Page 60 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2019

OUTDOOR LIVING truly cares
Lafayette Rutledge
Tevin Broyles
Trivell Broyles, Michael McWilliams, Coach Keith McQueen, Lafayette Rutledge, Tevin Broyles
eith McQueen is a fiery, passionate and spirited basketball coach. His practice sessions at Gautier High resemble Division One programs. Yes, he’s demanding.
“I’m not a Saint,” says McQueen. “I can be loud and we’re going to push you to be the best you can be on the basketball court and in the classroom.”
Players must have at least a 75 grade point average in each class. He says, “If you do what coach Fredrick Brown and I demand, you will develop your skills and you’re going to be successful past high school and college.”
Can McQueen back up that claim?
McQueen says, “Since I’ve been at Gautier High, beginning in the 2006-2007 season, 21 kids have signed basketball scholarships, five signed with Division One programs and three have inked pro contracts.”
After graduating in 2015, Lafayette Rutledge signed a scholarship with Southwest Community College and later with Nicholls State. He would go on to play pro ball in Mexico. Rutledge exclaims, “Some people say coach McQueen is too hard, well... my success
was based on what he taught me at Gautier High.”
Tevin Broyles graduated in 2013 and inked a scholarship with UNO. He says, “Coach McQueen had a big impact on me, making sure I made good grades. His positive influence steered me in
the right direction.”
Tevin’s brother, Trivell, says, “Don’t take coach McQueen’s criticism the wrong way. Listen
and embrace the challenge and it will work out.” Trivell never gave up and recently signed with Co-Lin Community College at the age of 23.
“Coach was the fuel to the fire that kept me going after a severe ankle injury and I signed with Co-Lin,” says 2016 graduate Michael McWilliams. “To this day he continues to check on me.”
Besides the support of his former players, McQueen says, “I have the backing of Pascagoula School District Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich.”
Coach Keith McQueen
60 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2019 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
Gautier High Basketball Coach Keith McQueen Helps Players Secure College Scholarships
story and photos by A.J. Giardina