By Derrick Smith

Coaching is a profession that everyone is not cut out for. Not only do you have to know a lot about the sport you are coaching, but you also have to enjoy teaching student-athletes and enjoy helping them learn. Brian Givens loves coaching and says he has no doubt it is what he is supposed to be doing.

“I have always loved sports,” he said. “When I had a taste of coaching for the first time, I realized this is what God has been shaping and preparing me for through victories and trials I went through as an athlete.”

Givens, who is in his fifth year at Moore Public Schools, coaches a few different sports. He is the cross country head coach for the high school and junior high, assistant coach for the high school track team, and he also coaches his son’s recreational league basketball team. He has also won a few honors as a coach. Givens was selected as the 2020 COAC Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year, as well as 2021 Moore High School Head Coach of the Year.

Over the years, Brian has had the opportunity to learn and be impacted by a few different coaches. Some of them include Stephen Seifried, Walter “Jeep” Johnson, Jim Helmer, Jeff Clark. 

“Also, I am inspired daily by other coaches I have had the chance to coach alongside and from other schools. They help raise the bar for me all the time.”

Givens enjoys sports, but another reason he loves coaching is being able to impact the lives of his student-athletes. 

“I enjoy seeing a team come together for a common goal,” he said. “I am always amazed at what kids can do.  It is truly an honor to be a small part of athlete’s lives.  To see where my athletes go when they are finished with school.  I have been blessed to coach future lawyers, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, teachers, coaches, servicemen and women, moms and dads.” 

Throughout his career, Brian has had a pretty solid record as a coach. Every year has coached, he has had a member of his team make it to State.