VYPE Magazine Editorial Director Brad Heath grabbed a quick interview with Sapulpa High School Athletic Director Michael Rose to discuss plans for the upcoming school year.
VYPE: Where did you get your start coaching and where did you originally graduate high school?
Rose: I graduated from Carl Albert High School in 1999. I got my first teaching and coaching job at Carthage, in Carthage, MO.
VYPE: This is a different time dealing with unusual circumstances, how do you feel the covid response by your coaches and staff has been and how ready is everyone to get back into a more normal routine?
Rose: I can’t express enough gratitude for how our coaches and athletes handled everything last year. No, it was not ideal, and we had to cancel a handful of events, but we made it through and it was a great year, despite all the challenges.
VYPE: What is the message to the athletes at Sapulpa under your guidance and leadership?
Rose: My hope is that they embrace the mission statement of the athletic department, which is below. I want them to be better young men and women from having gone through our athletic programs, not just better athletes. I want them to recognize how amazing the community is that we are in, and to not take it for granted.
Sapulpa Chieftain Athletics Mission: To develop the complete student-athlete so they are #ChieftainStrong on and off the field. To be accountable, responsible, disciplined, selfless, and elite in everything we do.
VYPE: Do you have a coaching/teaching mentor? Someone you have looked up to or call on for advice? Maybe it’s someone who has influenced you in the past.
Rose: My former high school head coach (my dad) is one that I call on. But Emily Barkley, Athletic Director at Union, is one that has provided a lot of guidance. I worked for her as an assistant AD for five years. She was great to work with and for, and still provides lots of advice.
VYPE: Allow me to throw some off-the-wall questions at you. Where is your favorite place for lunch or dinner if you’re eating out?
Rose: Rustic Chophouse in Broken Arrow; The R Bar on Brookside; Bill’s Jumbo with Coach Blankenship.
VYPE: Do you have any hobbies?
Rose: Having a perfectly mowed yard and wood working.
VYPE: Favorite sports team? College or pro.
Rose: My alma mater, Pittsburg State University #oagaag.
VYPE: Your favorite sports movie?
Rose: Sandlot.
VYPE: First concert you attended?
Rose: Jars of Clay.
VYPE: Tell me what you have come to love most about Sapulpa, your athletes and where is the future of the program headed?
Rose: The school spirit and support for all of the programs. We have an amazing group of head coaches that have a passion for their sport and seeing young men and women succeed. I’m excited to see all of our programs continuing to grow and establishing ourselves in Class 5A.
VYPE: Here’s your chance to send a shoutout to anyone you wish!
Rose: My wife and daughters have been so very supportive and encouraging in this journey.
