VYPE editor Brad Heath caught up with McAlester High School Athletic Director John Homer, a 1977 graduate of McAlester High School, to discuss the upcoming season, COVID and some of his favorite things away from school.
VYPE: Where did you go to college and where did you get your start in coaching?
Homer: Graduated from East Central University in 1981. Started teaching Math and coaching in Durant 1982-1985. Was an assistant coach on a State Championship football team in Durant in 1983. Got Married to Sharla in the summer of 1985, moved to McAlester and started coaching football and baseball. Was an assistant coach on State Championship baseball and football teams in 1988. Became the head football coach at McAlester in 2000.
Was name the Assistant Athletic Director in 2005 and Athletic Director 2014.
VYPE: How do you feel your staff handled the COVID situation last year, and how ready is everyone to try and return to normal?
Homer: I think our school system did a great job with our COVID guidelines. A couple of times we had games cancelled but for the most part we did a great job. Everyone is really excited about getting back to normal. We will still have to take precautions, but we are really optimistic about the future.
VYPE: What is the message to the student-athletes under your leadership.
Homer: Try to get better everyday. By that we mean, everyday work on being a better athlete, teammate and a person. If everyone is working on getting better everyday, the winning will come.
VYPE: Like many of your peers, I am sure you have someone who mentored you or someone you call on when you need a valued opinion. Who is that for you?
Homer: I’ve worked with several people who have been a big influence in my career.
Some I worked with for many years and some I still work with.
VYPE: Here are some rapid fire questions to give the public a chance to get to know you better. First, where is your favorite place to eat out for lunch or dinner?
Homer: Favorite place to eat, my moms house. Otherwise known as Nannie. You could probably ask anyone in our family and they would say the same thing.
VYPE: Do you have any hobbies?
Homer: Spending time with my family. Going to ball games, fishing and hunting.
VYPE: What is your favorite sports team, college or pro?
Homer: Favorite team has to the McAlester Buffaloes.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite sports movie?
Homer: Favorite movie is all the Rocky movies.
VYPE: What is the first concert you ever attended?
Homer: Hank Williams Jr.
VYPE: What makes McAlester such a great place to raise a family in your opinion and what are some of the things the community can get excited about in the future?
Homer: I grew up in McAlester and the majority of my family is here. The support the community has for our school is great. Our school personnel is outstanding. We are trying to move forward as a school system even with everything that’s going on. We’re in the process of building new facilities and upgrading some old ones. Look for a turf baseball/softball field and a new gym in the next couple of years. Great times are ahead for the Buffaloes.
