Coach Harrison played organized football in Junior High and High School, and while he was never a standout player, he developed a strong passion for the game. He pursued this passion as a fan of high school, college and professional football until his oldest son, Blake, reached the 2nd grade and asked to play youth football. Coach Harrison volunteered to help out as an assistant coach. He soon discovered he had an aptitude and love for coaching. As the season ended he decided to volunteer to become a head coach the following season.

Coach Harrison coached to a 6-2 record his first season as a head coach in 2008. His team of 2nd & 3rd graders achieved a 3rd place finish in the Rogers, Minnesota youth football in-house league consisting of 9 teams.  Coaching a team of 4th graders in 2009, Coach Harrison’s team again found success. The 2009 squad finished undefeated against fellow Rogers’ teams going 5-0, while finishing with an overall record of 9-2. They experienced only 1 loss during the regular season which placed them as a 2nd seed in the end-of-the-season tournament where they won the consolation game. Moving to the 5th grade level, Coach Harrison enjoyed a very special season in 2010. This 5th grade team ended with an overall record of 7-4 and once again placed 3rd in the end-of-the-season tournament. This special group of players repeated the achievement of the prior year’s team by posting an undefeated record of 5-0 against Rogers’ other 5th grade teams. What made this group of 21 kids so special to Coach Harrison was the amazing team chemistry they exhibited through the season.

Although winning is fun, Coach Harrison is more passionate about teaching the fundamentals and helping kids develop a true “love for the game.” Accordingly, Coach Harrison believes that the lessons about life that can be taught through football are much more important than the team’s final record. He considers the positive feedback received from coaches, parents and players to be a better gauge of his coaching abilities than his win/loss record.

“…I also want to let you know that I am beyond grateful for all the tremendous work you’ve put into coaching my son in football the last 3 years. You’ve created wonderful lifelong memories for him and I know for a fact that he will always remember you as his favorite coach! I can’t thank you enough for doing that, and being an important part of his childhood as a phenomenal role model.” – K.P. (Parent)

“…By the way T has learned more in the last 3 weeks about football then the last 3 years in the program, Great job Coach!!!” – D.G. (Parent)

“Wanted to shoot you a quick email and let you know that I thought your team was well prepared and played well last night. You guys were far and away the best team we have seen this season. Good luck going forward with your team.” – K.H. (Opponent Head Coach)

“Thanks again Troy! I can’t imagine all the work you put into football again this year. Our team couldn’t have had a better coach.” – A.P. (Parent)

“Thanks again for letting me work with the team this year. I learned a lot from you and the other coaches. Our success is a direct reflection on the extensive work you did behind the scenes. I can only hope that you are J’s coach next year…” – M.C (Parent & Assistant Coach)

“Thank you for taking your time coaching the Team this year. With it being A’s first year, I saw each and every one of you take time away from other players to give him special instruction…I appreciate that and so did he. Your Team respects you as Coaches with their willingness to learn and more importantly LISTEN. Keep up the great work next year.” – G.S (Parent)

“… Thanks for all your hard work. I have been very impressed and Andrew is loving this season so far.  Again- thanks for teaching our boys.” – K.S. (Parent)

“I just wanted to thank you for doing such a great job coaching the football team this year. I appreciate your style! Thanks again and it was a fun year.” – J.M. (Parent)

“…I noticed that he was having success with the blocking and getting more aggressive. He had a lot of fun at that game and I think it was a good confidence builder… ” – J.S. (Parent)

For the 2011 season Coach Harrison accepted a position as the head coach of a 7th &8th grade team at Pine Crest Middle School in Boca Raton, FL.

Coach Harrison has earned the following coaching certifications:

C1 Certified Quarterback Coach for National Football Academies
USA Football Tackle Football Coaching Certification
National Alliance for Youth Sports Tackle Football Coaching Certification MBR-835494
National Alliance for Youth Sports Flag Football Coaching Certification MBR-835494