Eagle Vision Soars!

SBS Head of School Dr. Don Davis and Director Athletics Mike Walker hosted a unique episode of Eagle Vision on Friday, April 17, featuring a conversation with new SBS wide receiver coach Cecil Shorts III and new Houston Texans’ wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The episode was a success and soared to the pages of Sports Illustrated.

The athletic program at Second Baptist School strives to live biblically and honor God in training, practice and competition. The heart that Shorts and Cooks have for God was evident in the 40-minute conversation with Dr. Davis and Coach Walker. The men discussed various attributes that have defined them in trials and successes - discipline, ownership, self-reflection, rest and living in the moment. 

While they have practiced these things in relation to their education, spiritual life and sports, they are also attributes the men are drawing on during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cooks noted that “resting in His word and resting in Him are the most important things you can do right now.”

The conversation also included questions from current SBS students looking for insight on topics from holding yourself accountable, to running a great route, to the benefits of multi-sport athletes and shifting your mindset after a loss. Shorts and Cooks shared personal experiences from their family life and NFL careers and agreed that “if God is not at the center of it all, it is all going to crumble.”

Second Baptist School is honored to have Shorts joining the football coaching staff. Shorts is married with seven young kids and they are “excited to be a part of the Second Baptist family.” The question submitted by Jonah ‘29 inquired about Shorts’ coaching style. He replied, “I’m passionate about what I do. I love studying the game, however, I’m not an in-your-face type of coach. I’m going to celebrate my players’ victories. I’m going to talk with them. I’m going to critique them. I’m going to love them. I’m going to tell them when they’re wrong and be completely honest…it’s about communicating well and loving your players.” 

The SBS family is excited to see Shorts’ dedication to God and passion for coaching shine through each of the football players this fall. It is safe to say Houston Texans Brandin Cooks has some new fans in SBS families as well.