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In his first year as head coach at RB Hudson Middle School, Coach Jubbar King has taken the football team to new heights, not only on the field but also in the lives of the young athletes he mentors. 

“Coach King is the kind of person that everyone wants to be around. His greatest attribute is that he always goes above and beyond the call of duty. During the season, after practice, he would have his car full of students to drop off” said Assistant Coach Colin McConarty.  

The coach has not only led the team to an undefeated season (8-0) but has achieved an impressive milestone of no goals scored against them, a first for the school. In addition to their defensive prowess, the team also set a school record for the most points scored in a season. 

While King has always had a passion for working with and coaching young people in recreational teams, this year marked his debut as the head coach of RB Hudson’s football team. However, King’s coaching philosophy goes beyond winning on the field. He emphasizes that it’s not just about football; it’s the total package that matters. 

The team began their journey well before the season started, dedicating three-four days a week to training and conditioning. 

“Some of them weren’t thrilled and didn’t really understand what we were doing and then some of them would beat me to the field in the mornings. Once the season started though and we were out there, they got it. They were like ‘oh. That’s why we did that.’”

King explained that he not only wanted to transform the team’s performance but their mindset as well, stating that education would always be a top priority. The boys had to maintain a high enough GPA to play, and King says that for a lot of them, it gave them something to focus on and look forward to. 

“If they were having trouble, if they were struggling with a subject, we made sure they had help. We got them tutors and whatever they needed. If they had to skip practice to get that help, then that’s what happened” King said. 

King noted that he understood some of his students came from single-family homes or lacked a strong support system. For that reason, he says, he was determined to give them as much support and structure as possible, both on and off the field. He states that these formative years before students enter high school are a critical time to develop good habits such as hard work, dedication and prioritizing education.

As the season comes to a close, half of the team will move on to high school, and King said he is excited to build up a whole new group of young men next year. The coach explained he  sees the potential in student-athletes not just as football players but as future leaders in the community.

Those that want to support Coach King and the RB Hudson Middle School football program, donations to the school can be earmarked specifically for athletics. Donations will go towards essential items such as new equipment for the team.