Campus football coach becomes school groundskeeper  

Throughout America, high school football provides an opportunity for young men to bond and grow as a team. At Fresno Christian, coaches also use sports to help athletes grow spiritually.

The chance to influence students attracted offensive line coach Brad Gage to join the Eagles football coaching staff in 2013. Gage played football in high school and developed a love for the sport, but did not receive an opportunity to coach until 2011. That year, he took an opening at Desmond Middle School. He says that switching to Fresno Christian gave him an opportunity to share his faith and his passion for football.

“The difference between public school and here is you can kind of be a Christian and people know you’re a Christian, but you can’t openly discuss it,” Gage said. “You don’t openly profess your faith, because it’s not allowed. The thing that is different about this (FCS) is that’s the center of what we do, and we work out from that, as opposed to football, in a public school, is what you do, and if you’re a Christian that’s on the outside.“

In addition to providing spiritual leadership, Gage plays a critical role in the success of the football team. Whether in pee-wee leagues or the NFL, the success of every offensive play depends on solid blocking from the offensive line. Head coach Russ Counts appreciates Gage’s dedication to teaching linemen proper technique.

“The offensive line is without a doubt very critical to the team,” Counts said. “They are the true work horses. Nothing happens on a team if the line is not prepared. Brad has always been very passionate about making his lineman the best they can be.”

“My favorite part about working with Brad is his Christ like manner and attitude,” Counts continued. “Brad is an amazing servant and serves in so many ways that go unseen. Super glad Brad is on the coaching staff.”

Before he started coaching, Gage gained experience as a groundskeeper. Gage served on the facilities team at a local church, where he also attended with his wife and two kids, for 15 years. Starting this year, he replaced Val Rivera by maintaining the fields and gyms across the campus. He says the responsibilities are a welcome addition.

“I was approached by a couple of staff members who thought I might be interested in the position,” Gage said. “It’s something that I was looking to do because I wanted a job change and it worked out perfect. In my new position I will be working a lot with the athletic department getting the gyms, fields, and courts ready for all the different athletic events.”

Much like groundskeeping, tackle football require hours of outdoors work. Matthew Peterson, ’20, joined football as a freshman despite worries about conditioning. He says Gage’s advice helped him persevere.

“When I first came out to play football coach Gage asked me what I was most worried about,” Peterson said. “I told him that I was worried about all the conditioning we would do and he reassured me that that it wouldn’t be too bad and I would get through it. That really helped me to keep playing football.”

While quarterback or receiver skills translate from flag football, offensive linemen new to tackle football might not know the first thing about blocking. This was the case freshman year for Anthony Diaz, ’19, who plays offensive and defensive line. Diaz says that Gage’s willingness to work with individuals helped make him into the player he is.

“Coach Gage is a really hands-on kind of coach, so you never don’t know what you’re doing because he’s always there to explain it to you,” Diaz said. “I started football without knowing anything, and know I’d say that I know it pretty well. He’s helped me through being very hands on.”

“Advice that he’s given me is just to never stop,” Diaz continued, “Because when you’re playing in a game and you only go half speed or half what you’re supposed to be doing, the whole team will be brought down. And so he’s taught us to push through and go above and beyond what we think we’re capable of doing to reach the goal.”

First year player Carson Ochs, ’21, also developed under Gage’s leadership. Ochs says that Gage plays a part in making the football team feel like a family.

“I did not know much of the line because it’s different,” Ochs said. “They use numbers for gaps and letters for the line men and its opposite from everything else, so I had to relearn it. I have learned that the team is more than a team. We are like family and that makes a big difference. Coach Gage is an amazing coach. He is kind and if we mess up he does not get worked up about it.”

The Eagles won their first game against Tranquility, 47-0. Come support them at their first home game, Oct. 14.

For more articles, read Convocation kicks off 2018-’19 school year.