In December 2023, Antonio Graham made history by being named the first Black head coach of a football program in Oklahoma’s 6A-1 division. One year later, Coach Graham is making history again, but this time at his alma mater, Union High School.
On Tuesday, December 10, Union Redhawks announced Graham as the varsity football team’s newest head coach. It comes after just one year as the first Black Head Coach of the Owasso Rams, where he lead the team to an undefeated season before barely losing to 43-42 by Bixby in the State Championships.
For Graham, this milestone is both surreal and significant. “It feels good, surreal. I never would have thought it would happen like this,” Graham told The Black Wall Street Times.
“But you know God takes you down through ways. And so you know another history in the making, brother. And so that’s what it’s all about—breaking down barriers and making things happen.”
Returning to lead Union’s football program is a full-circle moment for Graham, who was once a student-athlete on the same field and began his coaching career at Union in 2009.
“It feels like coming home,” Graham said at the press conference. “This school shaped me into the person and player I became, and I am honored to have the opportunity to give back and lead this team.”
The Only Man for the Job
When asked about the list of potential hires, Union’s athletic director, Emily Barkley, stated that Graham was the only candidate considered.
“Our superintendent felt the same way. As we told him, there wasn’t a short list—he was the list. We believe in his leadership, and we’ve seen his potential. Antonio’s energy and excitement are going to be invaluable for our kids and our community,” Barkley told The Black Wall Street Times.
A Player’s Perspective: Confidence in Coach Graham’s Leadership at Union
Oliver Smith, a highly touted cornerback for the Union Redhawks, will be a senior next season, and he expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming season and Coach Graham’s vision for the team:
“I like the ideas he has, you know, trying to bring the swagger back. It’s going to be a great year for us, for sure. We got a guy that’s going to lead the team very well, and I feel like we have a big chance to make something happen,” Smith told The Black Wall Street Times.
Building More Than a Football Team
Coach Antonio Graham’s vision for the program extends beyond football. As he stated in the press conference: “It’s not just about wins and losses. It’s about discipline, high character, and building a program that represents excellence and sustainability.”
“I can’t do this alone,” he continued. “It takes a village; from the teachers to the administrators, the fans, and the community: We all play a part in bringing Union back to the top.”
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