Springfield High Football Coach Learns a Different Way to Lead

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Chandler Wescott, defensive back coach for Springfield High School, throws passes with his team before a game against Lincoln High School Oct. 7.

• Chandler Wescott, defensive back coach for Springfield High School, watches from the sidelines as his team faces off against Lincoln High School Oct. 7.
• Chandler Wescott, defensive back coach for Springfield High School, gives a pep talk to one of his players before their game against Lincoln High School Oct. 7.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/27/2011)(readMedia)-- "Ready. . .set. . .go! Pay attention to what you're doing! Not fast enough, do pushups!"

These phrases probably sound familiar to anyone who played high school sports. For Chandler Wescott of Springfield, defensive back coach for the Springfield High football team and a personnel trainer at Gold's Gym in Springfield, they are about to take on a whole new meaning.

Wescott leaves for Army Basic Combat Training in March 2012. He said the decision to join the Illinois Army National Guard was an easy one for him.

"It's something I've always been interested in," he said. "I guess I never really lost that urge."

Wescott graduated from Springfield High in 2007. He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where he earned a degree in history.

"I've always been into military history," he said.

With a younger brother serving in the Marine Corps and an uncle who is a member of the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, military service is something of a family tradition for Wescott.

"My family is very supportive," he said. "They've always told me to do what I love. That's why I'm out here coaching. I love being out here with my guys."

Wescott also played football for Springfield High. That, combined with his young age,

allows him to connect with his players, he said.

"They're very intrigued," he said. "They ask a lot of questions, but they're also very supportive. A few of my guys weren't really sure what they wanted to do after high school, so I've been pushing them to look into the military."

Dale Sprague, former defensive coordinator for Springfield High, said he sees a bright future ahead for Wescott.

"I've coached for 37 years, at the high school and college level," he said, "and [Wescott] was among the best I've had, on the field and in the classroom. He expects a lot of himself and those around him."

Sprague, now the defensive line coach for Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., said Wescott is a natural leader whose skills should serve him well in his new career.

"[Wescott] expects everyone he plays with and works with to play right, to execute," said Sprague. "He is an absolute perfectionist, and someone others look up to."

Wescott said he plans to take the leadership skills he developed on and off the field, and put them to good use in the National Guard. After Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, he plans on going straight into Officer Candidate School.

"As an officer, when things aren't going well, people look to you," he said. "It's a lot like being a coach."

Wescott said his two main priorities now are coaching and preparing to leave for training.

"I'm sure I'll be nervous closer to, but for now I'm excited," said Wescott. "I'm doing what I love, coaching. It's how I give back. Now I feel like I owe something to my country. It's something I've always wanted."

After graduating Basic Combat Training, Wescott will be assigned to the Illinois Army National Guard's Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville.

Springfield High plays Danville High School at 2 p.m. Oct. 29, in round one of Class 6A High School Football Playoffs.

Story by Staff Sgt. Robert Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Photo captions:

U.S. photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Chandler Wescott, defensive back coach for Springfield High School, throws passes with his team before a game against Lincoln High School Oct. 7. Wescott, a former football player for Springfield High, recently joined the Illinois Army National Guard and leaves for Basic Combat Training in March 2012. Upon completion, Wescott will be assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville.

U.S. photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Chandler Wescott, defensive back coach for Springfield High School, watches from the sidelines as his team faces off against Lincoln High School Oct. 7. Wescott, a former football player for Springfield High, recently joined the Illinois Army National Guard and leaves for Basic Combat Training in March 2012. Upon completion, Wescott will be assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville.

U.S. photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Chandler Wescott, defensive back coach for Springfield High School, gives a pep talk to one of his players before their game against Lincoln High School Oct. 7. Wescott, a former football player for Springfield High, recently joined the Illinois Army National Guard and leaves for Basic Combat Training in March 2012. Upon completion, Wescott will be assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville.