Rec coaches become 'Tift Certified'

Aug. 25—TIFTON — Tift County football wrapped up its program with recreation coaches Aug. 18, awarding certificates and season tickets to those participating.

Head coach Noel Dean congratulated the recreation coaches for their dedication to the program, which benefits both sides. The youth receive jerseys and Tift-certified coaches get to participate with their teams in the Devil Walk with the high school players before each home game.

"The smiles on the kids' faces said it all to me," said Dean, of the Devil Walk featuring the Vipers on Aug. 12..

Blue Devils quarterbacks coach Cody Kater spoke to the recreation coaches in the last session. Kater, former quarterback for Central Michigan, was teaching and coaching high school sports in Michigan before joining the staff this summer.

Dean said Kater came highly recommended.

"He is a tremendous coach and a tremendous person."

Kater shared the checkpoints Tift has for its middle and high school players and where they should be. The coaches also saw footage of how quarterbacks warm up at Blue Devils practices, with Kater going over finer points, such as footwork.

In addition, Kater talked discussed the veer offense that Tift is running this season.

Tift assistants continued to encourage signups for youth football, especially as the registration deadline (Aug. 27) is nearing.

"Continue to love on them," said assistant J.C. Clark. "Keep them coming back to football."