Head football coach Ricky Tullos has been coaching for 21 years and has been a head coach for 14. This is Tullos’s first year as the new head coach for the Vikings and he appreciates the opportunities and traditions already in place at Bryan High.
“I think there is a tremendous amount of tradition here that is very exciting,” Tullos said. “I also think there is a tremendous amount of opportunity to grow our student athletes to be better on and off the field. I think that this is a great place to be and a place where my kids and grandkids can come be a part of. I think that tradition and opportunity is what enticed me to come here.”
Tullos has many goals for the new season and plans on teaching his athletes the importance of success.
“Our goals for the next year are to make the playoffs, win a district championship, and win a state championship,” Tullos said. “However, we always want to continue to develop our student athletes in a positive manner so they can be successful in life as they become husbands, fathers, workers, and so that they can be successful people.”
As the new head coach, Tullos plans on bringing more excitement and energy to the team and wants to create new relationships with his athletes.
“I think I can bring leadership, energy, excitement, and open the door to build relationships with our student athletes no matter what sport they play,” Tullos said. “I want to be someone to help guide them to be better in whatever field it is whether it’s playing ball at the next level or going to work. I think I’m that person that can help lead that and give them some guidance to be successful.”
Junior Malcom Gooden has seen what Tullos has brought to the field and believes that it will have a positive impact on the team.
“He brings a lot of energy,” Malcolm said. “I feel like that will be a good thing for a winning season next year.”
Junior Matthew Cooks is eager to see how Tullos will affect the team next season.
“I am most excited to see what the new coach will bring to the program and to see a change in our mentality,” Matthew said. “I can tell he cares about us winning as well as our futures.”
Tullos wants his athletes to remember the relationships that are built between players and coaches.
“I hope they carry the relationships that are built between our players and coaches with them,” Tullos said. “I think those things last a lifetime, and at some point they have to put their cleats up, and what they will always take with them is the value of hard work and relationships that were built amongst their teammates and coaches.”
Tullos wants all of his athletes to be successful in life more than anything, and it makes him proud when he sees how successful his athletes have become.
“I am proud of the success that our kids have gained through our program and have developed into better people,” Tullos said. “A lot of times we don’t know what that success looks like until 10 years from now when they are able to keep a job, raise a family, and be successful citizens. It makes us feel like we were successful, and if they failed to do that, then I’m not sure if we did our part. Winning and championships and those things are nice and fun to be a part of, but it’s the relationships and the success that means the most.”
