By: GREG HIGGINS
eParisExtra.com
Woody Elliott – Linebackers and Tight Ends Coach for the North Lamar Panthers
If you notice a lack of enthusiasm on the North Lamar Panthers side line, don’t blame Coach Woody Elliott. “I’m a rah rah person,” says the linebackers and tight ends coach. “I’m going 190 mph every day, and hopefully a little bit of my energy some of these young guys can pick up and bring with them.”
Elliott is originally from Dekalb and graduated from East Texas State University. After graduating college, he wound up in Lockhart, a town south of Austin. Coach Elliott would spend 16 years in Lockhart before finding himself in Corpus Christi. He would serve as the defensive coordinator at Carroll High School in Corpus. After a family illness caused Elliott to migrate back home to Dekalb, he was “fortunate to get on with Coach Felty” at North Lamar, and is now entering his tenth season with the Panthers.
Not only does Elliott serve as an offensive and defensive coach, but he has been very influential in the weight room as well. “He’s a great motivator, and lots of energy,” says Coach Felty. “Does great on the field and in the weight room. He’s done a lot with our weight program.” One of Elliotts favorite things to do away from the football field is lift weights. Besides his coaching efforts in football, he also serves as the North Lamar power lifting coach.
When asked about his 2012 defensive squad, Elliott said, “We’ve got a young team, but they’re fun to coach and we’re going to get better each week.” The Panthers defense had 26 missed tackles against Commerce in week one, however last Friday against Bonham the tackling was much better. “We’re really emphasizing the tackling, the pursuit, and being where you’re supposed to be.”
Coach Elliott and the rest of North Lamar coaches know that what happens on the practice field Monday through Thursday is what carries over to Friday night. “When you have an opportunity to make a big play, make a big play,” Elliott emphasizes. He knows the way you practice is the way you’ll play the game. If his enthusiasm is any indication of practices, then Friday nights should be a lot of fun for Panther fans and players this season.
Greg Higgins - Sports Editor Greg has lived in the Paris area for most of his life and is a huge sports fan. He loves talking about sports and writing about it. Greg has been a part of eparisextra since the beginning of 2012. He is also very active in his church. When he's not writing about or watching sports, you can find him working out or hanging out with his wife.
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