The saying the “the apple does not not fall far from tree” is never more pointed than when you bring up the Irons family.
In high school basketball in St. Louis, the Irons name still carries weight and, while the first names will be different, the similarities are striking. Floyd and Tony Irons were above-average players in high school, hard workers with a good basketball IQ. The larger schools did not come calling, but they put their alma maters on the map as Floyd attended Langston in Oklahoma and Tony attended the College of the Ozarks in Missouri. Both realized they wanted to stay close to the game, so coaching is the route they took.
The senior Irons went back to his old high school Vashon and had an incredible run that saw a collection of state championships that will be hard to match. Even the naysayers who love to hold Floyd’s feet to fire for other transgressions are still smart enough to give him his due as a coach. His teams always played hard, played impeccable defense and played to win.
Floyd Irons was a no-nonsense coach when it came to getting a player ready for life after their tour of duty at Vashon. No “look at me” hairdos. If you want to go the tattoo route, make sure it’s covered up when you put on the uniform, and there will be no tomfoolery on Coach’s watch.
Floyd was a stickler to detail unlike anyone you would ever see. From what he wore to how the layup line should be run, Floyd Irons never missed anything, including getting the next generation, son Tony, ready for whatever the world had waiting for him. Young Tony had a better attendance at his dad’s practices than some of the players. A slick-handling baller, Tony eyes saw the game through his father’s eyes and started to forge his own path.
Once Tony was bitten by the coaching bug, he had to go through the pledging process. To start at Imagine Academy was a challenge since there was no real program there before his arrival. Tony Irons built a program from scratch. Balls, uniforms and even practice facility were hard to find in the early years, and yet Tony Irons got them deep into the state tournament.
When he learned that Imagine Academy was closing, Irons was never sidetracked or distracted. He landed at a school with even less renown in Madison Prep. Yes, Madison Prep, located on South 7th Street in the City of St. Louis. This prep school was so new the website is still under construction. There is no home gym, with every game being a road game virtually. Tony Irons’ task was to get the players from Imagine to follow.
He managed to deal with it and continue to win. The crowning moment came this year when Irons beat his alma mater Lutheran North and went all the way to win a state championship.
Floyd Irons has a lot to be proud of these days. He had tremendous coaching career. He sent countless kids on to successful careers. And he produced a son who has his own record of success.
“Our approach is similar as we both have tremendous passion for the game and the things that come with it,” said Floyd Irons. “He asked a lot of questions, and I was glad to give him answers as a coach and as a father.”
Tony Irons and Floyd Irons often played the role of fathers with their players.
“When you take on a job as a coach in the city, you have to understand that you are more than a coach and there are many hats to worn,” Tony Irons said. “Being a male role model to these kids is just one.”
Tony Irons can be proud of what he has done, as he has done it on his own. No phone calls to the higher ups on his behalf, no string pulling.
“ I know there would be a challenge being the son of coach Floyd Irons. I was hoping people would judge me on what I am able to do,” he said. “My dad did things his way, and I have done some things differently. Yes, he is my dad and I have gotten so much from him when it comes to learning about the game and life”
He got a chance to coach and he has taken full advantage of it. He has kids believing him and what he is all about, on and off the court. At age 29 he has a lot more to give. Tony Irons is a builder. He took two schools from nothing and gave them pride and hope. One school has great memories, the other a state championship trophy.
For Floyd, coaching will always be in his blood because this is what he does and he does it better than many. He is about to embark on coaching a semi-pro team, so here we go. As for Tony, he should have options. Bigger schools who see his talent as a builder should would want to talk to him. There are some schools in the area that may need to make a phone call.
Either way, life is good in the Irons family. They have endured a lot on and off the court, but they have continued to find each other for strength and guidance. It was 30 years ago this year that Floyd Irons won his first state championship. The race is now on to see whose living room will have the most trophies in the Irons family.
