THE GRILL: Rush to Change "Culture" at Oak Ridge

After a 1-9 season one year ago, it was time for a change at Oak Ridge High School. Enter John Tyler High School's Dereck Rush, who is walking away from a perennial powerhouse to coach the War Eagles.

 

"It's going to be a transition, but I love the opportunity and feel like Oak Ridge has great potential and growth," Rush said. "We did go to the semifinals a year ago at John Tyler and a lot of guys were coming back from that team, so it was hard to say goodbye. But this is a long-term opportunity."

 

Rush has a big ally on his side in Conroe ISD athletic director Danny Long, who is also hired from Tyler ISD.

 

"The first thing that we are going to install is discipline and character," Rush said. "When we line up on the field we're going to play hard for four quarters and not do it any other way. We have to change the mentality and culture here and start realizing that we can play with anybody in the state of Texas."

 

While Rush is busy evaluating his program and players, he has also been busy hiring a staff.

 

"The toughest thing has been learning everybody's names. This is a site-based job and I will be managing over 30 coaches, and making sure that they are meeting their goals," he said.

 

Rush played for college coaching Jackie Sherrill at Mississippi State before entering the coaching world. He started off at Odessa High School and Midland Christian before making the move to John Tyler as an assistant. He was the head coach at John Tyler for five seasons, producing dozens of Division I athletes.

 

"My philosophy is to build character in these young men," he said. "Teaching them to be responsible and come together as a team while loving the game. That's the foundation and the wins will come after that. What I was happy to see when I got here is the effort. The kids look like they want to compete and I was surprised at the enthusiasm after a tough season."

 

Rush will be implementing his program starting at the middle school level immediately. Teaching the fundamentals and correct techniques from the weight room to his game plan is paramount for the incoming coach.

 

"Our goal is to make the playoffs every year starting next season," he said. "We're going to play the best players every Friday night and there will be no politics. I think the Oak Ridge community will see a big change."