Coach double dips in Duluth

   Nate Gibbs was very happy in Duluth. For the Brigham Young University graduate, who lettered three times in football and played in three bowl games, coaching at the University of Minnesota in Duluth was a dream come true. 

   “I loved it. I could have been happy there for the rest of my life,” said Gibbs. But as his family grew, life became more complicated. The ninety-hour work weeks left little time for his four children. He felt his kids we too isolated from their grandparents who lived in California and Georgia. Putting his family first, Gibbs became a financial advisor and moved his family to his wife’s hometown of Lilburn. Coaching football in Duluth became nothing more than a beautiful memory.

   Then last spring Gibbs heard about the newest athletic adventure in town.

   “I was driving to work and heard on the radio the Georgia Generals, a semi-pro team, was looking for players. I wondered if they were also looking for coaches. I called and left a message,” said Gibbs. “I applied to be an offensive coordinator and was told there were no openings. Before I knew it, I was the head coach.”

   His new life with the General is more than he’d hoped for in terms of his title, and it is also more than he’d ever imagined in terms of family time together.

   “Some local business owners came together to provide entertainment for people in the north metro area. There’s not a lot for families to do together on Saturday night,” said Gibbs, “and this gives people the chance to enjoy a decent game of football without having to drive downtown.”

   Since all the players have jobs and a life outside of football, Gibbs only has to conduct practice two nights a week and show up for the fun on Saturdays. And are the Saturdays ever fun!

   “We set up inflatable playground equipment, mini-pitching cages and a petting zoo. There’s a dance team – and they’re really good – and cheerleaders who throw shirts and mementos out to the crowd,” said Gibbs. “After our first game, fans were treated to an Edwin McCain concert.”

   But this family oriented business still focuses on the discipline of football. The players, all volunteer, range from former college and minor league players who just want to keep playing to young athletes aspiring to sign on with a major league team.

   “Besides providing good family entertainment, part of our mission is to provide opportunity to move on if players have the desire and ability to do so,” said Gibbs.

   And where does all this family football happen? At Northview High School. In Duluth. Where Nate Gibbs is very happy. (To learn more, or to try out for the team, visit www.georgiageneralsfootball.com ) 

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