Interview by Gainesville High School senior and Abernathy Cochran intern Philip Mady 

Meet David McConnell! Also known by many as Coach Mac. Coach Mac has worked at Gainesville High School and has been an assistant football coach for over 20 years. He is married to his wife Denise and has three kids, all of which are Gainesville graduates. Coach Mac is very passionate about his family, students, and community.

We want to thank Coach Mac for telling us more about his life and love of Hall County.

Question: Would you mind telling me a little bit about yourself?

Answer: “I have taught at Gainesville for 24 years, I am married to my wife, the former Denise Williams, and we will be celebrating 38 years this December. We have three children, a daughter Heather, a son David Jr., and a son Jacob. All of them are Gainesville High grads.”

Q: What inspired or led you into your current career?

A: “I came from a family of educators. My dad taught for 34 years or so, my sister taught 25 years, and my wife teaches, also. Our daughter, Heather, entered the profession, as well. It’s just something that I have always kind of enjoyed and liked the idea of teaching. I also like the opportunity to be able to coach. It has been a lot of fun.” 

Q: How long have you lived and worked in Hall County?

A: “I have lived and worked here for 24 years.”

Q: What has kept you in Hall County?

A: “I love the feel of Gainesville and Hall County. It still has that small town feel and people are always willing to help each other. We have a great community with the support of the schools, the sports teams, and the way people work together and get along is really nice.”

Q: Who is the most interesting person you have met in Hall County?

A: “Cris Carpenter, he has great passion for Hall County and Gainesville. A guy named Mike Nordholtz, I have become friends with, he is a very neat guy, knows a lot of people. Those two along with former principal, David Schumate; he is a good guy too. He did a lot for the community and for the school. Those guys are probably some of the most interesting people I have met while living here.”

Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?

A: “My morning go to is always Longstreet Cafe. Tim Bunch is such a good guy and they do such a good job. That’s probably my favorite. I like some of the other stuff too, I am just a food fan. I like Inn Between Deli, I am an El Sombrero fan, too. There are a lot of good spots around town.”

Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you want to go?

A: “I have always heard Alaska is pretty cool along with Hawaii. Those are probably on my bucket list.”

Q: What is some advice you would give to a crowd of people?

A: “I think one of the best things I would give dealing with relationships and marriage is that my wife and I agreed to never air our dirty laundry with anybody else. If we had a problem we just kept it between ourselves and worked to fix it. I think it has served us well in our marriage, relationship, and raising our kids.”

Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

A: “Back in 1995, when I coached in Jacksonville, Fla., I was quoted in USA Today.”

Q: Education is a tough field so what has led you to reaching longevity?

A: “I have fun everyday, I enjoy it. I look at it as a way to work with some of the greatest young men and women this country has to offer. They are right here in Gainesville. I loved every place that I have thought, out of the 41 years I think I have probably had three bad days teaching. The way my approach and attitude has been has allowed me to have a long and hopefully successful career.”

Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? 

A: “I am sure I will still be living here in Gainesville. I am getting kind of close to the time where I will probably step away from education and coaching. Also, just enjoying life with my wife and children.”

Q: What three words really mean home to you?

A: “Relaxation, calm, and a great wife.”