Cordell Blue Devil Football fans can expect to see a few new faces this season, one in particular being Cody Gilmore, who has been named head football coach.
Gilmore will take the lead on improving Cordell's high school and junior high football programs. Not only will he make an impact on the field, but also in the classroom teaching Like Skills; a class designed to increase student knowledge and skills necessary for everyday living.
He is accompanied to Cordell by his wife, Benita Gilmore, who will be teaching 5th and 6th grade science, 10-year-old son Easton and 8-year-old daughter Emma. They have officially moved into their new home surrounded by friendly neighbors and they’re really happy where they ended up, he said.
Gilmore was born and raised in Durant, Oklahoma. His niche for football took him to Farmington High School in New Mexico, where he coached for three years and then to Kirkland Central High School in New Mexico, also for three years. Following Kirkland, Gilmore continued his coaching in Elk City, Coalgate, and Hugo until he was fortunate to get the position here, he said.
When asked “Why Cordell?” his response was, “I’ve heard a lot about the community. Coach Beasley, who was a previous coach here, coached me in high school. With him having been here, he told me a lot about it. With all the good things we have heard about Cordell, it just seemed to be a good fit for our family. Hopefully we will be here for a long time.”
After speaking with Gilmore, it is obvious that he has a lot to bring to the table. Not only will he be an asset to Cordell High School, but an asset in the lives of many athletes and students.
“The main thing about the football team is teaching them how to be better adults and better young men. Obviously everyone wants to win, but at the end of the day, it’s bigger than that. It’s about teaching them how to be responsible and how to, hopefully one day, be good dads and good husbands, stuff like that. I think you have to look at the bigger picture. Hopefully we can instill that in the things that we do on and off the football field. The plan is to teach them things that are more than just the game. Because at the end of the day, football is a game and it’s going to go away one day but life is forever. You gotta learn how to navigate life.”
Gilmore has expressed that the athletes are working hard and showing up. With the upcoming football season right around the corner, Blue Devil fans can plan to see the hard work, dedication and sportsmanship that is present in these athletes. With Gilmore, the training program is devised and he plans to make a difference.
“The part that really wins the games is the preparation that leads up to Friday nights. Whether that be watching film, being in the weight room, or the ‘grind’ as they call it is what wins the games. If you’re prepared to go all out on Friday night, then you’re going to have more success than if you weren’t prepared,” stated Gilmore. “I want to make an impact. Not only in the schools but in the community. I want to make a difference. That’s why I’m here and hopefully I can do that.”
Parents and fans can meet Coach Gilmore this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. during the Meet the Players event.