GlenOak head football coach Scott Garcia awarded Federal Coach of the Year
CANTON, Ohio — In the world of High School Varsity Football, the spotlight shines on Coach Garcia, the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at GlenOak High School, who now holds the well-deserved title of Federal Coach of the Year. With over 30 years dedicated to shaping young athletes on the field, Scott鈥檚 coaching has not only brought victories to the GlenOak Eagles but has left a positive mark in the green and gold community.
GlenOak is Scott鈥檚 high school alma mater, having been on the team as an All-Federal League, All-county Lineman, earning him a scholarship to Kent State University. With his collegiate career cut short by injury, he seamlessly transitioned into coaching. He stepped into the role of assistant coach at Timken, GlenOak, and Massillon. From 2007 to 2018, he led as Head Coach at GlenOak and returned again in 2021.
With Scott leading the team, he is the only coach in GlenOak history with the privilege to celebrate the green and gold victories against Massillon and McKinley in the same season three different times. 鈥淭he off-season weightlifting program is the key to success. It not only builds strength but builds confidence, prevents injuries, and is the foundation of building team chemistry,鈥� explains Scott. The results can certainly be seen on the scoreboard.
Bob Cummings, former GlenOak Head Coach, and Chuck Steiner, former GlenOak Offensive Line Coach, stand as inspirational figures in Scott鈥檚 life. 鈥淭he lessons we learned from them stand with me today, and, most importantly, they know how to treat people the right way regardless of race, ethnicity, ability, and socioeconomic status,鈥� Scott shares. These lessons continue to influence Scott鈥檚 coaching philosophy.
Scott鈥檚 approach remains positive even in the event of a disappointing loss. Scott encourages the team to reflect on what went well, acknowledge areas for improvement, and swiftly focus on corrections. The emphasis is on learning from setbacks and moving forward with resilience.
Beyond wins and losses, Scott envisions a legacy where his student-athletes earn the confidence to grow into strong, positive young men. 鈥淲e want young men that grow up to be responsible citizens that positively contribute to society,鈥� Scott shares. 鈥淲e want them to be great people, great husbands, and great fathers. We want our young men to learn how to work hard and impact other people in their lives.鈥� His proudest moments off the field are when his former athletes come to him and share their major life achievements – getting married, having a child, or landing a great job. 鈥淭hese are the real reasons we coach,鈥� Scott says.
In response to winning Coach of the Year, Scott humbly acknowledges the collective effort. From assistant coaches and players to parents, teachers, and administrators, he echoes Woody Hayes鈥� wisdom: 鈥淵ou win with people.鈥� He especially honors his wife Chrystel, 鈥渁 true coach鈥檚 wife,鈥� and his sons Anthony and Mitchell, who have cheered him on throughout his career. The award is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines his coaching journey.
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