The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Roberts brings football players together as family

    In the three years that Ron Roberts has been the coach of Lions football team, he has a 25-13 overall record  and a 19-3 Southland Conference record. In 2013, he led the Lions to their first ever Southland Conference Championship and led them to share the Southland crown the following year.

    In the three years that Ron Roberts has been the coach of Lions football team, he has a 25-13 overall record  and a 19-3 Southland Conference record. In 2013, he led the Lions to their first ever Southland Conference Championship and led them to share the Southland crown the following year. 
    Courtesy of Randy Bergeron

    As a native of Visalia, California, Head Football Coach Ron Roberts was fortunate enough to be a part of a family that was sports-oriented. The lessons instilled in him as a child have contributed to his ability to impact the lives of young men on and off the football field.

    According to Roberts, his father believed that sports was a key component to teaching success in life.

    “It was a foundation of everything I try to instill in every player I have coached,” said Roberts.

    This foundation has followed Roberts today, leading to his passion and dedication to the game of football.

    “I love what it can teach young men about life,” said Roberts. “It helped me get an education and has given me a wonderful life. I believe if you are going to be successful in anything,you need to be passionate about it.”

    Although football is a major part of Roberts’ life, he also loves to spend time with his kids and watches baseball. As the husband of Didi Roberts and father to three children, the balance between coaching and maintaining a family is a priority in Roberts’ life.

    “I try to spend all my extra time with them, I believe it is the most important job I have,” said Roberts. 

    Roberts spent one year as a student at College of the Sequoias in California from 1985-1986. He later attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1990. In 1992, Roberts received a master’s degree in education from the University of Memphis.

    “I enjoyed the study of human interaction and I still do today,” said Roberts. “I studied education in graduate school so that I could coach.”     

    As an All-Conference linebacker at the College of Sequoias and Tennessee-Martin, coaches that took an interest in Roberts contributed to his knowledge of football and his success on and off the field.

    “It helped develop my love for the game and what it can do for young men that need direction,” said Roberts.

    For up-and-comers in college football, Roberts encourages players to excel in their athletic talents as well as academics. Advice like this contributes to Roberts’ ability to appeal to large groups of athletes.

    “I try to be honest and truly care about the athletes off the field,” said Roberts. “I screw up and make mistakes, but in the end most of them respect me for it.”

    Before coaching at Southeastern, Roberts racked up an impressive résumé alternating as a defensive coordinator and head coach at Delta State University, Mt. Whitney High School, Texas State University, Tusculum College, Greensboro College, Borroughs High School and Houston High School.

    “I love the chess match of being a DC [defensive coordinator] and teaching the fundamentals of the game,” said Roberts.  A HC [head coach] is more of a CEO and I spend more time managing attitudes and personalities than anything.”

    Before becoming head coach of the football team in 2012, ¬it was the university’s potential and spirit that drew Roberts to the Lion nation. 

    Head Coach Ron Roberts gives advice off the field during a football match.

    Head Coach Ron Roberts gives advice off the field during a football match.
    Courtesy of Randy Bergeron

     

     

     

    In the three years that Ron Roberts has been the coach of Lions football team, he has a 25-13 overall record  and a 19-3 Southland Conference record. In 2013, he led the Lions to their first ever Southland Conference Championship and led them to share the Southland crown the following year.

    In the three years that Ron Roberts has been the coach of Lions football team, he has a 25-13 overall record  and a 19-3 Southland Conference record. In 2013, he led the Lions to their first ever Southland Conference Championship and led them to share the Southland crown the following year. 
    The Lion's Roar/Ron Roberts

     

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