Once a Chieftain...

Aldridge returns to Okolona as head football coach

By Lisa Voyles

Chickasaw Journal

OKOLONA - For Okolona native, Calvin Aldridge, being a Chieftain is kind of like being a Boy Scout.

"Once a Chieftain, always a Chieftain," Aldridge said of his return to his hometown to lead the OHS football team.

Aldridge is a graduate of OHS and played on the team under Bob Pitner doing whatever was required.

"I was the quarterback, punter, kicker, whatever else they needed, sold tickets before the game," joke Aldridge.

Following graduation, he played for ICC and finished his education at MSU and UNA, earning a BS in Education. He has spent his career teaching History, Physical Education and Health and - what else - coaching.

From Vina, Ala., where he led his team to three years of playoffs, to Georgia where he took Washington-Wilkes to the 1995 AA Championship and Greene County to the 1996 playoffs, Aldridge has invested a lot of years on the gridiron.

He started a team in Perry County, Tenn., after a 25-year absence, then headed to Southaven to face South Panola in the 2002 North Half. After another stint in Georgia at Marion County, Aldridge felt like it was time to come home.

"Mama called," he said. "We wanted to get home and be closer to family."

Aldridge packed up the wife and kids and headed back to Okolona. He has strong feelings about his hometown and isn't shy about sharing them.

"This is my home," Aldridge said. "I don't mind poking my chest out and saying I'm from Okolona. I'm proud of Okolona and the people in it. There are so many people here who helped me when I was coming up."

He has goals for the 2009 season that include rebuilding a winning program.

"Okolona has a huge history of success on the football field," Aldridge said. "It's always been known as a small school that could beat bigger schools. We're going to point our noses forward and not dwell on the past. Hopefully, we'll get the kids involved and get into a positive nature."

Aldridge led the Chiefs through spring practice and will assume the post as head football coach pending approval by the School Board of Trustees.