Tommy Gilleran

Gilleran, the winner of the national 2019 Gatorade Coaching Excellence Award, acknowledges he had to recruit several players from the hallways. Four years later, many of those players have become fond of his caring, Christian demeanor, and word has spread among prospective players that Gilleran does indeed care about his players. He conducts an FCA meeting every Monday and said he has “sewed many seeds and opened some doors” with many Wolves.

Gilleran observed that the Wolves’ weight room habits lacked, so he revamped the strength training regimen.

The veteran coach also installed his trusty Wing-T, run-oriented offense he’s deployed since he took his first coaching job at tiny Hector. The scheme is based on misdirection and pinpoint blocking. Gilleran has realized over the years that the system, which is rare in Arkansas high school football, can aid a team that might not be as physically talented. The ability to execute the fakes and misdirection is “an advantage.” The other advantage is teams rarely see the offense, and it is difficult to prepare for.

With everything in place, Lake Hamilton has enjoyed quick success. After two 5-6 seasons, the Wolves finished 9-3 in 2019 and were eliminated in the Class 6A state quarterfinals by West Memphis.