The News Courier in Athens, Alabama

Sports

Related Photos

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
September 19, 2006

Athens coach Creasy following footsteps of his famous father

By Justin Graves

ATHENS – If you want to know why Athens coach Allen Creasy decided he wanted to coach high school football, look no further than his youth. One reason is Creasy is competitive natured and loves the game of football, but the other reason is that’s the environment he grew up in and his role model was his high school football coach at Colbert County.

Creasy was fortunate enough to have played under legendary coach Don Creasy – who just happens to be Allen’s father.

“Every young boy wants to be like his father when he’s growing up,” Allen said. “I was very fortunate to have a father like mine. He’s taught me a lot about the game and he’s always there when I need him.”

In Allen’s seven years at the helm, the Golden Eagles have come very close to advancing to the Class 5A state championship game. This year, Athens is ranked No. 2 in Class 5A going into the fourth week of the season. Creasy appears poised to make another playoff run, something his father knows a little bit about.

In Don’s tenure at Colbert County, he led the Indians to two state titles and four state championship game appearances. He still offers advice to both his son and Colbert County head coach Steve Mask.

“Getting to a championship game is tough,” Don said. “When you get deep in the playoffs, there’s a lot of talented football teams. It takes a little luck to get there.”

One year before Allen took over at Athens, Don retired from Colbert County. Even though he no longer coaches, he still finds a way to stay involved.

“I’ve only missed about three Athens games since Allen’s been here,” he said. “I’m always sitting up in the stands with my grandkids yelling at referees and everything else.

“I still offer advice to Allen and coach (Steve) Mask at Colbert County when I can. Usually, I go to Athens games on Fridays and go to the field house at Colbert County and watch game film over the weekend.”

Allen appreciates having a father with the type of experience that he can go to when he has a question.

“It’s great that we have that type of relationship,” he said. “If there’s something I don’t understand or am confused about, I can always go to him.”

Don is quick to point out that high school football has changed a lot from when he was a coach.

“The philosophies of the game are a lot different now,” he said. “Everything’s different, but I’m still going to throw my 2 cents in.”

Allen agrees that his dad always has some advice to offer, but usually a little more when Athens is winning.

Text Only
Sports
Poll

Do you believe the state's new law allowing people to keep a gun in their vehicle will lead to an increase in workplace violence?

Yes
No
     View Results
Facebook
AP Video
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Stocks
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Business Marquee
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com