Darin Holsopple may have been a little late to the Tippecanoe Valley athletic table, through no fault of himself or anyone else, but he’s bringing a lot more than coaching talent to the Viking program. The first-year Valley football head coach brings a desire for excellence and innovation as he leads his family and new team to bigger and better things. The desire to be a coach came when he was still at student at Fairfield High School. “I've always been interested in coaching football. As a kid I remember ‘scouting’ offenses in Tecmo Super Bowl,” Holsopple said in an e-mail interview. “I always enjoyed the strategy of the game, but it was right before my high school graduation that I began to seriously think about it. “My coach, Jim Jones, suggested that I become a teacher and a coach. I had never seriously considered it, but it seemed to fit my personality so I went for it. “I love every minute that I get to coach but some things have changed. As a kid I loved the strategy. As an adult I love the kids. I still do love to scheme and study, but it is really the kids that keep me going.” Part of the role of any coach is to be a strong, positive influence on a student-athlete’s life, and Holsopple said he’s ready for the challenge. “I want my life to be about influence. I've had so many people pour into my life and I want to do the same for others,” he said. “Many of our kids today are growing up without hope. They’re growing up without a sense of purpose. They’re growing up without a sense of self-worth. I want to help these kids dream and succeed. I want them to win in every area of their life. I want them to grow into great people.” He also wants to blaze a unique trail, using lessons from others to do things in a new way. That desire has moved Holsopple to action not just on the field, but in his workshop as well. He’s invented and marketed two new products, one for a track event and another for school safety. “I’m an innovator. I don't like to do things the same way that other people do them. I've invented a couple of devices. “The first was a pole-vault plant box that can be used in any gym. It works great, but didn't really get going,” he said. “The second device that I invented has gained a fair amount of attention. The classrooms that I previously taught in had windows in the doors. I realized that if we would ever have to enter a lock-down, that an active threat could gain entry into my room by breaking the window, reaching through, and opening the door. “A few days after Sandy Hook (an elementary school shooting in Newton, Conn. killing 26 people on Dec. 14, 2012), I sat down in front of my door, started to pray, and came up with a device that solves the problem. It simply slides over the door handle and prevents the handle from turning. “I've received national attention from it, but let’s just say that I won't be retiring any time soon.” As is the case with most people involved with athletics, life is hectic and there’s much to be done and a limited amount of time to get everything off the things-to-do list. He also makes a point to use tools available to him to get things done efficiently. “Time management is tricky for anyone. I don't meet too many people who don't describe themselves as busy,” Holsopple said. “At school I work hard. I don't waste my time and I don't waste my thoughts. I keep my mind engaged in whatever I am doing so that I can get things done well and done quickly. “Digital curriculum and cloud storage has really helped in the classroom. Online video tools have really helped with this aspect of coaching. “At home I also work hard. I can't be selfish with my time. I want to give my family as much time as possible, so that means no video games, no fantasy football and no recreational leagues. I also try to exercise and read my Bible daily, which helps to keep my energy up and my focus sharp.” Holsopple said his family is ready to support each other through the grind that each household goes through with an athlete or coach. “My family has already been through 11 football seasons, so we are used to the demands of the job. “My wife (Darcy) and I have been married for 10 years. She is the greatest woman that I've ever met. She is incredibly talented as a wife, mother and photographer. After 10 years of marriage I am still continually blown away by how wonderful she is.”
