I had the opportunity to interview my homie Chuck Jefferson who is working his way up through the coaching ranks in the Columbus City League. The Columbus City League is and has been one of the best leagues in Ohio. Players such as Devin Green ,Drew Lavender, Ron Lewis, Trey Burke, Michael Redd, Esteban Weaver, and Jared Sullinger have all starred in the Columbus City League. Jefferson is an assistant coach at Walnut Ridge High School after finishing his collegiate basketball career at Urbana University. Like many aspiring coaches Jefferson is giving back to provide a positive influence to the next generation and to reach his goal of someday becoming a head coach at a high school.
RH: What made you get into coaching?
Well i always knew while playing that I would always be involved in the game after I was done playing. Going back to when I played and as I got older I was always the one who would do a lot of talking on the court being the point guard. But what really got me into coaching was the fact of being able to help the youth in our City. I feel that is the most important thing when it comes to basketball is the teaching aspect.
RH: How does it feel coaching at your alma mater?
Coaching at my Alma Mater has been one of the most humbled experiences I have been through. To be in that same gym day after day like it was when I was a player is the best. I re live every moment and game I ever played in the gym every time I am there for practices and games. Words can’t really the describe the feeling, I am just very grateful that i got this chance to give back to a school which helped shape me into a young man.
RH: Is there any coaches out there mentoring you?
Yes, I have several mentors in my corner as I go through this coaching journey that are very helpful and always honest with me. My old High School coaches Jesse Jackson, Jawanza Moore and Vinnie Clarno always are there for me whatever the case may be rather it just a daily talk about life or about how are last game went. Current Ridge Coach Jason Bates is also one of my mentors who has been very helpful because I get to see him on a day to day basis. Coach Bates is a great coach and I am glad I get to learn under him. To be able to watch him and see how he interacts with our and runs the program is second to none. These Walnut Ridge mentors that I have will be the reason I will be a great coach one day!
RH: How does it feel coming up in the coaching ranks in a historic league?
Right now I am just learning but to be one of a select few of young men coming back to coach in the city is great. I still have a long ways to go but this first ride was the best,
RH: What are the pros and cons of coaching high school basketball?
The pros of coaching High School is you get to come back and help young men become better basketball players. The biggest pro is not even hoop related. You really get to work with teenagers and try to make them become better people in general. You can share your life experience with them that may help them down the road. The only Con I have is that you are away from your family a lot and it’s very time consuming but you have to make some sacrifice and being away from your family a bit is one of them.
RH: What is the hardest part about coaching?
The hardest thing about coaching is at times trying to please everyone and keep them happy. I’ve learned that no matter what rather win or lose someone some where will not be as happy. I think some coaches may not admit but i think that sticks in everyone’s mind.
RH: What does the team look like in the future?
The future is very bright for Walnut Ridge we have a lot of work to do but our guys are up for that challenge. Last year we were very young and started one Senior who happen to be a standout football player. We bring back our core and the underclassmen have that year under their belt and will be ready to go.
RH: By being a former college athlete do you share your past experiences with your players?
Yes, every chance I get I try to share my experience with all players mostly with our guards since that is the position that I played.
RH: Who is the toughest team to play against in the City League North or South?
The City League is definitely back far as the talent and it kind of reminds me of the times when we were coming up. The City League south was very competitive and it was a battle every night and it will be for years to come. Hopefully are guys continue to work and we can aim for getting back to the top! The city North was tough as well with Brookhaven and Northland at the top we got to play against both of those teams. I look Forward to the future of The Columbus City League when it comes to basketball.
RH: What is some good advice for aspiring coaches out there?
The only advice I would share is to only pursue this if you’re really going to be committed. If you plan to be a great coach then you just can’t go at this at 50%. It’s going to be very time consuming and at times can seem like a lot but if this is something you love to do then that makes it even more worth it!
Good luck to Coach Jefferson and the Walnut Ridge Scots on their quest to a City League Title!
