After a successful playing career in high school and college, former Tipton football star Marcus Brinkley is off to a good start with his coaching career.
Brinkley, who graduated from Tipton in 2010 and recently earned his college degree from Missouri Valley, became an assistant football coach at Oak Grove High School during the summer. His responsibilities include helping coach the defensive backs and running backs.
It was a chance encounter with Oak Grove head coach Pat Richard several months ago that helped Brinkley land a job with the Panthers. Brinkley was a two-time All-State quarterback at Tipton and played free safety at Missouri Valley. His college major was physical education with a dual-certification in special education.
"I ran into coach Richard and he was familiar with me," Brinkley recalled. "Originally, I was going to do my student teaching in Odessa, but that didn't work out. Coach Richard heard about my situation, and the administration in Oak Grove called me. We got the ball rolling here and it's been a great experience ever since."
Brinkley, who will start teaching at the elementary level, was excited to join the high school football staff. The Panthers beat California 49-14 in last Friday's Class 3 semifinal at Oak Grove. The Panthers (12-2) face John Burroughs (13-1) at 1 p.m. Friday in the state final at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.
"At this stage, everybody is good. Everybody has a great chance," Brinkley said. "It's amazing to be here as a first-year coach. I'm very proud of the kids and the rest of the staff."
Despite living in Oak Grove, which is near Kansas City, Brinkley still keeps in touch with some of the Tipton athletic coaches. Brinkley, who grew up in Brookfield, transferred to Tipton as a sophomore.
"Some of my fondest memories are from Tipton," he said. "There are a lot of great people there. It's an excellent community. I can't say enough great things about the community and all the support they've given to me and my family. It was an amazing experience and I couldn't be happier for it."