2026 Getting to know Whetstone Head Coach Ollie Hightower

 

Name: Ollie Hightower

School/town: Whetstone High School/Columbus, Ohio

Positions: Head Varsity Football Coach/Instructional (SLC) Aide for students with multiple disabilities 

College: Ohio State and DeVry University

Please post something from last season that sticks out to you. It can be from a game, practice, or something funny on the bus ride to or from the game. Any moment that sticks out to you. 

One big moment for me that sticks out was getting the chance to coach in my hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, to open the season. I was honored to be able to return the trip from the previous year. I was able to return to my roots of where I fell in love with the game of football.

Would you let the readers know about your coaching career? From your first job to your current job?

2010–2016 - Assistant Baseball Coach - North Columbus Sports, Inc. (t-ball up to Pony Boys)

2013–2014 - Head Juniors Soccer Coach - Thompson Rec

2017–2020 - Head Pony Boys Baseball Coach - North Columbus Sports, Inc.

2016–2023 - Head Baseball Coach - Dominion Middle School

2016–2018 - Head Basketball Coach - Dominion Middle School

2017–2022 - Assistant Coach, Co-DC, Special Team Coordinator, and DB/WR Positional Coach - Whetstone High School

2023 - present - Head Varsity Football Coach - Whetstone High School

2015 - present - Head, Special Olympics Basket Coach - Whetstone High School

2026–present - Head Girls Flag Football Coach - Whetstone High School

Who are some of the coaches that you learned from, and what was the biggest thing you learned from them?

I have always got a huge inspiration from my high school football coach, Coach Ron Berdis (OHSAA Hall of Fame Inductee). His inspiration changed the way I looked at the game. Football became a discipline tool to teach the lessons of life. I received a message from him when I first got the head coaching job, and it meant the world to me. He was not only my mentor but also a positive role model. I teach from the same tree of principles of consistency, commitment, and compassion. Be consistent in your efforts, commit to becoming the best version of you, and have compassion for others' situations. 

I also learned an immense amount about coaching from Coach Mike Payne. We coached for years in NCS and had sons the same age. He taught me the process of practice planning, organization, and player development. He later became an essential piece of how I became the coach I am now.

What is the biggest lesson you learned from last season that you can use to be a better coach this season?

Last season was a roller coaster. We had some moments where we felt on top of the world and others where we didn't know which way was up. One of the biggest lessons we learned was to remain resilient in tough times. Battling through a brutal first 3 games, Youngstown East, Briggs, and Grandview Heights, without a major portion of our roster. We found a way to continue to fight, and that same mentality helped shape our identity. A team that finds a way to keep battling for each other, no matter the situation. Even when it came to sprints. I'd ask 1 player to run a gasser under a certain time to be done but instead had the entire team step up and run it.

As the head coach, what all do you do to aid your players in getting recruited?

I start by placing the expectation of having great etiquette, grades, and attitude in school. Without grades, you can't get recruited. I also attend the Central District College recruiting night at Ohio Wesleyan. I develop relationships with the coaches I meet and promote our athletes. Through these relationships, I have been able to get multiple athletes into college programs. I make sure all our athletes have the information and chances to attend camps, visits, and other college-related tours. I often invite coaches to come visit our players and speak to them. 

What type of offense is the toughest to prepare for? Explain

Option football has always been a tough offense to prepare for. A defense has to have very good eye discipline and technique. Every person must do their 1/11th in order for the team to succeed.

What will it take to continue to get the numbers up at Whetstone?

We just need to keep pushing our standards and improving the culture. We have many successful teams and individual athletes within our halls and throughout our history. Embracing that greatness will keep the numbers improving. 

In a perfect world, what offense and defense would you run?

The defense we run is a 4-2-5 with elements of a base 4-3. I love it because it can give you many looks within it. It allows you to play fast and tailor to your rosters.

On offense, I love what we do. Our wing T variation allows us to establish a run game and still create downfield opportunities. I grew up watching Jim Tressel at YSU and OSU. He was a traditional I-formation, downhill-running offense that generated downfield opportunities. Our offense allows us to control the flow of the game when done correctly. 

What is the best part of being a high school football coach?

Witnessing the development of these young, immature boys into great young men. To see former players become great young men, it makes me extremely proud. Some of the players had never touched a football field until they got to Whetstone. The willing come out, take their bumps and bruises, and motivate themselves to better their lives. My favorite part is every year when an athlete asks me to hand them their diploma at graduation. 

What is the toughest part of being a head coach in the Columbus City League?

The hardest part about coaching in the Columbus City League is navigating the stigma of being inner city. Our kids are resilient, bright, and strong-willed by nature. The things they deal with on a daily basis would break the average man. The climate of the world today often puts them 10 steps behind. It has never been anything between the lines that is tough. The field is our place of solitude.

Where should the state finals be held?

I used to always imagine a state final at the Horseshoe. It would have been amazing. With the new development of the Aviators, it would be excellent for the sport to play at their home field. Historical Crew Stadium is where City League plays their soccer championships. It would be an amazing experience to play 7 state finals there. 

How many teams in each region should make the playoffs? 

I think it depends on how many in each region. 8 limits who can be in it but also makes it more valuable. 16 allows more schools the chance. 

12 would be my ideal number, and give 1-4 a bye week. 

This is the tough question. Do you feel that private schools have an unfair advantage over public schools?

Unfair, no. Advantage, yes. There are a lot of public schools that can compete with private schools. I think they have the advantage of being able to have athletes from all overcome play for them. Public schools can often get limited by which area can feed into their schools.

Where is your favorite spot to grab a bite?

Pizza House

Have you watched any of the UFL games?

Yes, I have. 

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV or in person?

Track and Field! I love everything about it! It's YOU vs YOU in most events. I was a hurdler and a 4x400 relay (the best event in track) runner.