photo Graeyer Takayama

Mr. Hylton, the guidance counselor, is also the coach for flag football.

Mr. Hylton, coach of the flag football team, shares his love of football with city kids. He started this program in 2022 and has been improving his team as the years go by.

What made you want to start this team?

I wanted to start this football team because I wanted to Introduce organized football to Pace High School. And they didn’t have one before this, so I felt like there was a lot of that the kids could learn.

Did you play football growing up?

Yes, I played football growing up. I played football all through high school and middle school. And I went to a football camp at Penn State University.

Did you play it in college?

Yes, I played football in college and wrestling in college at Montclair State University. I wanted to show kids who may not have the chance to play what it’s like playing on a team and working with each other to improve.

Did you enjoy it?

Yeah, I like football a lot. It was some of the best times of my high school career. It was fun. It was a community. It was a family. And I learned a lot in football.

What are your future plans for the program?

I plan to keep growing the football program. Hopefully, we can get more equipment. More supplies for the program like jerseys. And hopefully we can get more people to come to the games.

What do you look for in a player?

I look for people who are coachable, who take orders, who want to play football, who are determined and dedicated, and who are mature enough to travel to the games.

What would you say to someone to encourage them to try out for flag football?

Get out of your comfort zone and give it a try.