Graphic by Elizabeth Zu
Football: Dethrick Slocum
One of the new changes to Gunn鈥檚 sports programs has been the appointment of a new head football coach, Dethrick Slocum.
From early on, Slocum had a passion for all things football. 鈥淔ootball played a huge role growing up in Fresno,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y uncle and older cousin were my coaches when I played in their youth program. I played football in high school and college after that.鈥
Slocum first started coaching upon returning from playing college football at the University of Montana. 鈥淲hen I returned [to Fresno,] my high school coach asked me to help out,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 knew a lot of the boys on that team, as I played with their older brothers or cousins.鈥
According to Slocum, his coaching philosophy聽is to build relationships, teach life lessons and responsibility and assist in reaching academic and athletic success for his players.
Slocum takes great pride and enjoyment in coaching football. 鈥淢y favorite thing about coaching is when young men return and give back to their community,鈥 he said.
Slocum also likes seeing his students fulfill their dreams of playing at the next level, with some of his former players currently competing in Division 1 football.
Looking into the future, Slocum鈥檚 ambitions for this next season are quite simple. 鈥淭he goal is to instill some life skills in the young men I coach, implement my offense and defense, and win games,鈥 he said.