Coaches of the Month Spotlights

Each month, the Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD Athletic Department will recognize a coach for his/her accomplishments in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. The recipient will receive a coupon for a free pizza courtesy of MOD Pizza. "Our coaches work hard on the field and in the classroom with our students and student-athletes," Athletic Director Brent Barker said. "We wanted to recognize them for their hard work and dedication to EMS ISD Athletics and thank you to MOD Pizza for sponsoring this."

                               December 2024

Head Wrestling and Assistant Football Coach Zach Redden is the December spotlight for Coach of the Month! “It’s an awesome feeling,” he admitted when asked about receiving the award. “I’m happy to be here, happy to be recognized, and this is all because of the kids.” As an EMS-ISD graduate, Coach Redden has sunk a majority of his time and career into the city of Saginaw. He spent a brief stent at Brewer Middle School before returning to his alma mater, serving in multiple roles on the Rough Rider football team and head wrestling coach, a title he continued to hold moving to Eagle Mountain High School. “[The season so far] is going good,” he explained. “We have 43, 44 kids, so we’re building the program up. We have a lot of JV kids and a three of four that have come in with varsity experience, all of whom are doing great. JV has been winning consistently and we have a ton of kids that are in multiple sports, so it really shows their work ethic.” His experience as the head coach with Saginaw High School shows just what talent he is bringing to the Knights’ family, creating an immense culture with successes that include six district championships, 21 regional placers, a state champion and is closing in on 100 dual victories. Coach Redden expects that the climb to building the team at EMHS will take time, but he is confident in fostering a similar culture to the one he has forged before with the help of the student athletes. “Like I said, we’re trying to build the program from the ground up, so I’m really excited to see all the kids compete and watch them grow in their confidence and skills.”

“Coach Redden has been an outstanding asset to our coaching staff this fall,” commented Campus Coordinator Jeremy Mullins. “He did an excellent job with our receivers this fall. Coach Redden consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and takes great pride in everything he does, ensuring that every detail is handled with care and commitment. Additionally, Coach Redden is playing a crucial role in the development of our wrestling program, where his efforts are laying a strong foundation for success in the future. His passion for the sport and his ability to connect with and inspire the kids has been invaluable. We are excited to see the continued impact he will have on both programs.”

                                  November 2024

Head Boys Basketball and Assistant Track Coach Scott Richardson is the recipient for the November Coach of the Month! “It means a lot,” he admitted when asked about his feeling of being awarded the title. “You work really hard, and so for people to notice the hard work you put in by the team is really… It really means a lot to me.” Coach Richardson started his career with EMS-ISD this year as Eagle Mountain High School’s first ever Head Boys Basketball coach, but this does not mark his first time being in the position overall. Before dawning the Knight armor, Coach Richardson was the Head Basketball coach at Tolar High School guiding the team to a record-breaking season with an impressive 30 wins that culminated in the school’s first ever Regional Finals appearance. He brings with him a wealth of experience and success, evident by the 400 wins under his belt and an acclaimed article for Texas Coach that earned the 2023 Article of the Year award. Now, with the season officially in full swing and all of the athletes ready to take to the court, Coach Richardson is ready to bring home some big wins for the Knights. “We’ve got some great kids,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun coaching this group of guys and watching them come together and take on their own identity.” Football playoffs cut into the roster ever so slightly for the team, but that has not slowed them down. As of writing, the Knights have played two games and won both. With the athletes now coming off the field and onto the court, there is a strong sentiment that this will only further strength and already cohesive group. “I’m looking forward to seeing the relationships between the kids grow,” he stated. “Being on the bus rides and having team dinners and stuff like that is really going to help them come together as a group and I can’t wait to see that happen.”

“Coach Richardson is truly a standout figure, both as a coach and as a colleague,” commented Campus Coordinator Jeremy Mullins. “His blend of kindness and dedication to helping his athletes exceed is a rare quality. Supporting not only his team but the entire sports community shows his true leadership. Wishing Coach Richardson and the Knights all the best for the season ahead!”

October 2024

Head Girls Track and Assistant Swim Coach Miles is the spotlight for the October Coach of the Month! “I’m excited,” he admitted when asked about being named Coach of the Month. “It’s a mix of gratitude and appreciation, especially for my peers.” Coach Miles is a 17-year veteran of education, 15 of which include coaching experience. He has held positions in GCISD, Northwest ISD, and Hillsboro ISD before armoring up with the Eagle Mountain Knights, where he acted as a coach for several sports including track, football, soccer, and basketball. “Swimming, so far, is going really well. I’m optimistic and looking forward to track, too. I think there’s an opportunity to build something really special in both sports. Being a new school, you get to go in and put your fingerprints on it.” In his time with other districts, he has coached several district champions, regional qualifiers, and a state champion. Though, he admits, the teams are small due to it being the school’s inaugural year, he sees a lot of talent in the individuals that make them up and he has high hopes for what they can accomplish. “I’m looking forward to setting the foundation and the standard for the years that follow us. We want to teach the kids how to compete and how to be proud to be a knight. When you wear the logo, you should be proud because it represents something special.”

“Coach Miles consistently goes above and beyond to support both his fellow coaches and student-athletes,” commented Assistant Coordinator Catherine Foerster. “His enthusiasm for work is infectious, and it’s evident in the positive energy he brings to our teams. He takes the time to connect with each coach and athlete, fostering a welcoming and encouraging environment. Coach Miles is not only dedicated to athletics but also brings a creative flair to our events with his fantastic dress-up themes and photography skills, which we all cherish.”

                                September 2024

Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Football Coach Bobby Crook is September’s, and the first ever for Eagle Mountain High School, Coach of the Month. “It’s a great honor,” he admitted upon receiving the award. “It’s a testament that the kids are working hard.” While being the inaugural Head Baseball Coach, Crook is no stranger to America’s favorite pastime. On top of being a 3-year letterman from Marcus High School in Flower Mound and playing collegiately at the University of Dallas, he also has 20 years of professional experience with the one and only Texas Rangers. “I’m feeling good [about the upcoming season],” Crook expressed. “I love being on the ground floor and being able to work with such a great group of kids.” Coach Crook joined the Rangers in 2004 and wore a myriad of hats during his time with them, including Area Scout, Special Assignment Crosschecker, and various front office position that kept the team moving. His experience as a scout is complimented by his time as a manager with the Texas Rangers Area Code Team, the Texas Rangers Scout Team, the Texas Scouts Association North All-Star team, and as a coach with the Cooperstown Cobras organization and USA Baseball prospect camps. “I’m really looking forward to getting these guys on the field,” he said, gesturing to a group he was coaching before commenting. “Obviously in football, we’re seeing it. They’re able to play, show themselves, get after it, and have fun. That’s what I can’t wait to see; for these baseball guys to represent the school the right way and enjoy doing it. It should be a blast.”

“Coach Crook is a dedicated team player,” commented Campus Coordinator Jeremy Mullins, “who is instrumental in launching our baseball program while also playing a key role in our football operations. His commitment and versatility make him an invaluable asset to our athletic department!”