By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – As a new high school football season gets ready to kick off, Seaforth High School’s football coach, Terrance Gary, is entering his fourth year at the helm with a clear focus: building strong relationships within his team and pushing them to achieve their best on and off the field. Speaking at the Chatham County Schools Football Media Event on August 9, coach Gary shared his thoughts on the upcoming season, the progress of his program, and the key strategies that will drive his team’s success.
Building the Program, Brick by Brick
When coach Terrance Gary took the helm at Seaforth High, the football program was in its infancy. The early days were challenging, with a small team practicing without a dedicated weight room and utilizing limited resources. “We didn’t have any weight room equipment; we were practicing on the little side right there, and sometimes in the gym with only eight people,” Gary recalls. Despite these humble beginnings, the team has steadily grown, not just in numbers but in confidence and skill.
Seaforth High School’s football coach Terrance Gary. (photo by Gene Galin)
Coach Gary credits much of the program’s development to the core group of players who have stuck with the team through the tough times. Among them is Alex Hinchman, a linebacker and tight end, who was part of those early practices. Hinchman’s dedication to the team, despite the challenges, exemplifies the grit and determination that Coach Gary has worked to instill in his players. “He was pulling probably 50-60 pounds back then, and now he’s put on a lot more weight,” Gary says, noting Hinchman’s growth, not only physically but also as a leader on the team.
A Focus on Relationships and Details
As the Seaforth football program matures, Coach Gary has identified two key areas of focus for this season: relationship-building and attention to detail. “The focus this year has been building more relationships between the team, top and bottom, coaching staff as well as the players,” says Gary. This emphasis on camaraderie and mutual respect is designed to create a team that works together seamlessly on the field.
In addition to fostering stronger bonds, Gary is laser-focused on the small details that can make a big difference in the game. “It’s been about attention to detail—small things. So if we tell you to step with your left foot, you’re supposed to be stepping with your left foot,” he emphasizes. This meticulous approach is intended to eliminate the minor errors that can add up to missed opportunities on the field.
The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the game, from using the correct terminology to executing plays with precision. “You can have a bunch of pennies, but you add all the pennies up, you can get a decent amount of money,” Gary explains, using a metaphor to illustrate how even the smallest actions contribute to the overall success of the team.
A New Offensive Strategy
One of the most significant changes this season is the team’s offensive strategy. After experimenting with different approaches last year, Coach Gary has decided to return to his roots. “Last year, I was trying to do some stuff that other people were saying I should do, and I didn’t really know it like that,” he admits. This season, the focus is on being physical and getting the ball into the hands of the team’s playmakers by any means necessary.
The new offensive scheme is designed to be flexible, utilizing the strengths of multiple quarterbacks, including Duffy and Duncan. “It’s been a battle; it’s been pretty close,” Gary says of the competition between the two. Duffy is described as a “little linebacker quarterback” with a smart, aggressive playstyle, while Duncan is praised for his athleticism and strong arm. “Honestly, I wish I could put them both together; then I wouldn’t have this issue,” Gary jokes, highlighting the complementary strengths of the two players.
Seaforth High School’s football coach Terrance Gary with select players at prea-season media event. (photo by Gene Galin)
Coach Gary even hints at the possibility of both quarterbacks being on the field at the same time, a testament to his willingness to adapt and innovate to maximize the team’s potential. “You may see them both in the backfield at the same time, honestly,” he says, leaving opponents guessing about what Seaforth’s offense will bring this season.
Player Profiles: The Heart of the Team
Beyond the quarterbacks, Seaforth’s roster is filled with players who have shown remarkable dedication and growth. Among them is Austin Ingram, a junior who plays both offensive and defensive line. Despite being diabetic, Austin has missed fewer than ten practices since joining the team. “His weights have gone up a lot; he’s not the biggest guy, but he’s one of the strongest people pound-for-pound we have on our team,” Gary says.
Another standout is Patrick Miller, who plays safety and wide receiver. With a 4.7 GPA, Miller is as smart on the field as he is in the classroom. “He knows where everybody’s supposed to be,” says Gary, who appreciates Miller’s ability to grasp and execute complex plays with minimal instruction.
Nicholas Gregory, a junior cornerback and wide receiver, is expected to be a defensive powerhouse this season. Despite missing a few games last year, Gregory still managed to rank among the top in the conference for interceptions. “We’re hoping he can lock down one side of the field for us,” Gary says, expressing high expectations for Gregory’s performance this year.
Finally, there’s Max Hinchman, Alex’s younger brother, who is emerging as a force in his own right. A sophomore, Max has been described as a “football junkie” who is constantly working to improve his game. “He’s been putting on weight, and I think he benches more than his brother now, so that’s a big accomplishment too,” Gary says with a smile.
Coaching Staff: The Backbone of the Program
While much of the attention is on the players, Coach Gary is quick to credit his coaching staff for their role in developing the team. The returning coaches include Coach Palmer, who played at Northwood High School and is now responsible for wide receivers and cornerbacks, and Coach Atkinson, who will be moving between the offensive and defensive lines this season.
