This morning, I just learned that Head Coach Lynn Fleming of the mighty West Oak Warriors has decided to move on from the Oconee County Area.
After completing his 4th year of coaching the Warriors, Coach Fleming will walk away as the most successful football coach in West Oak Football’s history. During his 4 years at WO, he lead the Warriors to 3 post season appearences AND (from the opinion of someone who has been a part of the program since he was 5 years old) has completely turned the entire program around.
So this morning is bitter sweet for me. I am disappointed to see Coach Fleming leave, but I am excited about the opportunity he has for the future.
Lynn was not only my head coach (as I served with him as his Team Chaplain the last 2 years), but he is also my personal friend.
I have seen him both on and off the football field, both in and out of the football program, and I am here to tell you that he is one the most outstanding men I have been around. The man is simply the real deal and no one can ever argue against that!
I know the character and the capability of this man, and I know he has only wanted what is best for this team, which is exactly what he has gotten out of them. Lynn loves this community, this school, and this team so I know this decision has been hard for him to make.
But in the end, God is faithful. And while I hate to see Lynn go, I know God has something BIG in store for Lynn when he finally gets to where he is going.
(In case you are wondering where he is going, please know that the announcement will come in the next several days).
Lynn, I love you bro. And I thank you for the opportunity to interact, impact, and even talk smack with this team! You have been a tremendous friend to me and you have taught me multiple lessons about what TRUE LEADERSHIP is really about. I can’t wait to see what God does through you in the future.
If ever you needed to know what being a High School Football Coach is really about, then all you need to do is spend 5 minutes with one of the best there is in Lynn Fleming.
He is a man of character and conviction, personality and passion, wisdom and wittyness, leadership and love.
And oh by the way… In case you haven’t happened to notice while he has been here, the man KNOWS THE GAME!!!
And he knows how to get his players to play the game. Just take a look at the record because it simply speaks for itself.
Lynn, you have done a better job here than anyone else I know could have ever done with the players you’ve had to play. I have never seen someone do so much with so little in such as short a period of time as you did. Thank you for what you have done.
Go get ‘em bro! And know I will be cheering for you all the way.
