Marion depends on SkyCoach replay for reliable, real-time adjustments
For nearly a decade, Marion High School in Arkansas has trusted SkyCoach to provide reliable, real-time sideline replay, allowing coaches and players to make in-game adjustments on the fly. Special Teams Coordinator, Operations Manager and Linebackers Coach Terry Johnson has been involved with the replay equipment and setup since the team first adopted SkyCoach in 2016.
Marion, a 6A school, made the switch to SkyCoach in the summer of 2016 after seeing a demo at a 7-on-7 tournament. The program had previously used Echo but quickly realized the advantages SkyCoach offered.
“We’ve been using SkyCoach ever since,” Johnson said. “We started out the old-school way with laptops, then we switched to the RCK boxes when y’all came out with them.”
Seamless Integration and Halftime Adjustments
Marion utilizes SkyCoach’s Platinum package, incorporating two TVs and five iPads on the sideline, plus one or two additional iPads in the press box with the coaches. The system has become an integral part of their gameday routine, ensuring that players and coaches remain on the same page throughout the game.
“We have our kids programmed after every series they go back to the tent,” Johnson said. “Either the coordinators or position coaches work with those kids at the tent in between series. I taught some of our coaches in the box how to tag on the system, but more than anything for us, it’s to make those halftime adjustments. When things go wrong or we see something we really liked, we can mark those plays.”
Reliable, Dependable and Built for High School Football
For Johnson, SkyCoach’s reliability is what keeps the Patriots coming back year after year.
“I’ve got it down pat. I’ve been leading the charge on this since the beginning. When you mix electronics with weather, you’re always going to have some sort of issues, but other than those unexpected weather things, we haven’t had any issues. It’s been really great for us, and steady. It’s reliable, dependable, and works when you need it to, and that’s the biggest thing that keeps us around. It’s there when we need it.”
Teaching and Coaching with Video Technology
As a teacher in the classroom as well, Johnson understands the importance of visual learning. SkyCoach gives Marion’s coaches the ability to not only tell players what needs to be adjusted but to show them in real time.
“Sometimes telling a kid something is not the same as if you can show them. I think that’s one of the great things SkyCoach provides for us,” he said. “It’s easy for me to yell or tell a kid to do something when I saw something as opposed to how they saw it. It’s two different views. They’re a little bit more amped up as far as adrenaline goes, so it’s another thing when you can show them what’s happening to them on the sideline.”
A Game-Changer for Special Teams and Unmatched Reliability
In addition to defensive and offensive adjustments, Johnson utilizes SkyCoach extensively for Marion’s special teams unit.
“I use it quite a bit on our kickoffs, kickoff returns, and punts,” he said.
Undoubtedly, the biggest selling point for SkyCoach is its reliability, Johnson said. When he sees other teams using different replay systems, he always asks questions—but has yet to find a better alternative.
“I’ve told people this around our state. I haven’t seen another product out there that offers anything better than SkyCoach,” Johnson said. “As far as the quality of what we get, you can’t place a value on that on a Friday night. I don’t have time to deal with something not being connected or the signal isn’t working. I don’t have those issues with SkyCoach. The reliability of it is the biggest part of it for me.”
From instant sideline adjustments to halftime breakdowns, Marion has continued to benefit from SkyCoach’s reliable technology, ensuring their players and coaches are always prepared for the next play. With nearly 10 years of experience using SkyCoach, Johnson and his fellow coaches know they can count on the system when it matters most.
