Seattle Seahawks’ Josh Brown reunited with his high school coach, Foyil High School principal Rick Antle, Sunday, Oct. 29, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Brown grew-up in Foyil, Okla., about 240 miles outside Kansas City. As part of the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program, Symetra invited Antle and his wife to enjoy the game and a special sideline experience as Brown’s honored guests.
Read Antle’s follow-up interview to find out about Brown’s other talents, how it felt to watch a former student play in an NFL game, and why Antle believes in recognizing teachers for their contributions.
What stood out about Josh as a former student/athlete of yours; what made him special?
I think the one quality that Josh has always had — from the time he showed up as an eighth grader and it continued throughout his high school, college and professional career — is that he is very accessible. He is outgoing and he has a very compassionate heart. He wants to be friendly and help others, and I’ve always believed Josh wants to share in his joy and the gifts that have been given to him.
I read that Josh kicked a 61-yard field goal in high school and jumped 6-feet-8-inches to win the Oklahoma state title in the high jump in 1997 and 1998. He seems like quite the all-around athlete...
Yes, Josh can jump to the sky! He actually had cleared 6-feet-10-inches, but not at the state competition. He can also dunk a basketball off a 360-degree spin, but what you really need to do is ask him to sing to you. He’s got an amazing, professional quality voice, too. He’s just a blessed athlete and all-around-person.
How did you feel when you found out you were being recognized as part of the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program this season?
I was pretty humbled. It’s very humbling to be honored when other people tell you that you’ve made a big difference in their lives. It’s a reward you don’t get into the business of teaching for, but it’s ‘priceless,’ just like in the commercials.
What do you think of the work Symetra and Vulcan are doing to recognize teachers and provide funding for them in local areas?
“I think Symetra and Vulcan are really hitting a spot that needs to be recognized. Today’s classroom is tougher than it’s ever been.” |
I think Symetra and Vulcan are really hitting a spot that needs to be recognized. Today’s classroom is tougher than it’s ever been. The teachers have to work so hard in order to meet state and federal guidelines and objectives. Teachers aren’t just involved in reading, writing and arithmetic. They now have to be in charge of fitness, nutrition, and things like preparing for the possibility of an attack at school.
Society is making teaching a lot harder and doesn’t always honor teachers for the good things they do. Recognizing teachers and how hard they’re working is a great avenue for them to follow. It would be great if they could bring about 30 teachers to every game!
How did you feel on the sideline watching a former student of yours play in an NFL game?
Being on the field during pre-game was very exciting — just exhilarating. It was a lot of fun being with Josh and seeing all of the excitement. My wife and I really enjoyed ourselves. You know the athletes are regular people, but they are also celebrities, icons, and idols for some kids, too. You don’t know what they’re really like in person. Any professional activity or event — there’s something electric about it. With the people screaming and thousands of fans, it’s just electric.
We just had a great time wearing our Symetra “12th Man” jerseys, too. We were sitting in a sea of Chiefs fans and the best part was someone seeing the name on the jersey and asking, “What position does Symetra play for Seattle?” I explained the program and how Symetra and Vulcan are honoring teachers.
There’s a large picture of Josh hanging in the vestibule of his church in Foyil, Okla. Can you tell me more about that?
The local church has an action-shot of Josh kicking a 58-yard field goal at Green Bay in 2003 — it was the longest in Lambeau Field history.
“Being from such a small school, most of our students are like extended family. It’s like getting to see your children. You just feel renewed and tell them how proud you are of them.” |
Their pastor uses that as a reminder to the kids, ‘Here is a small town boy (Foyil’s population is about 230) who grew up and went to church here. If you set your mind to it and work hard you can make it, too.’
How was reuniting with Josh?
We stood around and talked for about 30 minutes. It’s always good to see Josh. Being from such a small school, most of our students are like extended family. It’s like getting to see your children. You just feel renewed and tell them how proud you are of them.
With Josh, he just has such a great life, he’s making great choices and he’s doing great things for the Seahawks. Being able to bask in his glory, some of that glory kind of shines off him and he shares it with you. He’s just a great person.