I have been a Teacher and Coach at Buford High School for 25 years and have coached football and track. I have taught Economics, Work-Based Learning, and am currently teaching our Teaching as a Profession Pathway. I am blessed to sponsor Fellowship of Christian Athletes while at Buford! I grew up in Toccoa, Georgia, graduated from Stephens County High School in 1988, was a student and graduate assistant with the Auburn Football Team from 1988-1993 under Coach Pat Dye, my Uncle, and Coach Terry Bowden. After graduating from Auburn with a Marketing degree and a graduate degree in Education, I married my high school sweetheart, Amy Sanders, in 1994 and we moved to Jasper, Georgia where I coached at Pickens County High School for 5 years. In 1999 we got an opportunity to move to Buford and coach with Jess Simpson, one of my closest friends from Auburn. Amy and I have twin girls, Caroline and Callie, who are Class of 2021 Buford graduates and current Juniors at Auburn University. They are very active in their Sorority, church, and academic / athletic life. I am grateful to have been mentored by men like my father, Coach Dye, Dexter Wood, and many others. In my spare time I enjoy exercise, grilling, fishing, spending time with family, and playing the piano.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Amy, is currently a math teacher at BMS. She is a great wife and mother and has been my life’s greatest gift! Caroline and Callie are Juniors at Auburn. Caroline is pursing a degree in Nursing , and Callie is an Exercise Science major with plans to pursue Physical Therapy.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been involved in sports my entire life. My father and all three of my mom’s brothers played football at UGA. I grew us up as a coaches kid and spent many days at the field house! I love pouring the truth into young men both on and off the field!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Ricos, Bravo, Waffle House
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
25 Years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have built so MANY strong relationships with many people over the years. Each one has shaped me in some way. Dexter Wood and Jess Simpson have probably had the biggest impact on my life.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to take my family to New York City or Skiing in Big Sky Montana. I was in in Montana this summer. It is a beautiful place!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I don’t watch much tv or movies really. I do enjoy action movies like Mission Impossible and the Arnold movies like Terminator. TV shows? I enjoy the simple comedy like Every Loves Raymond.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Show up every day. Work Hard. Treat people well!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Visit the Holy Land. Attend a Super Bowl!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Toto / Boston / Foreigner / Yacht Rock, or maybe some old R and B.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Tannery Row. Great Buford History inside that building!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Roger Staubach. He was my childhood hero. Tough as nails and had great character! We would probably go to Bare Bones!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our community loves and supports our school system. We are blessed to have great resources and quality people backing us!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Probably still coaching! I would love to sneak in some fishing and travel time with family!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy playing the piano!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Big Sky, Montana!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Easy Question. December. Many memories of football championships. Christmas! I start listening to Christmas music in November much to the chagrin of my family! I tell them the only way to make Christmas last longer is to start earlier!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My Wife. My Two Girls. Auburn University. Tom Riden stadium. FCA Camp. A rare steak off my green egg.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Faith is the Foundation of who I am. What Christ did for me affects everything about me; How I see myself, others, my purpose in life, and what I pursue daily.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Amy’s fresh baked apple pie. My mom’s pound cake! My hot coffee every morning
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Rest. Memories. Love.
