Cameron Duke, new head coach for Marietta High School’s football team, celebrated a career 100 wins following a victory against Wheeler on Sept. 12. The win was his first as a Blue Devil followed by three more wins. The season is at 4-4, but the region record is a strong 4-0. With recent changes in Marietta’s football program, the community was awaiting with anticipation to see how the season would all ‘play out.’
From the beginning, Duke has strived to create a safe space where young men can feel comfortable talking about their struggles with religion and learning how to live a Christ-centered life that benefits them with their athletic performance. Duke encourages the players to attend Fellowship for Christian Athletes, a weekly worship morning run by student leaders and faculty advisors every Friday Morning. Duke aimed to share his relationship with God, in the hope of cultivating a family-like environment that the team would share both on and off the field. He explained how he always relied on Christ during times of struggle, as well as a direction in his life.
“He’s really invested in us,” Varsity player Braxton Vaughn (10) said. “We do a bunch of FCA things after practice each week, and he really tries to make sure we have a community or a group that we know we can hang out with and talk with. It’s very helpful because it gives you more of a foundation.”
Duke’s connection with the players and loyalty to the team as well as the program has allowed the players and the Marietta community to welcome him into Marietta traditions and events. He says he hopes of cultivating a caliber of championship-worthy men, it isn’t just about the wins, but the evolution of character and helping the team succeed together. Duke explained how he wants the players to be there for each other no matter what and let hardship build their character.
“We’re not having a conversation about kids who put on a varsity uniform,” Duke said. “We’re talking about role models, leaders, families, and legacy- what it means to be somebody. The most important thing is to create championship men and learn from failure. That’s the legacy I want to continue with this program.”
After a one point win in the homecoming game against North Cobb, the Devils advanced their record to 4-0 in the region, letting members of the community see changes to the program as a whole. With the hard work and dedication shown throughout the freshmen to seniors, mixed with the leadership from Coach Duke and the football staff, people expect the success and traditions to continue to grow in games and seasons to come.
