Striving for excellence, Coach Adam Tatar wants the best for his student-athletes on and off the field. His football career in coaching has had its good times while also experiencing bad times. Instead of being a typical coach and yelling at players for every little mistake they make, Tatar looks to find ways to better his players and give them motivation to strive for better. One thing Tatar makes sure to bring to impact the team is chemistry. He always ensures people are on the right track with one another and loves creating friendships and brothers off the field.
An innovative approach that coach Tatar uses for team bonding is a unique incentive: he promised his offensive line that if the running back rushed for over three hundred yards within a certain amount of games, he would take them out to get wings. This initiative rewards hard work, helps the offensive bond, and creates better chemistry throughout the offense, making them feel valued and connected. Tatar understands that chemistry is essential for success and works diligently to create an environment where players support one another.
The captains stepped up this year, leading the team to have a solid competitive mindset. Tatar emphasizes the need to make players “more mentally tough” for next season, recognizing that resilience is crucial in a competitive landscape. “Schools are going to take you further than football,” he often reminds his players, instilling that their education and character matter just as much as athletic prowess. Despite his love for the game, Tatar knows football can only take them so far.
His love of the game has influenced Tatar’s passion for coaching. As he continues to coach, Tatar wants to share his personal experiences with the future of football to motivate them and persuade them to always strive for more. “You cannot replace certain kids,” Tatar reflects, acknowledging the standout players’ impact on a team. Former Bethlehem Catholic player Brandon Gill is someone Tatar admired and was hard-working on and off the field. He is pursuing a career with the CIA after playing football at Bloomsburg University.
When asked what his favorite football memories were, Tatar highlighted the moments of winning in overtime as it was a happy, sensational feeling after a hard-fought battle. As the coaching staff for Pennridge is already in an experiment with the upcoming season in the fall of 2025, Tatar prepares to teach a new group of players that football is only sometimes about winning. However, it is also about learning and bonding between players on and off the field. Tatar finally enjoys his 20oz Redbull while walking around the turf before a game to gather his thoughts and emotions. He recognizes the bitter sweat nature of coaching, knowing that at some point, “that last game happens,” and the bond he made with players and coaches comes to an end but not forever as he keeps in touch with them throughout the year.
