Road to success: Cokley explains the key to success at Manteca High

Andrew Cokley

By ALDO MAGALLANES 
The Tower 

MANTECA- Teachers and coaches often have a lasting impact on students, both in the classroom and on the field. Andrew Cokley, a health teacher and junior varsity football coach, is one of those educators who focuses on leadership, accountability, and support. In an interview, Mr. Cokley shared his thoughts on coaching, teaching, and how he hopes students remember him. 

Cokley’s role as both a health teacher and junior varsity football coach allows him to connect with students in and out of the classroom. In the interview, he shared his views on leadership, challenges, and balancing academics with athletics. 

While many teachers focus on academics alone, Mr. Cokley balances his role as an educator and a coach. His answers reflect how lessons from health class carry over to football and life beyond school. The interview below highlights his approach to leadership, helping students through challenges, and encouraging balance between school and sports. 

As Mr. Cokley continues to guide students both in the classroom and on the football field, his commitment to fostering leadership, accountability, and a strong work ethic remains unwavering. Through his unique approach to teaching and coaching, he not only prepares students for academic and athletic success but also shapes them into well-rounded individuals. By creating an environment of support and understanding, Mr. Cokley hopes to inspire his students to always strive for excellence—no matter the challenge ahead. 

The Tower caught up with Health teacher and JV assistant football coach Andrew Cokley. 

The Tower: What does being a good leader mean to you as a teacher and coach? 

Andrew Cokley: “A good leader takes accountability and demonstrates how things should be done the correct way,” Cokley said. 

TT: How do you support students or players who are struggling? 

AC: “Whatever level they’re at, we will build it up from there,”. 

TT: How do you create a safe and supportive environment? 

AC: “Taking ownership in the environment they are in.” 

TT: What inspired you to become a teacher and coach? 

AC: I was inspired by some of my own coaches and the impact people like John Stoffer had on my life. 

TT: What is a challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how were you able to handle it? 

AC: “One challenge is making sure you don’t give up,”. 

TT: How does teaching health connect to coaching football? 

Cokley explained that health and football are closely connected, especially when it comes to keeping your body healthy to perform well. 

TT: What advice do you have for students balancing school and sports? 

AC: “Take care of your academics just as seriously as your athletics,”. 

TT: How do you hope students and players remember you? 

AC: “I want them to remember me as someone they could count on and someone who was always there for them,”.