The coaching team also includes Coach Engles, who is handling the linebackers, and Coach Henderson, who is responsible for the running backs. Gary’s expectations for his staff are clear: “I demand that they work on building relationships and paying attention to detail as well, preaching the same thing that I have,” he says.
Beyond Football: Building Men of Character
For Coach Gary, football is more than just a game; it’s a tool for developing young men of character. “I feel like football is the ultimate life teacher. It’s the best team sport out there,” Gary asserts. He believes that the lessons learned on the football field—such as teamwork, discipline, and accountability—translate directly to life beyond high school.
“How you can be a better person is helping people but also working as hard as you can to be the best version that you can,” Gary says. This philosophy is at the core of his coaching style, where the focus is not just on winning games but on preparing his players for life’s challenges.
Gary shares the impact football had on his own life, growing up in a tough neighborhood. “I’ve had homies that I went to school with that either quit football or put their energy somewhere else, and they’re paying the consequences for that,” he says, contrasting their outcomes with his own success, which he attributes to his dedication to the sport.
Fostering Team Unity: The Importance of Bonding Activities
One of the ways Coach Gary is strengthening relationships within the team is through bonding activities and leadership programs. This year, the team attended a camp where they participated in competitions, went bowling, and engaged in a trivia game. These activities, according to Gary, are crucial for building trust and camaraderie among the players.
“We do this program called Lead Them Up, and it’s about leadership and things like that,” Gary explains. One activity, called “Same Page,” is designed to ensure that everyone is aligned in their goals and understands each other’s perspectives. “We do that every week, and we’ll be doing activities throughout the year just to build relationships and get to know each other as well,” he says.
These efforts are not just about having fun; they have a direct impact on the team’s performance on the field. “It shows up with holding accountability,” Gary notes. When players have strong bonds with each other, they are more likely to listen to feedback and work together to improve. “If you don’t have a relationship with somebody, just like me as a coach, I can say something, and they’ll listen to me, but will they actually care what I say?” he asks, highlighting the importance of mutual respect.
Looking Ahead: Goals for the Season
As the season approaches, Coach Gary is optimistic about the team’s prospects. Last year, Seaforth came close to a winning season with a 4-6 record, and this year, the goal is to surpass that and potentially compete for the playoffs. “It’s building; I see it building,” Gary says of the team’s progress.
To achieve this, the focus will remain on the fundamentals—attention to detail, building relationships, and executing plays with precision. Gary is confident that with the right mindset and work ethic, his players can reach their full potential. “You don’t know when the next opportunity is going to come, so you’ve got to take advantage of what you have now,” he says, encapsulating the sense of urgency and determination that defines his coaching philosophy.
Conclusion: A Program on the Rise
Under the leadership of coach Terrance Gary, Seaforth High’s football program is steadily gaining momentum. With a focus on relationship-building, attention to detail, and a return to physical, aggressive play, the team is well-positioned to achieve new heights this season. But more importantly, the values and lessons imparted to the players extend far beyond the football field, preparing them for the challenges of life.
Watch on YouTube –Seaforth football coach Terrance Gary at Chatham County Schools Football Media Event – 8.9.24
“Seaforth Football Coach Terrance Gary: Building Relationships and The Growth of the Program”
00:16 Coach Terrance Gary emphasizes building relationships and aggressive play on both sides of the ball.
Focused on building relationships within the team, coaching staff, and players.
Emphasis on aggressive play, energy, and effort on the field, and relating football to life lessons.
02:05 Focus on attention to detail and small things for program growth
The growth of the program is seen in people gaining confidence and breaking in new team members
Emphasis on small details like stepping correctly and focusing on daily improvement is key for achieving winning season and playoffs
03:32 Coach emphasizes sticking to fundamentals and listening to the right people.
The team is focusing on being physical, flying around, and getting the ball to their Playmakers.
Coach mentions a potential strategy of having multiple quarterbacks in the backfield simultaneously.
05:00 Highlighting qualities of players Duffy and Duncan
Duffy is aggressive and physical, resembling a linebacker quarterback. He is smart and minimizes mistakes.
Duncan is very athletic, possesses a strong throwing arm, and has great height potential for improvement.
06:39 Highlighting key players’ goals and work ethic
Terrance Gary plans to help players achieve their goals, like Tappers getting 100 catches.
Players like Patrick Miller and Nick are recognized for their intelligence and performance on the field.
08:07 Focus on building relationships and attention to detail in coaching staff
Coach Palmer handling wide receivers and corners, Coach Ainson on O-line and D-line, Coach Eng Les on linebackers, Coach Henderson on running backs
Emphasis on developing men and character through football, stressing the importance of different skills and positions in life
09:53 Focus on self-improvement and hard work
Emphasizing on personal growth and helping others
Building strong relationships and bonds within the team through activities and leadership programs
11:25 Building relationships and teamwork through activities and lead-up program
Activities throughout the year to build relationships and get to know each other.
Efforts in building relationships reflect on the football field through accountability and trust.