Freeport's Anderson named Coach of the Year for third-straight year

FREEPORT – A year after graduating five offensive linemen, Freeport coach Jim Anderson was left with what many lesser men would preemptively chalk up as a “rebuilding year.”

In his 11th year at the helm of a Freeport football program that enjoyed unprecedented success the previous two seasons, Anderson refused to lower his own expectations. Instead, he guided a young, inexperienced line and some talented – mostly two-way – skill players to an 8-4 record and a return trip to the Region 1-A finals.

Despite its loss to Northview in that region final, it marked the first time in school history that Freeport had reached the postseason in three consecutive seasons. 

And so, for the third straight year, Anderson has been named the All Sports Association/Daily News small school Coach of the Year.

As seasoned as he is at accepting awards by now, the Bulldogs’ coach was quick to deflect anything resembling credit for a job well done.

“It’s just a testament to the players and coaches,” Anderson said. “We’re successful because we have an excellent school, community and parental support. Our coaches and our players work really hard. They always give a hundred percent all the time and I’m certainly proud of what they accomplished.”

The Bulldogs finished as the District 1-A runner-up to Northview, but knocked off a tough Baker team 17-14 in overtime and cruised past Vernon, 32-18, in their Region 1-A semifinal game.

Football is a game that is said to be won in the trenches, and this year’s Freeport line was as green as a lettuce patch.

“We did have a young offensive line, not a lot of size and very little experience,” Anderson said. “We tried not to put them in certain situations and it worked out.”

Squeezing every ounce of effort from a team is an art that Anderson and his staff have mastered, and it all comes down to one very simple, yet very hard to attain, element.

“We trust that they’re going to do the best they can and the players trust their coaches and it’s a win-win situation where we’re all in it together,” Anderson said. “It really is a feeling of trust.

“I think the players know there is a real care there between the players and coaches, beyond the field.”

Upon hearing his coach was the recipient of this year’s award, Freeport standout and Daily News small school Player of the Year Caleb McCormick simply nodded approvingly.

“It’s not a real surprise,” McCormick said. “He’s a good coach. Coach Anderson, it’s hard to put it in words … He’s a father figure for most people. He’s always there when you need him; he’s one of the best guys I’ve ever met in my life, hands down.”

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