Fair Grove football’s team culture thriving under Josh Evans: ‘ship, shipmate, self’

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FAIR GROVE — Normally, after games, high school football head coaches will gather their teams in a circle. The head coach says a few parting words, followed by remarks from assistant coaches.

The coaches usually point out successful plays or areas that need improvement.

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With Fair Grove (4-0), it’s much different.

After the Eagles win over Clever, Fair Grove head coach Josh Evans told his team how proud he was of them. Evans then opened it up to his players.

Players then shouted out a teammate or staff member who performed well. In Evans’ program, it’s called “giving out oars.”

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See the top photos from Fair Grove’s road win over Clever football

Fair Grove enters the field before playing Clever at Clever High School on Friday, Sept. 18.

(Liam Keating/News-Leader)

“Our first mantra is row the boat. That’s being selfless and giving our shoutouts at the end of each practice and seeing who’s been a good teammate,” Evans said. “We talk about putting the ship first.”

Against Clever, teammates celebrated each other after every big play. When Jacob Ahnen secured a pick-six, the whole roster cheered him on to the end zone. The big plays deserve the recognition, but even small victories are key in Fair Grove’s program.

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“It’s not just making plays,” Evans said. “It’s the guys carrying water. Every person is a piece of the puzzle. I tell them that everyone gets a ring. Scout team players, water boys, guys holding the iPads.”

Receiving compliments is great. It shows people see the hard work you are putting in and go out of their way to praise you. But giving the compliments is even better. That’s what running back Wyatt Hallam said.

“I like giving them. Seeing the reaction of a kid, like the younger kids. It feels good to give one out,” Hallam said. “Coach Evans is big on the ship, shipmate, self. It gives us a bunch of confidence.”

Fair Grove head coach Josh Evans at Clever High School on Friday, Sept. 18.

Fair Grove head coach Josh Evans at Clever High School on Friday, Sept. 18.

Praising each other is easy, especially when a team is 4-0. The Eagles have looked incredible throughout the first month of action. Fair Grove will have another test when they face Springfield Catholic (4-0) on Friday, Sept. 25.

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Quarterback Gavin Thomason shared that even non-teammates can receive compliments.

Last week, the News-Leader selected Clever to win during our weekly predictions story. The Eagles used it as motivation.

Following the win, Thomason gave his oar to his favorite publication.

“I gave it to the News-Leader for picking against us,” Thomason laughed.

Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Fair Grove football’s team culture thriving under Josh Evans: ‘ship, shipmate, self’

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