JOURNAL SPORTS
Friday is the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that changed America and the world forever. What are memories local football coaches have of that day, its aftermath, and its impact?
That’s this week’s Shreveport-Bossier Journal Coaches Roundtable topic.
RODNEY GUIN, Calvary: “We were out mowing the field (while he was head coach at Haughton) and heard a big plane. We looked up and it was Air Force One flying over, bringing President Bush into Barksdale. We ended up not playing on Friday and had to play Monday and Thursday the next week.
“It was a time of disbelief as we thought we were untouchable here in the United States.”
COY BROTHERTON, Parkway: “I was a freshman at NSU during the 9/11 attacks. I’ll never forget that day. I was in Coach Mike McConathy’s CPR class and when we got out of class, we heard the news. I remember being glued to the TV and panicking all day about what was going on and was about to happen.
“We were supposed to go see Matchbox 20 and Train that night at Century Tel but the concert was canceled.
“I still watch the documentaries every year.”
STACY BALLEW, Byrd: “I was coaching in Texas. I walked off the practice field that morning and another coach told me and another guy that a plane ran into one of the Twin Towers. We didn’t know much about New York. We all said, ‘man, that’s a terrible accident.’ It wasn’t long after that we found out another plane hit the other Tower, and it was obvious this was terrorism and the United States was being attacked.
“We weren’t sure what was going to happen. We went about our business as best we could. I do recall driving home that evening, there were long lines at all the gas stations that hadn’t run out of gas already. People did not know if more attacks were coming or what was ahead.”
AUSTIN BROWN, Northwood: “I was sitting in my 7th grade English class. Every morning when we read, our teacher had the radio on. The station stopped the music to tell the listeners what happened. The teacher turned it off and it never registered ‘til later, on the ride home, when all gas stations were backed up. My parents told me why that evening.
“My brother ended up a few years later signing up for the Marines and served twice in the Middle East, and has proudly served in the Marines 20 years now.”
JOHN SELLA, Loyola: “I remember it vividly. Sophomore year in Biology class. We had internet back then, but not on our phones and no social media, so news had to come from TV or radio.
“Someone checked in late and told our whole class — and we didn’t believe him. All the classrooms then had TVs up in the corners. We just watched the news all day in every class.
“The principal came on the intercom multiple times telling the classes to carry on as normal, but we didn’t. I also remember everyone talking in the halls about how we were going to have a draft and we were all going to war.
“We did not have a draft, but it was definitely a chaotic time. It’s crazy how it transformed our world, too, with the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and all the security measures it takes to travel. That’s all these kids know now.”
STEPHEN DENNIS, Benton: “I was sitting in Mrs. Noise’s fine arts survey class at Parkway High School when 9/11 happened.
“I remember not really understanding why we were turning on the TV and watching, until we saw the second plane hit!! Although those events were tragic and will forever live on in the hearts and minds of our country, I also remember how close it brought Americans to each other.
“In the light of that tragedy, it was like we remembered that despite our differences, we’re all on the same team. We’re all Americans.
“Fast forward to 2025, my first year at Benton. I had just finished coaching my first game and I’m talking to some parents after the game, and guess who I see – Mrs. Noise!!
“Her grandson, Ryder Dodson, was a junior football player for me, and one of the things that I talked to her about was remembering being in her class when 9/11 happened.”
GARY COOPER, Booker T. Washington: “9/11 happened during my senior year in high school and I was at school that morning. I really don’t remember how I reacted or my state of mind during that time. All I really remember is we ended up having to play two games that week — North Caddo on Monday and Green Oaks on Saturday.”
MATTHEW SEWELL, Haughton: “I was in Donna Burgess’s kindergarten class at T.L. Rodes Elementary in Haughton. I don’t remember a whole lot about it other than faintly remembering watching it on the news.
“The students today all know about 9/11 but none of them really ever ask about it. I’m not sure any of them know a whole lot about it. Hopefully they’ll begin to understand how it changed our way of life and the world.”