VYPE : Where did you get your start coaching and where did you originally graduate from?
Buntin: I graduated from Cleveland High School and Oklahoma State University. My first coaching opportunity occurred as an intern at Mannford High School with Randy Upshaw. My first teaching job was at Berryhill High School.
VYPE: What is the message to the athletes at Verdigris under your guidance and leadership?
Buntin: I talk a lot about PRIDE, PASSION and PURPOSE. I want all of our athletes to play with PRIDE. That means pride in their school. Pride in their community. Pride in themselves. Being confident in their abilities and who they are as a person. I want all of our athletes to play with Passion. Playing with passion means to play hard! Playing with passion involves playing with INTENSITY – COMPETE! I want our athletes to play with PURPOSE. Playing with purpose means playing smart. Great athletes are disciplined and intelligent. But more importantly I stress to our athletes purpose means citizenship, commitment, and loyalty. Athletics is the most important avenue we have to teach values to the next generation.
VYPE: Do you have a coaching/teaching mentor? Someone you have looked up to or call on for advice?
Buntin: There truly are so many people that I look up to in this profession. Randy Upshaw gave me my first coaching opportunity. Mike Payne hired me at Verdigris which has allowed me to have my dream job. I have a ton of respect for the job he does leading this school district. But Gary Kennemer helped mold me into the Coach/ Athletic DIrector I am today. Not only is he one of my best friends but he is the educator I call whenever I need advice or have an administrative question.
VYPE: Let me throw a few fun questions at you so everyone can get to know you a little better. Where is your favorite place for lunch or dinner if you’re eating out?
Buntin: Anything with good burgers or tacos. Fat Guy’s Burger Bar is my go to in the Tulsa Area. If in OKC it’s gotta be Fuzzy’s Tacos.
VYPE: Do you have any hobbies?
Buntin: Even though we don’t get to do them nearly enough. I enjoy going to the lake and hiking with my family.
VYPE: Favorite sports team from the college or pro ranks?
Buntin: I grew up hearing stories from my dad and uncle about all the great St Louis Cardinals like Stan Musial and Bob Gibson. So I really had no choice but to be a Cardinal fan. Now I ‘m sure my kids are tired of hearing about the great Cardinal teams of the 80’s.
VYPE: Your favorite sports movie?
Buntin: This may be the toughest question you have asked. There are so many great sports movies. Caddyshck, Bull Durham, Hoop Dreams, Raging Bull, Hoosiers just to name a few. But my favorite is Rocky. Its theme of overcoming all obstacles through hard work, grit and determination resonates with me on a personal level
VYPE: First concert you attended?
Buntin: Although I’m ashamed to say it, the first concert I can remember attending was Vanilla Ice.
VYPE: Have you ever visited another country? If so, where?
Buntin: Yes, Mexico. Specifically Playa del Carmen.
VYPE: Tell me what you have come to love most about Verdigris, your athletes and where is the future of the program headed?
Buntin: It is a bit cliche but there truly is something special about this place. We have a supportive administration led by Superintendent Mike Payne. We have an extremely hard working, knowledgeable coaching staff. They do an exceptional job of maximizing the potential of our student athletes. Verdigris’ kids are among the hardest working and most competitive athletes I’ve been around. Not only are they naturally talented but they have an innate drive to succeed. I love that our kids want to be coached. They want to be challenged so our coaching staff can continue to raise the level of expectations. 2022-2023 could be an outstanding year for Verdigris Athletics. This Senior class has always been one of our most talented groups. All of our programs have numerous returning starters and veteran leadership. Thus expectations are extremely high for all of our programs this year.
VYPE: Who gets a big shoutout from AD Buntin?
Buntin: I’ve got three shoutouts. First, I wouldn’t be anywhere without the love and support of my family. My dad instilled in me the work ethic that allows me to be successful. To my wife and sons for always being there for me and allowing me to do what I love. My second shoutout goes to the entire Verdigris Community. Our community is incredible. The work our parents do in booster clubs are vital to the success of our programs. Our teachers are always willing to help our students athletes not just succeed but thrive in the classroom. Our administration and coaches are a true pleasure to work with on a daily basis. Lastly to my Girls Basketball players and assistant coaches, your contagious energy and youthful enthusiasm always makes me smile making this job so enjoyable.
