Bringing thrill back to Church Hill: The East End of Richmond

By Myles Osborne

Coach Jeremy Pruitt

Jeremy Pruitt, a Queens, New York native is currently the Head Coach of Armstrong High School’s football program and is a great mentor on and off the field. At the time of this interview, the Armstrong Wildcats are on an impressive run with a record of 3-3. “We’re taking things week by week,” said Coach Pruitt. According to him, this hungry team is led by several athletes including Kemari Eberhardt, Leonte Oulahi, Ajenavi Byrd, Marin Banks, and Anthony Allen.

When asked about a few of his goals as a coach, he said the first was deposit discipline into his athletes, and second, instill the attitude to never give up no matter what the circumstance. “When there’s no struggle, there’s no process,” says Coach Pruitt. His experience playing college football as a linebacker at Virginia State University, makes it easy for his players to believe in him and his knowledge of what it takes to compete at the collegiate level.

Additionally, Coach Pruitt’s purpose is to give back and teach his players the tools to earn a full scholarship to gain an education. “I love to see kids reach their maximum potential.” When on the field, he looks forward to coaching new mistakes! Coach Pruitt always tells the kids to give him something new to correct.

Two coaches that Pruitt admires and looks up to are Kenny Painter and Nick Saban.  Coach Painter is the Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator at Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.   Coach Painter was the first coach to give Coach Pruitt a shot at coaching as a defensive coordinator. Nick Saban is also a go-to for him because of Coach Saban’s extreme defensive scheming systems.

I asked Coach Pruitt where does he see the program within two years. He explained, “It takes three to five years to change a program, however, things are looking bright! We have a JV program for the first time in eight years; if the group stays together, the program will be in great shape!”

When Coach Pruitt is not breaking down game film, he is giving back to the community in a variety of ways! Giving back is a huge part of his life. As a man of Kappa Alpha Psi incorporated, community involvement is a must. Coach Pruitt and others work side by side providing meals and reading programs for children in the community. Another way Coach Pruitt gives back is his connection with The Kings in Action Program. This mentoring program guides young men in the right direction and teaches them proper etiquette when eating as well as formal attire etiquette. Outside of his coaching and giving back to the community, he teaches chemistry and history at Armstrong High School. It’s great to see Coach Pruitt bringing back the thrill to the east end of Richmond, Virginia.