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 Guest(s):

Michael Perry is the Head Coach of the Flowery Branch Falcons, now in his first year with the team. A Gainesville High School alum, Perry boasts an extensive coaching background, having previously worked at Union County, Coffee Douglas, Centennial High School, and East Hall. His wealth of experience includes coaching under Bruce Miller from 2006 to 2015, contributing to Gainesville’s 2012 state championship. Michael Perry is known for his ability to connect with players and foster a winning team culture.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the FCA North Georgia Coaches Show, host Joel Williams is joined by Clint Fair, as they welcome Michael Perry, the head coach of the Flowery Branch Falcons. Recorded live at Longstreet Cafe’s Riverside Terrace, this episode dives into Michael Perry’s journey in high school football coaching, highlighting the immense dedication and passion behind the sport. Despite being his first year at Flowery Branch, Coach Perry has successfully led his team to a promising start, thanks to the strong buy-in from senior players and exceptional assistant coaches.

Throughout the discussion, key themes include the current landscape of high school football, with topics like recruitment, maintaining student engagement, and the importance of community support. Coach Perry also delves into the challenges of modern coaching, touching on balancing rigorous practice schedules and fostering a supportive, fun environment for players. Furthermore, audience learn about the influence of family, faith, and tradition in creating a cohesive team atmosphere. This episode is teeming with insights and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and aspiring coaches alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Recruitment & Team Dynamics: Coach Perry emphasizes the significance of making the game fun and engaging to maintain student interest amidst the various options available today.

• Coaching Philosophy: Balancing effective training with positive, meaningful interactions is crucial in today’s high school sports environment.

• Community & Faith: Emphasizing community involvement and integrating faith-based activities can enhance team culture and unity.

• Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Recognizing and preserving past successes while being open to new ideas is vital in managing a high school sports program successfully.

• Family Influence: Personal anecdotes reveal how family values influence coaching style and the importance of maintaining work-life balance in high-intensity roles.

Notable Quotes:

1. "You never see a team win a championship without having, like, extremely great players." — Michael Perry

2. "I always tell every assistant coach I've ever hired... you'll never have a divorce because of me." — Michael Perry

3. "It was not the Super Bowl. The season continues." — Michael Perry

4. "No matter what happens Friday, we shake hands with opponents and our players go straight to the band with the cheerleaders, and they sing the alma mater song." — Michael Perry