Ten Questions: Snohomish Coach Mark Perry

4.“Who, or what, do you see as your main competition next season?”
"We will have lots of changes in our schedule this fall. With the 3A schedule being created in the Western Conference, we will get to play 3 non-conference games. We open with Kamiak (non-conf). That game will be a great test for both programs. Our North-Wesco is always tough and balance. I know that every game will be a battle and that there is probably no front runner prior to the season starting. We also get to play Cascade later in the season as a non-conference game since they are now a part of the South-Wesco league."

5."What has been your most defining moment as a head football coach?"
"Wow, This is a tough question. I followed Coach Dick Armstrong at the head coach at SHS. Following a legend like that is never easy. However, I had my own personality on ways of doing things. I was accepted right away by our program and community. My first game as a Head Coach was against Cascade HS and Coach Terry Ennis. We won 10-7 in this opening game and that was definitely a big win for my career. Winning three playoff games in 1998 by a total of 6 points was also quite a thrill. We won a game 28-27 the next one 17-14 and the next one 38-36 to reach the semi-finals. It was a thrill to be playing the semi-finals in the Tacoma Dome."

6."What was the most rewarding event of last season?"
"I knew the seniors very well because my son Brad was a senior and grew up with the boys. I enjoyed the season more than any other in 25 years. I was fun to be with these boys because of their strong commitment to Panther Football. I always wondered what it was going to be like coaching my own son – it was great. He was a leader on and off the field. The entire senior class of players were great competitors and fun to be around."

7.“What is the hardest part of coaching?”
"Dealing with unrealistic parents and players. When you have 100+ kids in your program things will never be equal for all players. Some people just have unrealistic expectations of their children."

8.“Who do you consider to be your role model?”
"Coach Dick Armstrong – former head coach. Mr. Ray Johnson- former principal at SHS and
Coach Ray Miller – my high school wrestling and football coach. All of these men have influenced my life. Coach Miller is the reason that I went into coaching and teaching in the first place. I enjoy each day and am sometimes surprised that I actually get paid for do what I love to do."

9.“What is your favorite hobby outside of sports?”
"Most of my life revolves around football and wrestling. With 3 boys involved in sports there is not much time to other hobbies. Fishing with my 3 boys is a favorite when we get the chance. I also enjoy running and lifting weights."

10.“Do you have a pre-game routine, and if so, what is it?”
"I have done lots of different things over the years. But every game I stop at the local gas station and get a pack of gum and a drink before driving back to the high school for the game. I do usually walk around campus looking for my lucky coin prior to going into the locker room. I do have certain shirts that I wear on game day and others that I will not wear at all. I seem to remember what I was wearing when thing went well or bad."

Bonus question: "What do you want your players to walk away from your program with?"
"I want them to understand that they were a part of something bigger than themselves and that the team is always more important than the individual. I want them to have enjoyed their experience and understand that usually they will get out of something that which was put into it. We don’t talk much about wins and losses. It is always about preparation, improvement, and performance. Life will give you whatever you will except!”

Up next, Evergreen's first-year head coach, David Lewis.