Inaugural program needs leader for Scorpions

Sedona Red Rock High School is slated to field its first varsity girls flag football team this fall, however the program still needs a head coach to lead the Scorpions.

“We already have about eight to 10 [student] signups already, and that was just the first day of preregistration for the whole school,” Athletics Director Justin Behrman said. “A lot of the names that I’m seeing on the sign-up sheet are very enthusiastic. The girls are willing to learn.”

The time commitment for the season that ends on Thursday, Nov. 5, is leading practices four to five days a week, for an hour-and-a-half to two hour sessions, and typically it’s one game a week that is about three hours between warmups and play time — not counting travel time.

“With any candidate, it’s their ability to connect with the kids. Patience is going to be a big role, especially with a brand new sport,” Behrman said. “Just somebody that wants to get in there, has some football background and wants to have some fun with the potential of building a program.”

A bachelor’s degree in physical education, sports management or a related field is preferred, though can be substituted with coaching experience. Candidates should have at least three years of high school or higher-level coaching experience, with a background in player development, team strategy and game management, and must hold or be willing to obtain CPR and First-Aid certifications along with Arizona Interscholastic Association certification.

“We’re looking for somebody enthusiastic, somebody that connects with the kids, somebody that is flexible,” Behrman said. “Seeing this as a first-year program we want someone flexible, but also motivated to build something from the ground up. Preferably some football experience, but [it’s] not mandatory.”

“A lot of the girls in the school really advocated for this sport, and I think it’s something the kids will take a lot of ownership of,” Behrman said. “That paves the way and makes it that much easier for an adult to step in and lead them to being a competitive team. We have a lot of multi-sport athletes, and flag football is a game that takes those skills from other sports and puts them together.”

“We want … kids trying out football through flag programs, and sometimes that translates into them signing up for varsity tackle football — and that includes girls, too,” tackle football Head Coach Tony Hauserman said. “We’ve had girls play varsity football before. We don’t currently have any on the team now, but I’m always open to new players showing up.”

Behrman said he is willing to interview interested applicants as soon as possible to expedite the process with the goal of starting practice by the middle of August.

“They’re super jazzed, super excited, and you always want to coach a team where they’re motivated, and the motivation is there,” Behrman said.

The coaching stipend is $2,294 for the season. To apply for the position, visit sedonacreek.tedk12.com. Ask questions by contacting Behrman at 928-204-6700.