Every coach has a story about how they decided to enter the coaching profession. For some, they come from a line of coaches in their family, and are carrying on a tradition, while others played the game growing up and when they stopped playing but still wanted that sport to be a part of their life. Then there are coaches like Kareem Sears, who was motivated by some college buddies.

“When I was in college a lot of my teammates told me that I had a nose for the game of football,” Sears stated. “It just kind of festered until I decided it was what I wanted to do. I am now in my eleventh year as a coach, and I could not imagine doing anything else.”

Sears is the head coach of the Enid High School track team. He also serves as the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the school’s football team. Kareem says that while he enjoys coaching sports and having that be a part of his life, it is not the most important part of his job.

“I love giving back to the kids and to the community,” he said. “I love seeing kids reach their full potential. I also love the grind, as we call it in the coaching world.”

Over his coaching career Sears has had had some highlight moments. But he says that there have been a lot more meaningful moments that he has really enjoyed seeing.

“There are a lot of highlights if you enjoy what you do,” he stated. “The biggest I would say is when you have taught something to an athlete, and they actually use your teachings and are successful with it. That always brings a smile to my face.”

Just like athletes, coaches have people that have impacted their lives and helped shape them into the coach that they are.

“I have had a lot of influential coaches in my life,” he said. “Charlie McBride, Craig Simmons, Tony Samual, Tim Leroy, and Steve Chard are big influences. A lot of guys I’ve worked with over the years have helped me on the path that I’m on right now.”