By Ember McElrath

Coaching since 1995 when he was a graduate assistant, John Gallagher has been named as the Ada Coach of the Month. He started coaching full time in 1998 for Ada. 

“I went into coaching because I had great mentor coaches as a student-athlete and wanted to give back to other athletes as my coaches did for me,” said Gallagher. 

Knowing where he belonged early on, Gallagher has only coached for Ada. He has consistently been involved with coaching football and wrestling since he started. 

“I enjoy seeing the positive steps young people take toward their goal,” said Gallagher. “Even when it’s outside their comfort zone.” 

Gallagher is now a member of the varsity football coaching staff working with the tight ends and defensive ends for one year after previously being part of the junior high staff. He has also served as the high school assistant wrestling coach the past three years. 

“This year I am looking forward to postseason competitions,” Gallagher said. 

Gallagher has not only been coaching at Ada for most of his adult life, he grew up and graduated from Ada High School where he competed in football and wrestling, as well as running track while growing up. After high school, Gallagher stayed close to home attending East Central University where he continued his passion for sports playing football for the Tigers. He took one year off from coaching in 2005, but went back the very next year and hasn’t looked back since. Gallagher works full time as a local insurance agent with Oklahoma Farm Bureau when he isn’t busy coaching for Ada. John is married to his wife Heather and they have two wonderful kids together who also participate in Ada athletic