Tony Carter is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chandler Prep High School for AZPreps365.

CHANDLER – High school football is more than just a game, especially in integrated communities. Coach Chris Ator of Chandler Prep is steering the program in a new direction, one that values culture and character as much as it does on the scoreboard. It’s not about building a winning team, but a stronger foundation for the future.

Ator’s extensive football background led him to the position at Chandler Prep. Ator was a former Division III quarterback at Benedictine University and Millikin University, and aspired to become a coach once his playing days were over. 

“I got home and landed a job coaching for the University of Chicago and have been rolling with it ever since,” Ator said. “I moved out here after looking for a change. My stops prior to here just kind of led me to this position. I chose Chandler Prep because I wanted to get somewhere where I can make it my own.”

Ator was hired as the new head football coach at Chandler Prep in February 2023. Shortly after his hiring, Ator made it his mission to place his small program on the map.

“We hit the ground running that same week I was hired with lifts and meetings,” he said. “We go to camp, we do seven-on-sevens during the offseason, and we do a lot of things in-season. We do everything that you would do at some of the big programs.”

Chandler Prep is not known for having playoff success, and is still looking for that elusive first playoff victory in the school’s 20-year history. Entering his third season at the helm, Ator and the Titans are looking to be the first.

While winning is important, Ator has implemented his own style of coaching that has led to a shift in the culture. For the players, building relationships off the field is as important as winning games. 

“I just love the way he reacts when we play well,” junior quarterback Kody Dodson said. “Coach is always eager to give us high-fives after good plays and continue to lead in a positive way.”

Senior wide receiver and linebacker Avery Hamler admires the way Ator leads and holds his players to high standards off the field.

“Even though he is strict on the field, he treats us in a way that shows respect,” Hamler said. 

“That leads us to care more about each other as teammates. He can be more of a jokester at times too and is really a sweetheart.”

For Hamler, Dodson and others on the team, some of their favorite memories involve Ator showing his more human side.

“Last season, I had a big hit on defense,” Hamler said. “When I ran over to the sideline, he was fired up and we chest bumped. I thought it was a funny moment because he barely got off the ground.”

Chandler Prep coach Chris Ator celebrates a touchdown. (Tony Carter photo/AZPreps365)

Assistant coach Samuel Decker, who has been on Chandler Prep’s staff since 2017, said he’s grateful for what Ator has brought to the program.

“It was interesting going from one coach to a different one,” Decker said. “But from the very beginning, he expressed what his expectations were from the guys. He has brought a lot of accountability to the program. The passion he shows makes the kids want to put in hard work.”

Along with coaching, Ator acts as academy operations coordinator. He believes that seeing his players during school hours makes their bond stronger.

“Being a young guy helps me relate to the players more,” said the 33-year-old Ator. “I’m always in the halls and eating lunch with them. There are moments where we have to coach them hard and rip into them, but it comes from a place more of being that big brother who expects more out of them.”

Chandler Prep finished the regular season 7-3. The Titans, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, have the chance to win their first playoff game in school history. The first round begins on Oct. 31, and Chandler Prep is eager to make a statement. 

Ator said he’s especially grateful for the upperclassmen — players who were freshmen or sophomores when he was hired — and praised them for stepping up as respected leaders. He is hopeful for their futures, especially off the field.

“Our job is to build the guys up to become better men,” Ator said. “For me, wins and losses are important, but if they leave here better people I’ve done my job. When they leave here for college, work, and just outside of football, they make a difference as a person.”

Chandler Prep players lift their helmets up in unity after a victory. (Tony Carter photo/AZPreps365)