Island Coast coach makes football fun

Author: Chelsa Messinger
Published: Updated:

CAPE CORAL, Fla.- Island Coast High School football coach Wayne Blair marches to the beat of his own drum.

His practices are relaxed, he uses wrestling championship belts for motivation and he requests to do his interviews with all his seniors behind him.

“Ever since I was young,” said senior Center Mason Boye, “Coach Blair is probably the first coach I’ve ever had like him.”

Coach Blair may have a different perspective on things, but when it comes to football, his methods appear to be working.

“We try to have guys a little more upbeat and having fun,” said Blair.

“Because after four and a half months, it’s a grind. So we do any little thing that we can to inspire them and keep them going and keep them happy.”

Island Coast is 8-1 and undefeated in district play.

“If you don’t have fun at practice, there’s no rhythm at practice, it’s boring,” said Boye.

“When it’s fun, you’re happy, you’re jogging around. You actually want to be here.”

On Friday the Gators have a chance to upend one of Southwest Florida’s most successful football programs, when they face off against Naples.

“It’s a great test for us right before the playoffs,” said Blair. “It’s going to test the boundaries of who we are as a team.”

Friday’s game against Naples isn’t a district game, but the Gators still want bragging rights.

“Coach Kramer is a legend, by the way he’s been doing things over there at Naples. A statement win for us would be of epic proportions,” said Blair.

“We just need to worry about us and worry about one play at a time,” said Blair.

And of course, have a little fun.

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