Robert Deloach - The Wise Man

I have lived in Savannah off and on for the last 20 plus years. I was here from 1994-1999, and from 2013 to the present. Wherever I went, I ran into "The Wise Men" in Savannah.

During my youth and high school years, I attended a lot of football and basketball games in Savannah. I knew the faces and learned the names. It was a different place and I learned a lot from all of them. Most of them I would meet again at Savannah State. The rest I have met while coaching at Johnson. It was something that I did not experience in my own hometown of grown men taking you under their wing and giving you advice.

I met a gentleman about 10 years older than me at a track meet, Robert Deloach. He had a daughter that was all-world, Taylor, and two sons (Kalen and Jalen) that were coming along. I have a lot of respect for Robert and how he has raised his kids. Not only are they stars in the athletic arena, they are also respectful kids who do the right thing.

Get On The Bandwagon spoke to Robert about his career as an athlete, his role as a coach, and his role as a parent.

As a youth, Robert participated in swimming, football, basketball, and baseball. Growing up Robert's favorite sport was football. At Beach High School, Robert played small forward on the basketball team and was named to the All-Region Defensive Team.

After graduating from Beach in 1986, Robert attended Brunswick Junior College and then played overseas for the Air Force in Germany for four years. Robert spent 14 years in the Air Force before becoming a civilian. His father was in the Army and he moved around like most kids whose parents are enlisted.

Q: How was the game of basketball different in Germany?

Basketball in Germany is played at a slower pace. The game is more fundamental and physical as well.

Q: How did you get involved in coaching youth sports?

When I was in the Air Force, I helped with Special Olympics. I also helped the local kids at a recreational center. I wanted the opportunity to work with young kids.

Q: You have three kids that have excelled at sports. Taylor is a rising sophomore at Ohio State on a track scholarship. Kalen is a three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track), while Jalen plays basketball and run track. What have you required of them as their father?

I have told them to always work hard at your craft, remain humble, and have respect and manners. I did not pick their sports, they were able to choose their own.

Q: What methods have worked for you and your wife as far as balancing academics, sports, and discipline?

I've tried to empower them to take responsibility for their education and use their time wisely. I've also stressed the importance of education and accountability.

Q: What mistakes have you made as a parent and what have you learned from them?

I have learned to have more patience with my kids. I'm a pretty straight forward type of parent, "Unfiltered" at times. I've learned that some kids respond differently and I'm adjusting slowly.

Q: Do you think it is good to be "Unfiltered"?

It will always depend on the circumstances and the kid or kids.

Q: How has high school sports changed since your era?

The kids aren't loyal and they don't play with any intensity. They lack school pride and don't value teamwork.

I wish our HS Coaches would to put their egos to the side and allow these kids to play as many sports as the school offers until they find the one they enjoy the most.

Q: Do you think it's because of the society we live in?

To some degree, but it starts at the home. Take responsibility , hold them accountable for their actions and don't reward them when they don't deserve it.

Q: What would you like to see in the sports programming in Savannah (youth sports, AAU, etc)?

Better facilities!!!! Fundamental Camps and someone teaching Life Skills

Q: Once your kids graduate, what do you plan to do when it comes to sports in Savannah?

I will continue to coach at some level.