Providing a little support

Published 12:02 am Saturday, July 5, 2014

0704 spt-DeWayne Robinson

New Red Level assistant football coach DeWayne Robinson is volunteering his time to help the Tigers’ team. | Andrew Garner/Star-News

There’s no mistaking hearing new Red Level assistant coach DeWayne Robinson, whether you are on the sidelines or in the stands.

Robinson brought this approach at the Tigers’ recent spring football game against Zion Chapel, where his new team won 58-8.

It wasn’t long before that that he was brought on the Tigers’ coaching staff simply for a couple reasons — to encourage the players, provide some accountability and some discipline.

“It’s something that I always really wanted to do,” Robinson said about coaching. “I got started to thinking about it. Folks were telling me they were running short handed.”

After some encouragement, Robinson said he met with RLS head football coach David Godwin and asked him if he could be a volunteer coach.

“He told me that we have things you have to do, and if you get then done, we’re good to go,” Robinson said. “Since day one and when I got out there, just watching them it’s amazing. We’ve got the best group of kids. They’re a blessing to be around.”

Robinson enters his first year as an assistant coach with no prior experience in the coaching business. However, he did play football at RLS at right guard. He played on both sides of the ball at times.

“I always thought I knew something about football,” he said. “Being out there, they’re really teaching me along the way. My main priority is to keep the kids motivated. With (RLS assistant coach) Mr. (Mark) Price, we’re really pushing discipline. It’s been a lot easier than what I thought it would be.”

A year before he graduated from RLS in 1987, Robinson began serving in the military as a junior, where he then served four years. Afterward, he served two years of inactive service.

Then, 9/11 happened, and Robinson said he went back in, and served one year from March 2003-04 in Iraq. He kept serving in the military until his enlistment was up.

It was during the spring game that Robinson said he felt something he hadn’t since he was in the military — excitement.

“It was something to watch those kids have fun the way they did that night,” he said.

Robinson said he appreciates Godwin for giving him the opportunity to help mold and shape the players to becoming men.

“To see them when they come in, and they’re looking like they really accomplished something, whether it be in the weight room or on the field, it’s hard to put into words,” he said.

Robinson is married to Melda, a RLS graduate; and has two children, also Red Level grads in Taylor and Steven.