Lindsey Wilson standout and Canadian professional football player Cameron Dukes has been named the new head coach of the Adair County High School football team.
Dukes, a 27-year-old native of Shepherdsville, will also begin his teaching career at the high school this fall as a business and marketing teacher and will be leading the FBLA program.
Dukes played for the Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders from 2017 through 2021, helping lead the team to a national championship. He was the starting quarterback in 45 of 49 games where he threw for 10,439 yards and 114 touchdowns.
After earning a master’s degree in business administration, he signed to play indoor football with the Vegas Knight Hawks before joining the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
While playing professionally, Dukes began coaching and training athletes. He also worked with a national seven-on-seven football program.
“It’s always been my dream to play and coach. Fortunately, I was able to start when I played in the CFL. I played a lot of time and won a Grey Cup Trophy there, which is like the Superbowl of Canada,” he said.
“Once this came up, I was kind of on the fence about coaching, and this opportunity came about and I just felt like it was a great boost into what I want to do with the rest of my life.”
Dukes said returning to Columbia was a major factor in accepting the position.
“I thought it was a great opportunity to be able to come back to Columbia, which is a place that I have grown to absolutely love. The community is wonderful. Not only that, but just the support of the community, it’s everything,” said Dukes.
Dukes was initially hired by the district as the business and marketing teacher and expressed interest in assisting with the football program. Following the retirement of Bryan Cross, he applied for the head coaching position.
“Hiring Cameron Dukes is a tremendous addition for Adair County High School. As a former CFL professional athlete and national champion at Lindsey Wilson, Coach Dukes has a unique ability to connect with student-athletes and earn their trust,” said Athletic Director Tyler Maskill. “His attention to detail, championship mindset, and commitment to pushing young men both in the classroom and on the field will have a lasting impact on the program.”
Maskill said Dukes’ staff is shaping up and students are excited to get the season underway.
“Coach Dukes is an exceptional leader, and I have no doubt he will bring great success to Adair County,” he said. “We’re excited to watch the direction of the program and the positive influence he will have in years ahead.”
The football team began summer practice Monday and will continue workouts throughout most of the summer ahead of its season opener in August.
“I am grateful for the opportunity. I am grateful for Mr. Parnell, Mr. Faulkner, and Mr. Maskill for giving me this opportunity to start my coaching journey,” Dukes said.
“I am thankful that they trust me with this program, and I am here to just spread my love for the game to these kids and just try to get some winning football and a product that the community can get behind. All the support that we can get is always grateful. We are here to just pump these kids out and win games.”
Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
