Brandon Gregory introduced as Head Football Coach at Francis Howell North

Tonight, for the very first time, a gathering was held to present the new head football coach to the FHN activities staff as well as aspiring football players and parents.

Mike Janes, the Activities Director, gave a brief introduction on the new coach. That included that the new staff member was the head football coach at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School. He led the team to 14-1 record this year. He was named football coach of the year by Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation and the St. Louis American newspaper.

The room was still with anticipation as people awaited Janes’ introduction.

“I’d like to give a warm welcome to Francis Howell North’s new head football coach, Brandon Gregory, Janes said.”

With that said, the crowds started to clap. Nearly 300 students and parents had shown up, all of them their to see the new coach.

Gregory steadily walked up to the podium and broke the ice with a simple joke.

“I hope at the end of this presentation I get the same standing ovation, Gregory said.”

Gregory says he teaches kids more than just how to be a better football player, but to instill life skills that will last with the students forever

“Because in the end, those boys will be fathers, brothers, and uncles, Gregory said.”

He then went into what he expects out of each individual during the season. If they’re not willing to put in the effort then he has a plan for them.

“I’ve got a session in my playbook where we can run 100 yards, and a session in my playbook where we can run 1000 yards,” Gregory said.

To gain the respect of the parents, Gregory said he would keep an open door policy, where he would be willing to hear any suggestions. He then gave a quick rundown on the season.

“I’m gonna give everything I can; I’m gonna give 110 percent,” Gregory said.

Gregory’s speech lasted about nine minutes. At the end, Janes presented him with his football polo, and he was officially welcomed as a FHN coach. Students then got out of their seats to go meet and congratulate the new coach.

“He’s gonna have us put up a good fight,” junior Garrett Jeter said. “He’s gonna get us back to a winning streak.”