Interview with Coach Hiawatha Hickman: The Drive Behind West Orange-Stark Mustangs' Success

As the regular season wraps up, the West Orange-Stark Mustangs, under the guidance of Head Coach Hiawatha Hickman, are positioned for another exciting playoff run. Known for a strong football tradition, the Mustangs are championship contenders once again, boasting an impressive season with only one loss. I had the chance to sit down with Coach Hickman, who gave us a deep dive into the team’s journey, challenges, and what lies ahead.

A Promising Start to the Season

When asked if he anticipated such a strong season, Coach Hickman revealed his cautious optimism. “We knew we’d be better this year,” he shared. “We had a good mix of experienced players and talented younger guys.” The season opener against Newton marked a promising start with a solid win, though the team faced a tough loss in their second game against Nederland in a nail-biting last-second defeat. Reflecting on the first few games, Coach Hickman mentioned that the narrow loss was a turning point, pushing the team to reevaluate and improve, sparking their current winning streak.

Learning from Loss: A Stepping Stone to Success

One might argue there's no such thing as a "good loss," but Coach Hickman sees it differently. “We led the whole game against Nederland, but we made some mistakes that gave them an opportunity to come back,” he explained. “That game helped us identify areas to adjust, especially on offense.” Those adjustments paid off, helping the Mustangs propel forward with renewed focus and determination.

Preparing for Rivals and District Title Challenges

West Orange-Stark’s reputation as a powerhouse program means high expectations every year. Up next is Hampshire-Fannett, a team eager for its first district title. “District and state titles are expected here,” said Coach Hickman, noting that such expectations drive both the players and fans. But facing Hampshire-Fannett, a talented team hungry for victory, adds unique intensity. Coach Hickman emphasized the importance of keeping the team focused and motivated, knowing that any opponent could be a threat if not taken seriously.

Taking it One Game at a Time

With the district championship game marking the last regular-season match, Coach Hickman is focused on staying grounded and taking it “one game at a time.” This approach, he explained, is essential in a competitive district. “If you look ahead, you risk slipping up,” he cautioned. Dividing the season into phases – non-district, district, and playoffs – keeps the Mustangs’ focus sharp. “After Friday, we’ll shift to playoff mode, giving the kids a chance to celebrate if we win, then immediately prepare for the first round of the playoffs.”

Leadership from Marcus Turner Jr.

One player that stands out this season is Marcus Turner Jr., the Mustangs’ quarterback and a three-year starter. Coach Hickman praised Marcus’s leadership and maturity, describing him as a player who “understands what the offensive coordinator wants” and executes it effectively. “He’s a talented thrower and runner, which gives us options and keeps our offense balanced,” Hickman said. Having a quarterback like Marcus orchestrating the plays has been instrumental in the Mustangs’ success.

Looking Ahead

As they head into the playoffs, Coach Hickman and the Mustangs have their eyes set on the ultimate prize: another state title. The team’s blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, combined with a focused and adaptable approach, makes West Orange-Stark a formidable contender.

We’ll be covering the district championship game this Friday, so stay tuned as we follow Coach Hickman and the Mustangs on their journey.