Current co-chair for the Social Studies department and teacher of U.S. History and Ancient Pre-History, Jimmy Adams started his career in 2011 as a coach and a year later was hired as a teacher. Coach Adams originally started his career with Derby High School as the boy’s swim and dive coach and later took over the girl’s program. Today he is the head cross country coach. 

“I became the assistant coach for cross country for a few years, and when coach Edwards retired, I was moved up to head coach for that sport as well. I have been the distance track coach for a few years but moved back to girl’s swim and dive three years ago. For 2021-22 I am the head coach of all three sports,” said Adams. 

Helping the student-athletes reach their goals is the most important aspect of coaching for Adams. 

“I enjoy watching the kids finally understand what it takes to reach their goals and potential. I have coached some of these kids since they were 11-12 years old. It is really fun that I get to watch them grow up and do great things in the classroom and in athletics,” said Adams. 

Every coach faces obstacles and challenges when entering a new season. For Adams, the biggest hurdle right now is the weather.

“Trying to balance the safety of the runners with the workouts we need them to complete is a challenge. As a coaching staff we always lean towards safety and keep them indoors or pull back on a few repeats. We also struggle with the different fitness levels of the athletes. Some of our runners have put in 30-40 miles a week all summer and some have not run all summer. We spend a lot of time creating workouts that can be altered for everyone on the team. We currently have about 45 runners,” said Adams. 

Adams said coaching and teaching at Derby High School has been great thanks to the community and his peers. 

“The parents of our athletes are fully invested in their kids and are willing to help and volunteer for anything we need. The school itself provides us with any needed equipment and is eager to help the athletes be successful in the classroom and in sports. The community is always positive and supportive,” said Adams. 

Adams served in the U.S. Army after graduating from high school and continued his education after serving in the Armed Forces at Clarion University in Pennsylvania and would go on to earn his teaching degree from Penn State.