, and to represent your community. Be an all-around good person. That’s what lasts–football is just a short part of it.
Covid restrictions created a lot of uncertainty in the 2020/21 season. Napa High’s football program, like so many others, was full of stops and starts. What was your experience like as a coach?
Adams: It was challenging to keep kids motivated and interested. I lost a lot of kids in that period. Once we got the team we had (about 25 kids), they stuck with us through thick and thin.
What’s been your most rewarding experience so far as Head Coach?
Adams: The most rewarding part of the last season was in the final week and getting that victory against Sonoma. To see what the kids had gone through, to see them trust the process… I saw the hugs and the emotions coming out of them. You know, this is why you coach.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
