MACON, Ga. — Westside head football coach Sheddrick “Spoon” Risper earned 115 career wins with the Seminoles' victory over Jackson. With the win, Risper became the winningest head football coach in Bibb County history.
It was an emotional day for Risper, as the last time he played in Jackson was the week his father died. He said his dad would be proud of how far he has come.
Risper started his coaching career for the Seminoles as a wide receivers coach over 20 years ago. He has not left the program since and became head coach 16 years ago.
Before coaching, Risper was apart of the first graduating class at Westside High School in 1999. He attended University of West Georgia and started coaching straight out of college.
“It means a lot to me. 115 - it's been a long journey. I'm only the second head coach at Westside in school history with dealing with football. Robert Davis opened the program,” Risper said.
Risper credits the accomplishment to the village that got him there. That includes his wife Demetria, their four kids, his parents, cousins and so many others.
“They've been talking all season about that record. I've been talking about state championship, but they wanted it for me, and they played Friday night like they really wanted it for me,” Risper said.
Kadiphius Iverson is a senior running back on the team. He said he has learned a lot from Risper.
“A beautiful thing coming there as a freshman, knowing that I have to step up and take a big role of this team, like for the next four years, playing for a guy just like a father figure, feeling. It means everything to me. So I'm proud,” Iverson said.
Risper’s son Paul is a part of the historic team, which fosters a unique relationship between the two.
“All the work that he’s put in, the sacrifices he made… I'm really proud of him,” Paul said.
Risper met his wife Demetria when they were in fourth grade. She said they have been best friends ever since.
“He used to write me notes, ‘Will you be my girlfriend?’ Every time I always check. ‘No, no, no,’” Demetria remembered.
The two have a family of six. All three boys played football for the Seminoles under their dad. Their daughter also cheered for the team.
Being a head coach is more than the X’s and O’s for Risper and his family.
“He's more than just a coach. He's a father figure. He takes on so many problems, and he doesn't mind doing it. And if there's anybody that deserves that honor, it's him,” Demetria said.
A landscaper, janitor, friend are just some of the others that came to his mind. Whatever his team needed he said he would find a way to make it happen.
“There are so many titles other than just calling plays on Friday night and just showing up on Friday night,” Risper said.