PG Coach Gibson Reacts to Huge Honor for Hawk State Champions
The football state champion Pleasant Grove football team will be honored in a special way early next month.
There is a celebration planned for Wednesday February 7th inside the competition gym at the high school. During the celebration the team will be honored by MaxPreps and the National Guard in connection with the Tour of Champions. The trophy presentation will highlight the fact that the Hawks are recognized as one of the best high school football teams in the country this year.
PG Head Coach Josh Gibson reacted to the honor saying, " It's an awesome honor to be picked as one of the top programs in the nation. There are over 17,000 high school football programs and MaxPreps selects 50 with a unique computer ranking system for this award. Our kids are excited to celebrate this with our community.'
The result of all the hard work is also paying off for a lot of Hawk football seniors who are receiving scholarship offers to continue their playing career in college. So far at least 8 have received offers according to Gibson, "That's a lot of players! I couldn't be more proud of these young men. They've worked very hard for this goal. It's an exciting time!" He says those players are currently taking trips to different schools to choose the best fit for their future.
Of course this does not happen by itself. The coaching staff plays a big part in helping to make these players successful on and off the field. Gibson is very proud of his staff, "There is a lot of time that goes into video breakdown, making highlights, calling an e-mailing coaches, and we even have a few that go on the college trips with these young men when needed."
According to Gibson they understand the harder they work in the process, the more opportunities present themselves for the kids, "We go FULL TILT in this area. When you do this, you get to share in the joy with them."
It's not only what the players do on the field, but in all aspects of their character and commitment to both athletics and academics. Gibson says, "The thing I'm MOST proud of is what I hear from college coaches about our players. Time and time again, coaches will call and say how respectful and locked-in our players were during the meetings. They tell me they want these type of men in their program."
Another point of pride for Coach Gibson, who is not only the Head Football Coach, but also the Athletic Director for the district, is how well all sports are faring. He says out of 200 4A schools in the state, Pleasant Grove is ranked 3rd in the Lone Star Cup. He says highlights include the volleyball team that advanced to regionals, cross country that sent two kids to state, winning district in tennis, and the best football season in school history. Also, baseball made it to the state semi-final again last spring.
Gibson says promoting and pursuing excellence is important, saying, "When you are really good in so many sports, I believe you can impact more kids and impact your community. I'm a proud AD, proud football coach, and proud that my son gets to be a part of a school district that excels in so many areas.
His concluding words, "We have a lot to be thankful for at PGISD!"
Congratulations to PG on such success in all sports, academically, and in the excellent character displayed by both athletes and coaches at the school.
Mark Wednesday February 7th on your calendar, and be a part of honoring the football teams magical season. MaxPreps, & the National Guard will be there, and hopefully you will too.
The celebration and ceremony is scheduled to begin at 3PM on that special day.