Taking over the reins of a high school football program in normal circumstances can be hard enough.
But when the lot falls on you to do it after the season starts, count on an additional set of difficulties to account for.
That’s where Mark Ethridge found himself when the Augusta Christian football program decided to go in a new direction with its hiring of Etheridge after the third game of the 2023 season.
Already the school’s athletic director, Ethridge came into the position highly respected at Augusta Christian and throughout the CSRA, whether because of his no-nonsense mentality or his reputation for player development.
He is no stranger to the game of football as he coached for 27 years at Jefferson County. He was the head junior varsity coach for one season before being promoted to varsity linebackers coach and assistant defensive coordinator for the rest of his time there.
On top of Ethridge’s impressive football coaching resume, he coached baseball for 27 years, 17 of those as head coach.
Along with the accolades, he brings along his own ideas on how to build winning high school sports programs.
“My philosophy is simply trying to win each day with a blue-collar attitude,” Ethridge said. “I want our players to understand that outworking our opponents is the key to success in anything they do, whether it’s in the classroom or on the field.”
Augusta Christian finished the 2023 campaign with a 4-7 record and a 3-3 mark in region play. Ethridge took over head coaching duties for the Lions after former coach Chris Thomas and Augusta Christian parted ways after a 1-2 start to the season.
Thomas’ tenure ended shortly after a 42-7 loss to Hephzibah on Sept. 1, 2023. Augusta Christian finished with a 3-8 record the rest of the way with Etheridge at the helm, including a 41-24 loss to Cardinal Newman (S.C.) in the first round of the South Carolina Independent Schools Association (SCISA) Class AAAA state playoffs.
Now, with an entire offseason to prepare, Ethridge has put together a vision for the program that, if the players buy into what he’s building, be believes something special will happen at ACS.
“Whether in daily interactions, academic pursuits, or on the football field, we strive to embody our core values,” Ethridge said.
Those core values are summed up in six words Ethridge says he’ll daily preach to his kids to make them better players, students and, most importantly, men.
“Togetherness,” he began. “Building a united team through mutual support and camaraderie. Communication. Ensuring open, honest and respectful dialogue at all times.
“Focus: Maintaining dedication to our goals and responsibilities. Accountability. Taking responsibility for our actions and commitments. Sacrifice. Prioritizing the team’s success and well-being over individual desires. Dedication. Committing fully to our growth as athletes, students, and followers of Christ.
“Through these principles, we aim to honor God, uplift each other and achieve excellence both on and off the field.”
Ethridge’s Lions will open the season on Friday, Aug. 16 with a tough matchup in Lincolnton with perennial GHSA Class A power, Lincoln County. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.
