For the past decade, the football program has struggled to find success. Despite a spell of winning records from 2018 to 2020, the program has had losing seasons since 2012, four of which ended with no wins.
This year, a new head coach has arrived.
Collin Coffer, an Indianapolis native, brings experience to the team. He attended Lawrence North High School, where he played football, ran track and wrestled before earning a scholarship to the University of Indianapolis.
His coaching career has taken him through several Indiana institutions, including stints at the University of Indianapolis, Ball State, Indiana State and Butler. He’s attempting to turn around a struggling high school football program.
For Coffer, success isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about creating a culture that prioritizes growth and development on and off the field.
“Just change the narrative around here and the culture of winning,” Coffer said. “Having success in the small victories every day—not overlooking those—and if we can get that turned around, the process will allow us to have wins on the field as well.”
Rather than focusing solely on future victories, Coffer emphasizes the importance of daily improvement. His philosophy centers around discipline, effort and accountability, which he believes will set the foundation for long-term success.
He has already noticed a strong desire for change from the school and the community.
“The community and school want to rally behind us,” Coffer said. “They want a product they can be proud of—one that plays hard and has discipline. If we do those things, the support will only grow.”
For the players, Coffer’s arrival has brought a sense of hope and excitement. After years of inconsistency, they feel his leadership is what the program needs.
“I feel good, you know what I’m saying,” sophomore Jazarion Collins said. “I feel like we’re gonna win some games this year.”
Collins has set high personal goals this season, aiming for 30 touchdowns and 3,500 yards. But beyond personal stats, he’s noticed a team energy shift.
“Everything is run differently,” Collins said. “There’s a lot more energy. People want to be there, and it’s just overall better.”
Junior Demetrius Averitte expressed the same feelings. The most significant difference for him has been the increased intensity in the weight room.
“More lifting,” Averitte said. “More lifting. That’s it.”
While the players’ response has been positive, Coffer’s biggest challenge will be sustaining this newfound enthusiasm and translating it into wins on the field.
His coaching philosophy is something junior Carter Aaron believes will make an immediate difference.
“He’s here to set a standard, and he’s holding you accountable at all times,” Aaron said. “He’s creating a good culture.”
Aaron also noted that Coffer has already brought in additional coaches with winning experience, which he believes will further contribute to the team’s turnaround.
“The win-loss record is gonna be the immediate impact,” Aaron said confidently.
Coffer’s presence is already making waves within the program. His ability to inspire confidence in his players and instill a culture of discipline and hard work has given the team a renewed sense of purpose.
But Coffer knows building a winning program doesn’t happen overnight. Coffer has introduced a motto for the team to symbolize the journey ahead: “The Climb.”
“It’s gonna be hard, it’s gonna be a lot of work, and we know it’s an uphill battle,” Coffer said. “You can’t just jump to the top. You have to take steps toward it. Having the kids believe in that, in us, in the process—will allow the culture to change.”
With a new coach, a focus on hard work and a team ready to improve, the Panthers are preparing to turn things around.
