A New Chapter Begins: Treston Pulley steps in as Malden's head football coach

MALDEN, Mo. — Hope surged through Malden today as Treston Pulley was introduced as the Green Wave’s new head football coach.

Pulley, a coach with his eyes squarely on resurrecting the program’s storied past, didn’t peddle empty promises, he spoke of hard work, the setbacks and the long journey ahead.

“My vision is to build on the old traditions and blaze new trails,” Pulley said. “My coaching philosophy aims to mentor the body, heart, and mind of every student-athlete, empowering all players to achieve their full potential through 3Dimensional coaching.

Treston Pulley was announced as the new head football coach at Malden High School on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Denton Kooyman)

“Compassion, pride and toughness,” he continued. “Under these three core values, we will build our culture. A team that cares about its results, each other, as well as players and coaches challenging each other in a competitive manner.”

Two winless seasons may have recently washed over Malden, but Pulley isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. He sees not a stagnant pool, but a rising tide, ready to navigate the churning waters of this rebuild, one grueling practice, one hard-fought yard at a time.

“The biggest thing is building the numbers back up in the program,” he said. “Giving kids a chance to play this game is the ultimate goal from day one. The more that I am around the kids I will know what steps are needed for player development, finding those natural leaders and building on their skills.”

Sikeston head coach Treston Pulley and Maririon Pulley (79) hug�following a 25-14 win over Charleston at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, October 20, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

The 6-25 record during his three-year stint at Sikeston doesn't tell the whole story of not only the challenges faced but also the resilience and leadership that emerged from them. A rookie head coach at the time, Pulley inherited an already struggling program and tackled the demanding situation head-on.

His confidence is bolstered by his experience, stating, "I took over Sikeston at a low point with no prior head coaching experience. Now, I have the experience in all areas to turn a program around."

Pulley sees parallels between Sikeston and Malden, noting "very similar demographics, just on a smaller scale," which gives him a unique understanding of the community and its football program.

“I love football and I love building kids up,” he said. “Coaching is a passion and if you have never done it you will not understand. I love the grind, I love the team atmosphere, and I love competing.”

Malden may not be basking in its golden years right now. But for Pulley, that's precisely the allure. He sees not a broken program, but a sleeping giant, its past victories a testament to its potential, its current struggles a call to action.

“Malden is a great football town,” he said. “There are great traditions and the community support is outstanding. It has been 100 percent love from everyone. Once we build back the numbers, we will compete with the best of them. I’m confident in my skills to produce a culture of football that brings sustained pride to this community.”