PREP FOOTBALL: Saints' McClary Jr. works to change culture

By Aviel Smolka
Published in Sports on August 16, 2018 5:51 AM

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By AVIEL SMOLKA

asmolka@newsargus.com

DUDLEY -- Southern Wayne head coach Ronnie McClary, Jr., believes if he builds a winning culture, the victories will come.

The Saints went 0-11 last season, but the third-year head coach is not discouraged and feels they have a lot prove this season.

"If the kids feel like they're part of a good program then they'll come," he said. "My expectations are always high. We should do pretty good. We're in a tough conference, but we've got a lot to prove to everybody and I'm looking forward to turning things around this year."

Winning games is just one of many jobs for coaches in any sport

However, McClary Jr. considers his most important job -- on and off the field -- is to develop young boys into men who will be successful in life.

"Kids these days you have to make them feel like they're wanted, loved and special, that they're the best thing ever," McClary Jr. said. "My biggest responsibility is trying to get them to be better people every day whether it be in the classroom, at home with their parents, at church or even at Walmart.

"You have to be their father figure, not just on the field but in the classroom in order to build that culture that you want."

McClary Jr. is counting on a couple of players, Tashawn Philips and Dorian Kornegay, to help the Saints get over the hump.

Phillips is expected to lead the defense and teach the new players how to compete.

Dorian Kornegay, known for his versatility, anchors the offensive line.

McClary Jr. expects those two to play well this season. He also has a number of players coming back who did not get to play last year. They should make considerable contributions and add depth to the team.

To build team chemistry, McClary Jr. makes sure the players communicate with each other and the coaches talk with players.

"One thing we do is during our down period is we make them talk to each other so they can get to know each other," McClary Jr. said. "At the same time, we have to go in and talk to the kids, have simple conversations with them so they can know more about us, our past, and we can know about them."

A positive environment, McClary Jr. says, gives him hope that the kids will want to be a part of the culture change and guide the Saints to their first winning season since 2011.

It's all psychological.

McClary Jr. looks to flip the switch this season.

"Our numbers have to get better, but not just that, we're in the process of changing the entire culture around here," McClary Jr. said.