Newly-named Landrum HIgh School head football coach Jason Farmer, a Boiling Springs native, is happy to return to Spartanburg County. after a two-year head-coaching stint at Greenville’s Woodmont High School.
Spartanburg District One Schools’ board of trustee members held a special meeting Wednesday evening, naming Farmer to replace former Cardinals’ head coach Russell Mahaffey, who resigned to take over as defensive coordinator at Woodruff High School.
Farmer, who told officials that he will build “a very aggressive defense, and a very aggressive offense,” used the term “stronger and faster” to describe how his players will be on the field.
At Spartanburg High School, Farmer coached for thirteen years with Doc Davis.
At Wednesday’s trustees’ meeting, Jason McCraw, new LHS Principal-elect, extolled Farmer’s “integrity and character,”noting that Farmer “is a proven performer, on the field and in the school. “Most importantly,” continued McCraw, “he cares about young people.”
After being named as head coach, Farmer remarked, “Coaching is a very important role. I take it seriously. While interested in obtaining winning results on the field, Farmer also emphasized, “I want the players to be better men.”
Being in Spartanburg County agrees with Farmer. “I’m excited about being back in Spartanburg County.
This is my home. ”New Cardinals” Athletic Director Mike Gentry was quick to welcome Farmer. “We are delighted,” Gentry announced, “to have a man of the character and quality of Jason Farmer joining the staff at Landrum High School. “Coach Farmer is one of the most respected coaches and men in the area. We are excited about the future with Coach Farmer’s leadership.”
Principal-elect McCraw added, Coach Farmer is a great coach and a better person, someone who has proven that building character and having high expectations in young people is one of his goals. “We look forward to working with him as he joins District One, and continues to build on the great athletic programs we have at Landrum.”
What is Farmer’s game-time strategy? “While noting that he will confer with the Cardinals’ coaching staff, he announced, “I’m a spread-offense guy. We’ll spread the field out,” he said. “That’s why it’s fifty yards wide.” “Stronger and faster” will begin next week in the gym, noted Farmer. “They (his players) will have a better edge every Friday night when they do that.”
Farmer couldn’t promise or predict results, but he did say that the coaching staff will “put them (his players) in great positions to win,” and that the players will have to trust the staff’s plans.
“The kids up here are really good kids,” Farmer noted, a good community.”