CLEARFIELD — How many of us can say we have our dream job?
At Clearfield High School, the new head football coach is still pinching himself.
Billy Pluim is taking over from long-time coach Randy Johnson, who stepped aside after a 16-year ride.
"This is my ultimate dream job," Pluim said.
Still, he acknowledges the pressure he may face stepping into some big shoes.
Johnson directed a program that won numerous region titles as well as a state title in 1992. Last year, the Falcons made it to the 5A quarterfinals, where they lost to Hunter. His teams produced several all-region, all-state and Division 1 college players in addition to a couple of NFL players in brothers Kevin Dyson ('92) and Andre Dyson ('97) as well as NFL hopeful Brady Fosmark ('01). Last season, Johnson also surpassed the 100-win mark for his career.
"So, yeah, there is pressure," Pluim admits.
As a former Clearfield player, Pluim is looking forward to the challenge to help his team and players excel. After a decent playing career at Clearfield — in which he was an all-region defensive lineman — Pluim went on to play at Dixie State and then at the University of Utah, where he earned a degree in sports and exercise science with a minor in health.
"Clearfield had no football tradition before coach Johnson took over the program and took it to an amazing level," Pluim said.
Pluim said he's counting on continued support from "a great faculty, parents and administration" to keep the football program at the level Johnson left behind.
The fact that Pluim has been the offensive coordinator at Clearfield under Johnson could smooth the transition a bit. Pluim was also the boys track coach for the Falcons.
As for his immediate plans for Falcon football, Pluim will be adding several new faces along the sidelines this fall as members of the Johnson staff have moved on.
Pluim and his wife, Marissa, have three children: BJ, 6; Niko, 4; and Kate, 2.