UNION CITY, Ind. – The Union City football program will have a familiar face calling the shots this season. Kyler Purdin, a 2018 UC graduate, has taken over the Indians as the new varsity head coach for the team.
Purdin is definitely no stranger to UC football, having started his career as a ball boy in second grade and has been a part of the program ever since.
Coach Purdin took over after former Head Coach Keith Maloy stepped into his new position as Union City’s Athletic Director. Purdin was an assistant coach for four years before taking over the reins.
“I am so excited for Coach Purdin. He has been a part of our football program since the second grade. He loves our school our community and our student-athletes,” stated Maloy.
Maloy is confident that Coach Purdin will definitely continue the success that the program has seen in the past…and maybe even more.
“I have to thank God, it is a blessing. I have been a part of this program since I was in the second grade. From ball boy to player, and now Head Coach it is an amazing honor to lead this team,” Coach Purdin said.
After graduating from Union City in 2018, the now 24-year-old Purdin completed college in 2021 at IU East.
Coach Purdin brought back all of the assistant coaches (Lance Mock, Tony Evans, Josh Jasinski, AJ Root, Brandon Kennedy and Joe Root) and even added a fellow 2018 UC grad, Jacob Redmond Moore.
When asked about some of the challenges and what the team needs to do to be successful, Coach Purdin said, “My biggest for our team is to simply be competitive. I want us to put ourselves in a position to win every Friday night. The challenge will be getting to that point, football is a tough sport, especially in the Tri-Eastern Conference. Everyone in the conference will put up a solid test every week.”
“We have some very good-skill position players returning. If we can solidify our offense and defensive line, I will be very excited for this team!”
UC will host a scrimmage this Friday with Wes-Del and Lincoln. Coach Purdin will make his debut when the Indians open the regular season on the road at Tri High on August 23.
Stay updated during the season by visiting the official UC Athletics website at www.ucindians.com
