If you’re a high school football fan in Oklahoma, then you should know the name Antonio Graham. Graham was a member of the Union Redskins where he was a four-year letter winner and an All-State linebacker in 2005. Coach Bill Blankenship coached him in high school, had him on his staff at the University of Tulsa and now he serves as defensive coordinator for the Owasso Rams. “Coaching for me in 2020 looks like for me is a new role on staff. Bobby Klinck, a great colleague of mine, took the head job at Sand Springs. It opened a door for me to be the defensive coordinator here at Owasso. Which is an honor and a blessing,” said Graham.
With more responsibilities this season, coach Graham is eager to see what his players can accomplish. According to Graham, his players are just as eager to prove they are one of the top teams in the state. “They are very eager. We always talk about leaving a legacy here at Owasso. We had an amazing offseason even with the restrictions because of COVID-19. I’m very proud of the players and looking forward to seeing them play this season,” said Graham.
New measures are in place to insure everyone’s safety and for coach Graham, not bringing something home is extremely important as he recently welcomed his son into the world. “I recently just had my first son. By having a newborn child I’m extremely cautious about every move I make and staying away from staff as much as possible,” said Graham.
For Graham, success is finishing what they start this year. “I hope and pray that these students get the experience that they deserve,” said Graham.
It’s easy to get excited as football season is finally underway and for Graham that excitement grows when he sees what it means to his players to have the ability to compete. “Seeing the look in their eyes and the excitement they have before they take the field to compete gets me excited,” said Graham. “Also love seeing them be successful from all their hard work.”
It’s no surprise coach Blankenship has been a big influence on Graham over the years. From player to coach, Bill Blankenship and others have molded Graham into the coach he is today. “I was part of a coaching staff as a high school football player. I graduated from Union High School of 2005. We had an amazing staff. Bill Blankenship was the leader and he had an amazing coaching staff. Bill Blankenship, Johnny Bohannon, Steve Spavital, John Davis, Mike Smith and Joey Witcher and there are many others who impacted me in such a special way. I’m so ever grateful for those wonderful men,” said Graham.
As the Blankenship coaching tree and legacy continues to grow, coach Graham is starting his own legacy with the Owasso Rams.
