Douglasville, GA – We recently asked Roswell head coach Justin Sanderson some questions about himself and his 2011 team and these were his answers:
Q: In your years of coaching, what is your favorite memory?
A: "I would have to say that winning the 2006 AAAAA State Championship and winning the 2010 Region Championship were two of my best memories."
Q: Why did you decide to become a coach?
A: "I love the sport of football and enjoy coaching and mentoring boys into young men."
Q: What coach do you consider your mentor; who did you learn from, and who do you admire as a coach?
A: "My father was a coach and one of the biggest influences in my life. Former Hornet coaches Leo Barker and Tim McFarlin, along with Allatoona head coach Gary Varner."
Q: Did you play the sport you coach; if so, what is your favorite memory from your time as a player?
A: "I played at Lassiter High School and then went on to play at Valdosta State University. My favorite memory would be playing high school football with all of my best friends… we still remain close."
Q: What expectations do you have for your team for the 2011 season?
A: "We will be young but full of energy and these guys are used to winning at the various levels. We have a small, but strong, senior class that is led by Zach Allen, Joe Bartlett, Matt Deese, and Alex Porter."
Q: What do you think will be the key factors your team must carry out to ensure a successful season?
A: "We have a very tough non-region schedule that will be challenging and we must do our best to win those games, but keep in mind that we are getting better every week to be ready for region play."
Q: How do you feel about the strength of your region?
A: "Our region is strong and the teams are philosophically diverse in what they do offensively and defensively. We also have three new head coaches in our region."
Q: Are there any players that have surprised you by stepping up beyond your expectations during spring practice?
A: "Connor Slewitske had a great spring along with Panchito Blanco, Thomas McCarter, and Richard Delphin. Matt Deese and Andrew Kwanteng were also impressive."
Q: If we were to ask your players what quote you most frequently use for motivation, what would it be?
A: "Athletes are never stationary; you either get better or worse, so workout your opponent and make them quit."
