Kiwanis welcome PHS coach Menzie

This week’s Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce Spotlight featured Coach Jim Menzie of the Paulding High School Panthers football team. Invited by Kiwanis member Jill Strahley, Coach Menzie spoke about his personal journey, his passion for football, and his commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.

A proud Paulding graduate, Menzie reflected on his experience as a member of the Panthers’ undefeated 1988 team, which finished the season with a 10-0 record. He shared how those experiences helped shape his coaching philosophy and inspired him to return to his alma mater to lead the next generation of Panthers.

While balancing his full-time career at Midwest Tile in Indiana, Menzie remains dedicated to mentoring his players and building a program centered on character, accountability, and teamwork. He and his coaching staff place a strong emphasis on respect, teaching players the importance of simple but meaningful gestures such as offering a firm handshake, making eye contact, helping in the community and working together toward a common goal.

Menzie’s coaching philosophy is built on three core values: Faith, Family, and Football. He also stresses the importance of academics, reminding his players that success in the classroom is just as important as success on the field.

One tradition that reflects the program’s family atmosphere is the Thursday evening meal before each game, when players, cheerleaders, and coaches gather to enjoy dinner prepared by football and cheer parents. Coach Menzie also offers a voluntary Bible study for players who wish to participate, providing another opportunity for personal growth and fellowship.

Paulding Kiwanis and the Paulding Chamber of Commerce thanks Coach Jim Menzie for sharing his inspiring message and for his dedication to the young people of the Paulding community.