From the fields of Benton Central to the bustling streets of Purdue University and West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School, Tyler Marsh is in a new job. Mr. Marsh, though, isn’t a complete newcomer to the community. He went to Purdue and graduated with a degree in math education in 2011. 

Marsh’s teaching and coaching career began at North Newton Jr./Sr. High School where he was the head basketball coach for three years. He later moved to Benton Central where he coached for the football team, last year being the team’s head coach.

Gameplan: Mr. Marsh prepares for the 8th grade football team’s matchup against Frontier on Thursday, Sep 16, 2021. The team won their game against the Falcons. “Coaching is coaching no matter what the level.” Marsh, a former high school head coach, said

Coming to West Lafayette was a change for Marsh. “Being in a community school compared to a rural school, the support net is shown,” Marsh said. “Everybody goes to the games on Friday night, everybody’s at the sporting events. Whatever it may be, there’s somebody there for it.”

Athletic: Mr. Marsh throws a pass during halftime of the junior high football game against Frontier on Thursday, Sep 16, 2021. Mr. Marsh coached the young Red Devils to a victory. “7th grade has been very enjoyable coaching, 8th grade as well.” Marsh said.

Some of the changes in the community that came to Marsh with his new job were expected. “I kind of already knew the environment of good academics, being associated so closely with Purdue, that was kind of what I expected. Students come in being hard workers and having the support from their parents behind them to push them and get them to where they need to be later in life. So far that’s held true,”  Marsh said.

Other changes that came with Marsh’s move to West Lafayette were an unexpected contrast to what he had seen before. “Parents reach out and ask questions, students ask questions. It’s been different from what I was used to. Haven’t always had that parent support behind the students, so it’s been nice,” Marsh said.

Sports were also an area of great change for Marsh, not only because he came from the Benton Central football program to the West Lafayette football program. “I’ve always coached high school sports, so this is the first year I’ve ever coached junior high. It’s definitely been a change for me. I have enjoyed the, I would say relaxed nature of junior high where there’s not as much pressure, but it’s been a fun group to coach.” Marsh said.

Even with his new position, Marsh still finds joy in his new job. “I miss the Friday night or the high school atmosphere around the game in that aspect but coaching is coaching no matter what the level and it’s been enjoyable, both parts,” Marsh said.