Clayborn will guide Wildcats

When the Bethel Wildcats strap on the gear for the 2008 football campaign, they will do so under a new direction. Heath Clayborn will enter his first season as a head coach, but don’t let that fool you. Clayborn has plenty of coaching experience and is ready to take the reigns as team boss.
Clayborn has spent 10 years as an assistant with three solid Oklahoma high school football programs. He began his coaching career at Ada, fresh off of a four-year playing career at East Central University. He spent one year with the Cougars before moving on to his next stop in El Reno.
Clayborn spent five years with the Indians, including a stint as the defensive coordinator. From El Reno, Clayborn headed south and spent four years with the Ardmore Tigers, where he coached on both sides of the ball.
Now, the first-year head coach has his sights set on the Wildcats and building on Bethel’s success from the 2007 season.
“Last year was the first time in school history that they (Bethel) went to the playoffs,” said Clayborn. “We are hoping to continue tobuild on that.”
Clayborn will also take over as the offensive coordinator.  “I will do lots of delegating to my staff,” said Clayborn. “I will be taking over as offensive coordinator and coach Heath will remain as the defensive coordinator.”
As far as an offensive scheme, Clayborn’s idea is different from Bethel’s past. He wants the offense to be a quick-striking, explosive unit. And defensively? “We’re going to be flying to the ball,” said Clayborn.
When he took the position, Clayborn knew that several key members from last year’s playoff squad had graduated. “I was a little worried knowing that five or six key players graduated, but after our team summer camp, I am very enthused. The kids have really responded to the challenge,” said Clayborn.
Clayborn is married to Christie, and the couple has  a nine year old daughter Tycie and a six year old son named Luke.
Clayborn succeeds Kevin Nichols, who resigned his post but still teaches at Bethel High School.