Resources:

• My Country 993 WCON -  The Music That Made Country Great

• Fellowship of Christian Athletes North Georgia – Learn more about the mission and events of FCA in North Georgia.

• Longstreet Cafe

About the Coach:

Travis Nolan is the esteemed Head Football Coach of the Jefferson Dragons in Georgia. With a coaching career spanning over three decades, Nolan has cultivated a reputation for excellence and leadership in high school football. Originally hailing from western North Carolina, he played college football at Appalachian State before dedicating himself to coaching at the high school level. Coach Nolan has a rich history of coaching success in North Carolina and Georgia, including significant tenures at Stevens County and Oconee County before his current position at Jefferson.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the FCA North Georgia Coaches Podcast, hosted at Longstreet Cafe, Travis Nolan, the Head Coach of the Jefferson Dragons, offers a deep dive into the life of a dedicated high school football coach. Joel Williams and Clint Fair introduce Coach Nolan, who discusses his journey from a young athlete in Western North Carolina to a respected coach in Georgia. Nolan shares valuable insights into his coaching philosophy, the importance of maintaining an even keel, and his commitment to fostering a positive environment for his players.

Throughout the conversation, Coach Nolan reflects on the influences that shaped his career, emphasizing the role of mentors like Hall of Fame coach Jerry Moore at Appalachian State. He articulates the impactful role coaches play in athletes' lives and highlights the balance needed between professional demands and personal life, especially throughout his extensive coaching career. The discussion also touches on broader themes in high school sports, such as the pressures on coaches, the evolving landscape of competitive athletics, and Nolan's commitment to personal development and community contributions.

Key Takeaways:

• Coaching Philosophy: Coach Nolan maintains an "even keel" approach, believing in consistency and modeling the behavior he desires in his players.
• Influence of Mentors: The significant impact mentors like Jerry Moore have had on his career and personal development.
• Balancing Life and Coaching: Highlights strategies for maintaining work-life balance, such as strategic scheduling and respecting coaches' personal time.
• Challenges in High School Sports: Discusses the pressures and potential changes in high school sports, emphasizing the need for respect and sportsmanship.
• Role of Community and Family: Nolan values the importance of family and community, striving to make decisions that are centered around student and community benefit.

Notable Quotes:

• "I've never been too high, never been too low kind of guy."
• "Every young man that walks through those doors is somebody's son, and I've always wanted to be the kind of man that I would want coaching my son."
• "Coaching is not just about wins and losses; it's about how you do your business in that process."
• "I've always wanted to be a sheriff…if I wouldn't have been a coach, I would have gone into law enforcement."
• "I worry about the longevity of coaches more than I do about kids in the game of football because of the schedule."

Resources:

• Jefferson Dragons Football: Jefferson High School Athletics
• Appalachian State University Athletics: Appalachian State Football
• Longstreet Cafe Locations: Find Out More
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes North Georgia: NGAFCA Website

Listeners are encouraged to delve into the full episode for more inspiring anecdotes and insights from Coach Nolan. Stay tuned for more enriching discussions with influential coaches and community leaders on the FCA North Georgia Coaches Podcast!