By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
Since beginning his tenure as the head football coach at Rainier Beach High School, Corey Sampson has consistently worked to improve the program each season. Whether it’s getting parents and players to buy into the direction they’re headed, college coaches to visit players, or winning games, Sampson continues to carry on the tradition he established nine years ago.
Since joining the program in 2014, Sampson has led the team to seven winning seasons, including a trip to the state championship game against O’Dea during the 2017-18 season.
In addition to winning, Sampson has helped many student-athletes use the platform as a pathway to college. Names like Josh Conerly Jr., Darrien Sampson, Freddie Roberson, ScotTre Humphrey, Dallas Afalava, Anthony Stell, Jaelin Green, Caleb Presley, and many more have all gone on to the college level with full-ride scholarships due to their participation in the program.
Sampson credits his off-season program as one of the main reasons why parents and players continue to believe in what the Rainier Beach team ultimately stands for: working hard for anything and everything they want in life because nothing will be handed to them. From good grades to college scholarships and jobs, Sampson has instilled in his players that working hard will get them where they want to be.
“It starts in the offseason for us, it starts with what we do before the actual season,” says Sampson. “We let parents know what the kids need and begin establishing a bond. The expectation here at Rainier Beach is to win a state championship and earn a scholarship. That is the blueprint that has to be followed here.”
Last season, Rainier Beach finished with a 7-3 record, securing third place in Metro League’s Mountain division and earning them a spot in the state playoffs. The Vikings beat Mountain View 38-7 in the first round before losing to Kennewick in the second round, ending their season. Despite the ending, Sampson’s goals for his team remain aligned with continuous improvement.
“Our main goal, like any other year, is to win a state championship, which is why we say ‘state on six’ when we break,” said Sampson. “In addition, I want us to finish in the top four in the Metro League, securing us a playoff spot. From there, anything goes. Lastly, I want us to mature faster because we’re young and just going with the flow.”
This year’s Vikings team is younger than usual, especially with the departure of Conerly Jr. to the University of Oregon, Presley to the University of Washington, and Humphrey to Montana State. According to Sampson, the program will experience some growing pains with its young talent.
“I think we have a lot of young talent that will be stars someday, so we’re going through some growing pains. These guys are young, and they will stick it through like the guys did in the past,” said Sampson. “We started six sophomores, a few juniors, and some freshmen in the season opener. Many of the young guys are looking for leadership, and they are the leadership.”
Although they suffered a shutout loss in their season opener, Sampson is maintaining the same message to players and coaches regardless of the outcome.
“We’re going to practice hard and play hard. More importantly, players will have to sacrifice their personal stats for wins,” said Sampson. “Helping them understand that you’re not going to be the hero by yourself, as coaches, mentors, and father figures, it’s our job to help them navigate not only through football but life as well.”
The Vikings will have an opportunity to regroup this week after their loss, as they face a Seattle Prep team coming off a 52-32 win over Mercer Island
