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Initiative for Urban Research
SIUE East St. Louis Center, Building A
Campus Box 1246
601 James R. Thompson Blvd.
East St. Louis, IL 62201
Phone: 618-650-5262
Fax: 618-650-5252

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Interview: East St. Louis Sports

Sports Articles

  • Interview: East St. Louis Sports
  • My Kind of Hero

Interviewee: Darren Sunkett
Interviewers: Akeem Muhammad
Jasmine Williams
Deontay Wright
Kiara Charles
May 14, 2009

Question #1
Akeem Muhammad: Can you please state your name and occupation? How long have you been coaching? What high school did you attend?

Darren Sunkett: My name is Darren Sunkett. I am a physical education teacher, football coach. I have been coaching for 15 years. I attended Camden New Jersey High School.


Question #2
Akeem Muhammad: In your own words, what do you believe a coach's role is?

Darren Sunkett: A coach's role is to be a role model, teacher, and a father-figure to young adults.


Question #3
Akeem Muhammad: What strategies do you use as a coach to keep your players focused on school and their extra-curriculum activity instead of the expectations of our city?

Darren Sunkett: I draw from my own experiences. I was raised in an inner city, so I use examples of my mistakes to try to guide them so they don't make the same mistakes I did.


Question #4
Akeem Muhammad: Would you say that your past coaches have contributed to your talents as a coach now?

Darren Sunkett: Yes, I would say so. Because they wanted me to get out of the environment I was in.


Question #5
Akeem Muhammad: What would you say is the greatest sport achievement made in our city?

Darren Sunkett: There were numerous achievements. Three sports won the state championship in 2008. Jackie and Al Joyner won gold medals in 1984.

Question #6
Akeem Muhammad: What is your standpoint on athletes that aren't meeting academic requirements?

Darren Sunkett: I believe that this is a two-way street. There should be more parental support, teachers need to help and there needs to be a system of tutorials for ACT prep and basic math skills.


Question #7
Akeem Muhammad: Many people view sports as being the backbone of recognition for East St. Louis; Do you agree or disagree?

Darren Sunkett: I would agree; but it's not just sports. It's also arts. Great musicians came from East St. Louis. East St. Louis has a rich history of great talented people; but, sports are the main publicity.


Question #8
Akeem Muhammad: Is there anything positive that you feel the media has either ignored or not publicized enough?

Darren Sunkett: All they focus on is the negative aspects. If they only can in the city, they can see the positive; but there are many.


Question #9
Akeem Muhammad: What advice would you give future coaches that will follow in your footsteps in order to carry on a legacy in our city?

Darren Sunkett: I would advise them to be the best coaches they can be. Be their mentor, father, teacher, motivator, and their trainer; push them to work harder. Flyers don't quit.


Question #10
Akeem Muhammad: To conclude this interview, could you give us a few words that describe East St. Louis?

Darren Sunkett: A city with a rich history; a city produced by outstanding people; a city where people care about its rich traditions; mainly, a city with a lot of pride. You can go as far as California and people know about East St. Louis. We tend to brag about our rich history.

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