TOO FAST. TOO STRONG. Mike Srock, with those simple words, laid the foundation for a Byrnes dynasty.
Srock was hired in 1998 as a full time Strength and Speed Coach at Byrnes. That was rare for the time — full-time HS strength coaches — but it proved to be one of the best hires in Byrnes history.
Srock, in his trademark humility, insists that the buy-in from the kids was the real secret to his success as a coach. That likely played a big role.
But Srock revolutionized the idea of HS strength, speed, and conditioning in S.C. His training sessions were hellish and unrelenting, but ultimately, rewarding. He placed heavy priority on what Byrnes athletes did and ate outside of the bounds of school.
And the results were evident quickly.
He insisted that his players would be “too fast, too strong” for opponents to keep up with. That quickly became the case for Byrnes football, which, throughout the 2000’s, began to resemble the shape, size, speed, and athleticism of college programs — all under Srock’s careful preparation and guidance.
Srock stayed in his role at Byrnes from 1998-2021. In that timespan, Rebel athletic programs won a total of 18 state championships, including eight football titles.
“He’s one of the hardest workers on this Earth,” said former Byrnes football HC Bobby Bentley. “He helped me build the program daily. He made us better because his work ethic was contagious, which in turn built resilient players.”
Srock was honored last week with the SCACA Distinguished Service Award. In 2021, he was inducted into the National High School Strength Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Srock was the sturdy foundation of an era of Byrnes football — and athletics as a whole — that will be near-impossible to replicate.
Srock’s still seen frequently around town and on campus. If you see him at the bank or grocery store, say hi. He’s one of the kindest, most down-to-earth people you’ll meet.
And he knows where his heart will always belong.
“Byrnes is a special, special place,” said Srock. “I’m always going to be passionate about the school and the community. Just like everyone here, I bleed blue.
“Once a Rebel, always a Rebel.”
22 days until high school football.
