Kathleen High's Richard Tate (left) accepts his Coach of the Week award from Bucs Head Coach Jon Gruden
Family. Every coach from Pop Warner to the NFL gives it lip service. For Kathleen High School Head Coach Richard Tate it's much more than talk.
Tate, who was selected as the Buccaneers High School Coach of the Week, cares immensely for his players and coaches and fashions his team around the family concept. Tate even has family on his staff literally as his brother, Robert, serves as Kathleen High's offensive coordinator.
"I think creating a family atmosphere has everything to do with being successful," said Coach Tate. "You just try and create an atmosphere of everybody taking care of each other. The big picture is taking care of kids and making sure they get something out of being part of program."
Tate's approach is working on the field, as well. So far this year, the Red Devils have posted a 9-0 regular season record, outscored their opponents 237-78 and qualified for the state playoffs. Coach Tate is richly deserving of the Bucs' Coach of the Week accolades, having turned last year's 5-5 squad into state title contenders, but like any good family leader Tate knows he has quality help around him.
"The assistant coaches are more important than I am," said Coach Tate. "They all do a great job of getting the kids ready week in and week out. I have some great assistant coaches, I'm blessed to have them and without them I surely wouldn't be sitting here at 9-0."
At a ceremony on the Bucs' practice field, Coach Tate was presented with a framed "Coach of the Week" certificate, signed by NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, General Manager Rich McKay and Coach Gruden. He also received a football autographed from Gruden and a Buccaneers Coach of the Week hat from the team.
In addition to the certificate, hat and ball, Coach Tate will also receive a $1,000 donation to his Red Devils football program and had the added bonus of watching the Buccaneers morning practice.
"It's big (to be named Coach of the Week)," said Coach Tate. "Not only for me, but for the program and the assistant coaches and everybody that works so hard to make it happen. It's not just me. There are a lot of people that work very hard to make it happen. It's a great honor and I appreciate it."
If you know a coach that you feel is deserving of being the Buccaneers "Coach of the Week," please click here and submit his or her name, school, county and reason he or she should be selected.
Several factors are taken into account when selecting the Buccaneers Coach of the Week recipient, including the coach's impact on his or her team, school and community. The program is designed to recognize high school coaches who transform, through their hard work and dedication to young people, the best available athletes into high-potential football players.
All schools in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota are eligible regardless of size, league or division.
