As the 2023-24 school year wraps up, students bid farewell to head football coach and assistant athletic director, Greg Slade. Slade joined the Newton High School staff in 2022 with a vision to shape the culture of not only the football team but the school as a whole. Santa Fe Trail High School will be Slade’s new home as a head football coach and physical education teacher.
Slade and his wife decided they wanted to be closer to their kids and grandchildren in the Overland Park area; their desires were met when Slade was presented with the opportunity to work at Santa Fe Trail, which is located just south of Topeka. Through a very short two years at NHS, Slade has impacted many of his students and players.
“Coach Slade has had a very significant impact on my life in his time at Newton. One of the most notable would be his influence on me to be a great human, not just a great football player,” senior Justin Zerger said.
Zerger spoke highly of Slade’s ability to lead a broad group of people within the school. Creating an environment full of positivity was a goal Slade implemented into his everyday interactions. Zerger also said Slade has grown into a mentor to young adults encouraging them to be great people, students, and citizens
“Coach Slade preaches kindness, discipline, teamwork, and servant leadership when he coaches and teaches,” Zerger said. “All of which are characteristics of a positive culture which he has progressed in instilling at Newton High School, and all of which have rubbed off on me as an individual and changed my outlook on sports.”
Junior Niko Ramos said Slade is very community-driven through his desire to reach out and impact as many people within the town as possible. Many students notice Slade’s ability to communicate with others and bring positive energy into every conversation.
“The people I meet, the students, the staff, the friendships I have made, the bonds I have made with students is what I will miss the most,” Slade said.
Ramos said Slade’s discipline and ability to lead have allowed him to become a better player. Ramos had the ability to learn from Slade for two years and wishes to become a leader that his teammates want to fight and work hard for next season.
“I expect to lead the time by trying to always be a good leader and motivator. I think it’s important to have a team that’s competitive in everything they do,” Ramos said. “The best football teams ever have always had teammates that try to compete any possible way they can and I think bringing that to the team will help.”
Slade, Zerger, and Ramos agree that beating rival school Maize on home turf was one of many favorite memories during Slade’s coaching. Although Slade’s time was short, he enjoyed sharing and implementing his values into the school’s culture.
“It has been a short two years and I have enjoyed it, I really am going to miss being around the people,” Slade said.
