my story
With my father, Coach Eddie Ficklin Sr.
I’m Eddie Ficklin Jr. — “Junior” because I was named after my father. My family calls me Little Ed, and the rest of the world knows me as Coach Ed.
I’m an ever-evolving teacher, a fundamentals-first football coach, and an enthusiastic motivator. I love drawing, working out, listening to R&B, watching sports, trying new things, and spending time with family and friends.
Football has always been my greatest passion and that passion started early. My father, who didn’t live with me, introduced me to sports through tee-ball at Fred Robinson Park. I still remember the first time I put on a glove and stepped onto the field. I didn’t know what I was doing. I just knew I was athletic. I played five years of Little League baseball and seven additional years after that, earning recognition and accolades along the way.
Once I found my rhythm in school, my dad introduced me to the sport he coached the longest: football. I quit four times, convinced I didn’t belong. But in eighth grade, I gave tackle football another chance. It was rough. I played wide receiver and defensive end, and I quickly learned I preferred defense. I was faster than the linemen, and I loved chasing plays down.
High school brought a turning point. I rode the bus to school every day with nothing but motivation and a God-given gift for athletics. I earned two All-League selections and the opportunity to compete in an All-Star game.
I went on to attend Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, on a football scholarship, becoming the first in my family to graduate college. I was a top recruit and helped bring
teammates with me to continue their athletic journeys. I earned my degree in Mass Communications, a foundation that continues to shape how I lead, communicate, and connect.
Eventually, the game that shaped so much of my life gave me another purpose: coaching. Over more than 15 years on the sideline, I’ve had the opportunity to coach young men at different stages of their development, teach the fundamentals of the game, build programs, and learn what leadership really requires.
My first opportunity as a head coach came at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary, where we grew the roster to its largest size in program history, developed All-League athletes, returned to the playoffs, and created opportunities for student-athletes to continue playing at the collegiate level. More importantly, we built a program around discipline, accountability, belief, and giving young men an opportunity to grow.
Today, I serve as Head Football Coach at Maranatha High School. I’m continuing the work that has defined my career: building structure, developing athletes, establishing a strong culture, and using football to prepare young men for more than the next game.
My vision has always been bigger than football. I want the young people I work with to leave more confident, more disciplined, and better prepared for whatever comes next. Whether I’m coaching, teaching, mentoring, or speaking, that remains the purpose behind what I do.