OAKRIDGE – “We are rooted in relationships here. We say FAMILY and we mean it. The greatest thing a coach can do is love his players and be a role model for them. That is what I will continue.” Said newly hired head coach Tim Parker.
Oakridge has such a dominant winning culture dating back to its first state title in 1997. Since then, the Eagles have picked up two more of those trophies in 2005 and 2008.
Since the legendary head coach Jack Schugars retired, they made an in-house hire and named Cary Harger as Schugars successor. Harger lived up to the hype when he was brought in and accomplished many feats at Oakridge.
Now that Harger announced his retirement, the prized Eagles program had big shoes to fill.
Parker, 53, is an Oakridge alumnus and high school math teacher in the district, who has been coaching football in the Eagles program for 29 years. He’s been a varsity assistant for the better half of two decades, including serving as defensive coordinator since 2008.
Since being named the defensive coordinator, Parker’s best defensive unit in terms of points scored against came in 2010 when they gave up just 83 points all season.
With as much success as Parker had during his time with the Eagles, it made the decision easy to make for Oakridge athletic director Rick Ruel.
“Coach Parker obviously embodies Oakridge Football. He is an Oakridge Alum and has been involved with the football program for over 28 years. His experience and dedication to the athletes and community are very important to a successful program.” Ruel said.
When asked what pillars he would like to carry over from the Harger era, Parker responded, “If it is not broken do not fix it, I say. I will add my own influence on some areas but no major changes.”
Parker also mentioned that the entire coaching staff, from Varsity down to middle school, will be coming back for the 2025 season.
Looking ahead to next season, Parker is looking to get his guys in the weight room and start summer conditioning. “Our players buy into the winter and summer conditioning program which makes it easy to continue.”
The 2025 Eagle schedule has been set, and the out-of-conference matchups include Belding, Ravenna, and North Muskegon. Oakridge will open its season once again against Orchard View at home.
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