This interview is the last in a four part "meet the coaches" series. Duane Wales is the only Elkmont graduate on the Red Devil Football staff. He graduated in 1987. During his high school years, he played offensive and defensive tackle under Coach Marvin Young. Wales' senior year brought with it, All County and All Region honors. His favorite side of the ball was offense since he liked to block. "I took great pride in helping Michael Davis gain a bunch of yards." Michael Davis continued his football career as a Murray State Racer.
Coach Wales then went to Calhoun on an academic scholarship for two years. He transferred to Athens State to complete his Physical Education degree and was voted outstanding P.E. major. After he finished, P.E. jobs were rare and so he went back to school for an additional year and received certification in Biology.
Duane started his teaching career at Clements in 1992. He became the defensive coordinator for the Colts for ten years. His specialty was coaching the defensive and offensive lines. In 2003, Coach Wales joined the Ardmore Tigers as the special teams coordinator and defensive coordinator. He also was the head middle school and JV coach for his last 4 years at Ardmore.
In 2009, Coach Wales was able to return to his home of Elkmont High School. As a graduate, this was something he had always wanted, a chance to give back to the community and school where he grew up. "I wanted to come back and coach at Elkmont. I wanted my children to grow up and go to school in the same community as I had. Most of my family graduated from here. Elkmont meant family; Elkmont meant home."
This season Wales will be in charge of the running backs and the defensive tackles. "As a lineman I understand how blocks are made; where the running lanes are; when running backs are supposed to hit holes and look for cut back lanes. A lineman has to know his position but also he has to know the position of those he is meant to protect."
"My goals for the running backs are ball security, not to fumble, not to be taken down by the first contact and to finish every run falling forward. My defensive tackles have to protect the linebackers. They need to draw the double team and stop the run."
"I want the Seniors to have fond memories of me. To think of me as a good role model, a man that was a husband, father, teacher and coach and did this with integrity and dedication."
"This season my goal for the team is to reach the playoffs. Winning five games in the playoffs would make for a wonderful year."
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