VYPE: How many years have you coached? How many years at Elk City?

Zac Maynard: Eight years of coaching. This will be my fourth at Elk City.

VYPE: Why did you become a coach in the first place? Who or what inspired you?

ZM: My grandpa and dad were both coaches. Growing up, seeing the impact they made on young peoples’ lives made me want to be like them and have an impact as well.

VYPE: Football fans want to know more about you!

ZM: My wife’s name is Amy, we have three kids: Max, Major and Milli. I graduated from Davis, Oklahoma; Played two years at NEO A&M; And finished my career at SWOSU. I believe toughness, physicality and discipline are the most important things in football.

VYPE: What’s special about Elk City, Oklahoma?

ZM: The people in Elk are amazing, the administration and staff that has been compiled here is second to none. The community is heavily involved in the success of our young people and supports all of the programs here.

VYPE: Which rival are you always fired up to play against?

ZM: It’s always fun playing Clinton and Weatherford. Always has a big time atmosphere. Canadian, Texas has also turned into a bit of a rivalry over the last couple years.

VYPE: It feels like western Oklahoma is a really underrated nest of talent. Why do you think that is?

ZM: There is a lot of talent out west, even in the smaller classes. I think because we aren’t near the city, sometimes we don’t get the same publicity that the schools closer to the city do, but western Oklahoma has some really good athletes.

VYPE: You’ve never shied away from playing out-of-state talent. This year, you’re playing two teams from Texas. Why?

ZM: A lot of it is because of location. It’s hard to find schools our size out here to play. Also it’s been great competition for us, it allows us to see where we really are, and what we need to work on. It’s a great measuring stick for us. We believe you only get better by playing good teams.

VYPE: What do fans need to know about this year’s Elk City team?

ZM: We return eight starters on both sides of the ball, excited about where we are coming out of spring. We have very high expectations for this coming up season.