Rookie head coach of the Concord Force Kent Merideth has faced many tough obstacles and adversity on and off the field in his first season. Through it all he still was able to lead his team to a playoff birth in their first year of inception. Coach Merideth lead his team to a 4-4 record and into the playoffs and despite their first round loss the first year head coach praised his team’s determination and fortitude. “We have a great group of guys and I’m proud to be their coach, anytime you can make the playoffs in any league it’s a great accomplishment.”

Before this season Coach Merideth played a decade of semi professional football both in the United States and overseas. Perhaps that experience is the reason why his players praise his ability to communicate. Captain and linebacker Ralph Scott who played for Coach Merideth for two years when he was an assistant coach and again this year as a head coach shared these thoughts with me, “Coach cares about you more as a man than a football player. He listens to you and knows how to get his point across on and off the field. Coach wants to hear concerns we have about football or life because that’s the kind of person he is. He knows there’s more to life than just football.”

In addition to being a player he also has three years of experience being an offensive coordinator so it’s safe to say that there’s really nothing he hasn’t seen. “I loved playing for Coach Merideth,” added wide receiver Julius Gregory. “He taught me a lot about being a rookie and how to break down defenses. He played a big part in my development this year and with him being both a former player and now a coach was very insightful.”

With an impressive resume Coach Meredith expects and demands his players performing at a high level and is high on the aspirations of his team, “My goal is to win a championship here, I take pride in making sure things get done the way the right way.”

Scott also added these comments about his personal relationship with his coach, “He’s taught be a lot of life and how to be a better man. I promised him that someday I would help him win a Championship so wherever he’s coaching that’s where I’ll be playing.”

Players who respect and like their coach simply play harder for them. It’s crystal clear to me Kent Merideth is more than a coach, he’s more like a father figure to the team that has become his family. Regardless of where he coaches or what organization he joins the character of Kent Merideth will leave a lasting impression.


Written by Euan McCreath