Scott Wooldridge:
Pirates coach welcomes
changes
in his career, marriage
and familyMatchup
When you see Scott Wooldridge standing on the football field, you’re looking at an eclectic combination that Cyprus High School officials hope will lead to a resurgence in their team.
Wooldridge is a mix of old and new. He’s 48 years old now – comfortably middle-aged – and is appreciating the changes that have recently occurred.
He is a graduate of Nampa High School. He played there in the early 1980s, when Nampa was much smaller and known mostly for sugar beets and used cars. Years later, after the area had grown exponentially, the administration invited him to challenge all the glittering new schools that had risen from what had been fertile farmland.
“It’s grown; no doubt about it,” Wooldridge said. “It made the competition much better. But football is football. Every team has talent. The kids just need to have a goal and be motivated.”
The Bulldogs quickly rose to the challenge. They won two league titles and even made the 4A state championship game once. Wooldridge had many good references, even from competing coaches.
Wooldridge said he easily could have stayed longer. He may not have reached all of his goals at his alma mater, but that’s probably because a more important one appeared. He moved to Utah to get married and now he and his wife, Jennifer, are starting their lives together.
A lot had to happen to make the change occur. Wooldridge, however, believes that most everything has fallen into place.
Last winter, he drove back-and-forth to Salt Lake City several times to look for work. Despite the questionable economy, there were plenty of high-school football jobs available and, with his experience, Wooldridge was a valuable commodity.
“Cyprus was in one of the communities I drove through around here, and I thought it was nice," Wooldridge said. "When the job opened up, I put my name in, and I'm definitely happy to get the job."
Cyprus Principal Stephen Hess said Wooldridge stood out with a vision for the program and a track record of success. He wasn't too concerned about how he would fare in Magna, a traditionally tight community.
"He was from a small town, and I think he'll be great here," Hess told the Salt Lake Tribune. "We already have a lot of community members calling in to offer their support to the program. People are excited, and the kids are excited."
Wooldridge couldn’t wait to get started. Only a few weeks after the announcement was made, he began meeting with players, parents and potential assistant coaches. In return, they started learning about him.
"You just got to get in there and start working, and get them to believe," Wooldridge said. "We've got some big strong kids here, and I think we can be successful."
Motivation leads to success and that’s always been one of his trademarks. In high school, he wrestled, and was also an undersized lineman that became an all-state selection. He went on to play at Western Montana (Dillon) and Western Oregon State (Monmouth).
He earned his degree in secondary education, began coaching and has moved up the ranks to where he is today. At Cyprus, he teaches world history, U.S. history and psychology.
Like most people in his position, he’s also a coach and a leader.
And now – he’s a husband again. Wooldridge has two grown sons – Scott (24) and Chad (21) – from a previous marriage and now helps with Jennifer’s two children – Erik (9) and Taylor (6).
They’re all part of the puzzle in his new life, which also has Cyprus High School blended into the mix. It’s a welcomed addition.
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