GoBearkats.com begins a series of question and answer interviews with Sam Houston's football coaching staff today.
The first in the series is former Huntsville Hornet and Bearkat player Matt Powledge who now is the assistant coach in charge of the Kats' running backs and special teams.
Question: As a Sam Houston graduate and former Huntsville Hornet and Bearkat player, what has it been like coming back home to Huntsville?
Powledge: Amazing. Huntsville is an awesome place with great people, great food, and an outstanding university. It's been a blessing to coach at one of the top programs in Division I-FCS Football and when it's your alma mater it's just a huge bonus.
Question: How has your experience been coaching under Head Coach, K. C. Keeler?
Powledge: The best. We couldn't ask for a better leader or individual to take this program to the next level. He's a natural-born winner, he's invested in the community, and our players love him!
Question: How has the Sam Houston football program been able to sustain so much success during the past four years?
Powledge: It starts at the top. We have an outstanding president in Dana G. Hoyt. We've had great coaches, great players and amazing support from alumni and the community. Bowers Stadium and our home crowds have also been a huge advantage, winning 27 of our last 28 games at home. If this continues, then the sky is the limit for Bearkat Football.
Question: What has been your favorite moment as a Bearkat so far?
Powledge: The Central Arkansas game this past season. We won the conference championship at home after overcoming so many obstacles during the season. It was my first championship as a player or coach, so that made it very special.
Question: What is your special teams philosophy?
Powledge: Speed, physicality and finish. On special teams we aim to play faster than our opponent, overwhelm our opponent with physical play, and play longer than our opponent on each play.
Question: What skill-set do you look for when recruiting a running back at Sam Houston?
Powledge: I look for a young man with great vision and instincts. Running backs come in all shapes and sizes, but we love for them to have great speed & playmaking ability. It's also critical that he can protect the football and the quarterback.
Question: What are your hobbies?
Powledge: I enjoy playing or watching sports, and spending time with family. My favorite teams are the Cowboys, Rockets, Astros, and of course all Sam Houston Bearkat teams. Also, I love watching Alabama softball because I have a little sister that plays for the Crimson Tide.
Question: If you weren't coaching, what would you be doing?
Powledge: I would probably be in the military. I enjoy being a part of a team. Plus, I think we live in the greatest country in the world.
Question: What is your favorite quote?
Powledge: I have two… Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” and “Hardwork, Hustle, and Heart. These are the things that build champions”
Coach Powledge and the Bearkat special teams and running backs will start preseason camp in early August in preparation for the season opener Saturday, Sept. 5, at Texas Tech.
Season tickets for all five Sam Houston games in 2015 at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium plus the 90th “Battle of the Piney Woods” presented by H-E-B at NRG Stadium are on sale now online at www.gobearkats.com
