In Centralia, the spirit of community, support, and dedication to its young people is unmistakable. And if there’s anyone who personifies this spirit, it’s Brad Goewey—an educator, coach, and leader who seems to wear more hats than our community has stoplights.

Brad Goewey’s journey with Centralia High School (CHS) spans 18 years, but his roots in education and athletics run much deeper. Originally from Pittsfield, Illinois, Brad grew up in a small town where sports weren’t just an activity— they were a way of life. He became an all-state basketball player, but football always had a special place in his heart, a love that took on even more meaning when his high school football career was abruptly cut short after suffering multiple concussions. “I try to tell these kids to take advantage of their time because you never know when you’ll play your final game, but eventually, we all do,” Brad reflects, offering the kind of advice that resonates deeply with his students.

Today, Brad’s list of roles reads like an athletic department’s dream team: athletic director, head football coach, assistant basketball coach, and assistant principal. His influence isn’t limited to any one field or gym, though. Brad’s work is deeply entrenched in the very foundation of CHS’s mission to shape not just athletes but also young people of character. “My number one goal is to make these students successful, post-high school,” Brad says. Whether it’s guiding a player toward college athletics or preparing a student for the workforce, Brad’s focus is always on the long game.

It’s easy to see Brad’s passion for sports, but for him, athletics are just the entry point to something much bigger: character development. “It’s not just about winning games—it’s about teaching these kids to be men of character,” Brad emphasizes. He’s a firm believer that the lessons learned on the field—discipline, accountability, resilience—are the ones that prepare students for life.

“We all get knocked down. The question is, do you make it a mountain or leave it at a molehill and move on?” Brad explains with a coach’s wisdom. He’s the first to admit that mistakes happen, but it’s how you handle them that defines your future. This philosophy isn’t just lip service; it’s the foundation of his coaching and leadership style. He pushes his players to reach beyond their comfort zones, to aim higher than they think possible, all while knowing that he’s got their backs—even when the going gets tough.

“The kids know I’ve got their best interest in mind,” he says. “They may not always like it, but they’ll respect it, and someday they’ll understand it.”

Brad’s connection to Centralia High School goes beyond the football field. His role as an administrator places him in the thick of the daily challenges that many students face. “You never know what a kid’s been through just to get to school in the morning,” he reflects. Whether it’s the student who didn’t have breakfast or the one who is struggling with family issues, Brad sees it all. And for him, that’s where his responsibility as an educator becomes even more important.

“Tough love is still love,” Brad says. “I’m going to hold you accountable, but I’m also going to be there to help you when you need it.” His approach balances high expectations with unwavering support, helping students navigate their way through high school and beyond.

Perhaps what stands out most about Brad Goewey is the way he embodies leadership. Whether he’s motivating a football team to take it one game at a time or helping a student realize their potential, Brad’s focus is always on growth—both personal and collective. His football team may have its sights set on a state title, but the true victory lies in something even more significant: breaking down barriers and building a legacy of character and community.

Centralia High School has never advanced to the third round of the football playoffs, but that’s exactly the kind of wall Brad wants to tear down. His team sets big goals—winning the South Seven title, increasing weight room numbers, and perfect attendance in the summer—but it’s the day-to-day grind that defines success for Brad. “If you maximize your reps and do the other little things every day, the big goals will take care of themselves,” he says.

And it’s not just on the field that Brad sees progress. “Watching these kids grow up and mature, seeing that development happen—it’s what keeps me going,” Brad admits. The phone calls from former players, asking for advice or just checking in, are some of his proudest moments. “It means they valued their time here and the lessons they learned.”

Brad Goewey isn’t just shaping athletes—he’s shaping future leaders, one practice, one lesson, one conversation at a time. And for the people of Centralia, there’s no doubt that their investment in Brad—and by extension, their investment in the young people of this community—is paying off in ways that will resonate for years to come.