Rome High School would like to welcome our newest Wolf, John McFather, as he prepares to join the Pack as head coach for the boys’ basketball team.
McFather comes to Rome boasting a 33-year-long resume as a basketball coach. “That’s a blessing to me and my family, to have been able to do what I love for so long,” he smiled.
He started his career as a middle school basketball coach at Marion County in Buena Vista, Ga. During his time there, he helped to create a middle school basketball program who then went on to finish their season undefeated.
McFather’s first head coaching position was at Harris County High School in Hamilton, Ga. where he was tasked with reviving a girls’ basketball program that had been abandoned for 10 years.
“I learned a lot about coaching through my time spent with those young ladies,” McFather explained. “They truly made an impression on me, and it was hard for me to leave them when it was time to move on to my next adventure.”
McFather was on a mission to achieve his dream, which was to coach boys at the high school level. This dream came true when he accepted a head coaching position back at Tri-County High School, where he spent the next 10 years courtside with the Eagles.
“That was a great fit for me, and I really enjoyed my time coaching the Eagles. We had some really great teams there, and I am thankful for the experience I gained through that,” he said.
McFather is joining the Wolves after spending the last 13 years as head coach for the boys’ basketball team at Coosa High School.
“I felt led to start this new adventure at Rome High School, which I am very excited about,” smiled McFather. “I am looking forward to having the opportunity to take over a program that is showing signs of success.”
He outlines his teams’ philosophy in seven words, “Play Hard, Play Smart and Play Together.” With this blueprint for success in place, McFather plans to lead the Wolves to victory through developing a culture that is unlike any other, both on and off the court.
“I am just excited about the opportunity given to me to help elevate this program to another level,” said McFather. “It’s definitely going to be a challenge, but I believe that we have the ability to compete at the State playoffs. My goal is to bring a State Championship title back to Rome High.”
Community involvement is another major aspect of McFather’s path to success, which he knows is present at Rome High School.
“I am looking forward to meeting these young men and going to work. I am also looking forward to an exciting season,” he said.
McFather continued, “I want the community to get excited as well. I want them to be excited about Rome basketball and come out during the season to support us. We are all in this thing together and we certainly want our parents and the community to play a big part in the success of this program.”
“I am just beyond grateful for this opportunity and for the faculty and staff at Rome High for having the confidence in me to get the job done,” he smiled.
Please join us in welcoming John McFather to our Rome Family!!
