One on One: Interview with new Bellefonte football coach Tony Confer

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: July 16, 2023

Editor’s note : Recently Tara Jackson had the chance to sit down and interview new Bellefonte football head coach Tony Confer.

HS: What made you decide to apply for the position for head coach of the Varsity Football Team at Bellefonte after previously working as an assistant coach under Shannon Manning?

TC: In the previous four years that I coached at Bellefonte, I truly felt like a part of the Bellefonte community. My family and I always felt accepted by and treated well by players, parents, and the community. I feel like we were appreciated just for being a part of the Bellefonte Football Family. I wanted to return to help make a difference.

HS: What would you say your coaching style is?

TC: My coaching style is that of Servant Leadership. I don’t have a BOSS mentality. I view myself as a member of the team. I lead by example and work hard to bring the best out in each of my players and coaches. Trust is at the core of Servant Leadership and what I love most about coaching is building relationships with players and coaches to develop the trust and loyalty needed to help a team to be successful. I view a football program much like a family. Everyone must work together in order for ultimate success to happen. There must be communication, Loyalty, Appreciation, Selflessness, and Accountability. Success goes deeper than just football. I want each of my players and coaches to be successful in all aspects of life.

HS: What strengths do you bring to the coaching staff?

TC: I have 28 years of high school coaching experience from 2A schools up to 5A schools. I bring a level of passion and intensity to the program second to none. I feel that I am organized and prepared to lead not only the players but the coaching staff as well. I have devoted my entire adult life to coaching and have put countless hours in to help other become successful. I have a young staff and my goal is to mentor them and develop them into great coaches who want to make coaching a lifestyle as I have for the past 28 years. The old guys are moving on from the coaching ranks and we need more young coaches to take the reins.

HS: What are your coaching goals for the season?

TC: Culture

Attitude

Compete

HS: What are 3 things you’d like to instill your players this season?

TC: Toughness

Attitude

Love

HS: What is one word that you would like your team to associate with you at the end of the season?

TC: REACH – I want every player to be able to say that I have reached them in some fashion. That I helped make them a better football player, a better person, a better student, a better community member, etc. Or that I simply helped them through a difficult time.