The announcement of Todd Winter as the new Head Football Coach for Banks County signifies a promising new chapter for the school's football program. Winter's extensive coaching background, highlighted by his success at several institutions, positions him as a catalyst for positive change and growth for the Banks County football program.
During his time at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School in Atlanta, GA, from 2017 to 2023, Winter achieved an impressive win-loss record and led the team to three GHSA Region Championships and a Region Runner-up title. His leadership brought the team to the GHSA Semi-Finals for the first time in school history, earning him multiple recognitions as Region Coach of the Year and accolades from the Atlanta Touchdown Club.
Prior to his tenure at Holy Innocents', Winter was at Pinecrest Academy in Cumming, GA, from 2012 to 2017, where he led the football program to its first-ever GHSA Region Championship and maintained a record of consecutive winning seasons. His ability to transform and lead successful teams was also evident at North Park University in Chicago, IL, where he contributed to setting offensive records as Assistant Head Football Coach and Offensive Coordinator.
Before his collegiate coaching role, Winter served as Head Varsity Football Coach at Johnsburg High School in Johnsburg, IL, demonstrating his capability to lead underdog teams to significant achievements, including a state playoff qualification.
Todd Winter's educational foundation in Physical Education from the University of Evansville and his practical experience as a NCAA Division IAA football player give him a unique perspective on athlete development and team dynamics. His career reflects a commitment to excellence, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and motivate young athletes.
Winter's leadership is grounded in his proven track record of building winning teams and a culture of success and discipline. He understands that time, hard work, building trust, and becoming selfless players are what it will take to make the program a contender for a regional championship.
"We have talent and physical attributes, we have the height and size, we have great kids, and those things that can produce a successful season. Our focus is to build upon that and fine-tune some techniques. Paying attention to details will be a key factor in our program."
Winter has hit the ground running with several new initiatives for his program.
He has introduced a leadership development campaign specifically for rising seniors and selected underclassmen, aiming to cultivate leadership skills, establish servant leadership, and define leadership styles within the team. This initiative has led to the forming of a leadership council, receiving positive feedback from players.
"This is a great way to build leadership skills and establish servant leadership styles. The players have responded positively. We established somewhat of a leadership council with it."
Rising seniors Lane Morris and Ashton Camp express excitement and enthusiasm for Winter's leadership, noting the high energy and sense of unity he has brought to the team. Morris, who has been part of Banks County football since his freshman year, is excited to welcome his new coach.
"He has brought a level of excitement and energy to our school. Showing us that together, we can be a family, work hard on and off the field, and play for each other has been an incredible experience. He already loves the program, and I can tell he loves me as a player and person. He is encouraging but has set high expectations for us. Our leadership program has also brought the idea of being a servant leader to our football program and school," shared Morris
Camp adds, "It has been great to come into a brand new building and feel the high energy of working out and all of us becoming better. Seeing my classmates stepping up to become leaders has been incredible. A fire has been lit, and we all want to be part of keeping it burning. I want my senior year to be the best, and I already believe Coach Winter wants that for me, too."
Winter also plans to implement various strategies to enhance his program, such as recording every practice to promote attention to detail among players. "Our coaches will assess each practice meticulously, recognizing its pivotal role in Friday night success. Detailed and scripted practices will serve as the backbone of our achievements."
Winter has begun laying the foundation for his program by engaging with Banks County Middle School and the Banks County Recreation Department. "Our goals are to host clinics and camps to share our strategies and objectives. Investing in our younger Leopards is crucial".
On the agenda for the season is establishing a player mentoring initiative between seniors and freshmen, accompanied by hosting key events such as Father-Son Jersey Night and Letters to Mom.
Winter has been thoroughly impressed with the support from the Banks County community.
"The support I have seen has been incredible, and I have been greatly impressed by Banks County High School students. It is a great place to be, and knowing we have this infrastructure makes a difference. Having fans support us home and away is something very special."
Winter deeply integrates his personal philosophy of positivity, hard work, strong work ethic, and faith in his daily life.
"Faith is not just important to me; it is the cornerstone upon which I build my values and actions," he asserts. "I am dedicated to living out my faith daily. My goal is to inspire others through my actions. Without faith guiding me, overcoming life's challenges would be so much harder," Winter stated.
Winter has been married to his wife, Jill, for over 33 years and has two sons. Gatlin and Garrison. Gatlin is currently employed at Forsyth County as a sheriff's deputy. Garrison is a data scientist for Cushman and Wakefield. They are also expecting their first grandchild in May.
In the upcoming season, the coaching staff will welcome back familiar faces, including Vince Lehotsky, Todd Samples, Trevor Thomas, and Terri Allen, with additional coaches to be announced later.
Preparation for the upcoming season will kick off with spring practices for both Banks County Middle School and Banks County High School. BCMS is set to host a spring camp beginning on May 6th and a scrimmage game on May 17th. BCHS has scheduled its spring practice from May 13th to 22nd, culminating in a scrimmage game against Chestatee on May 23rd.