May is named Sikeston High School's new head football coach

Jim May

SIKESTON — Longtime Scott City High School coach Jim May has been named Sikeston High School’s new head football coach.

Sikeston Public Schools made the official announcement Wednesday, Jan. 10. May comes to the district with over 20 years experience, most recently 15 years at Scott City as head football coach with both conference and district championship victories.

May said he is looking forward to meeting the students, athletes, and faculty this spring and summer.

“As a coach and teacher in your district, I will bring a positive attitude and an energy that leads to student involvement,” May said. “I am a positive-influence person and strive to make sure all students and athletes achieve their goals and enjoy the journey.”

Since 2018 May’s 52-18 record proves his practice preparation and emphasis on fundamentals to be incredibly successful, the district said in a news release. May’s mission to teach, equip and develop Sikeston’s student-athletes with the fundamentals of how to be successful in the classroom, in the community and in life through the game of football impressed the hiring committee who unanimously selected him for the position, according to the district.

Having taught physical conditioning at his last three schools, May said he’s passionate and knowledgeable about strength training, technique and injury prevention. He has hosted a weight meet for the last 16 years that has grown to 250 high school competitors. Part of his strategy with SHS athletes is to make a renewed commitment to the weight room, the district said.

“His experience and expertise in leading a football team made him the perfect candidate to fill our position,” SPS Assistant Superintendent Andy McGill said of May. “He is a well-qualified, seasoned coach who will no doubt bring a wealth of knowledge to our program. We are eager to have Coach May join us, and look forward to supporting him as he drives our students to achieve their fullest potential.”