Business teacher and head football coach John Heath has always had a passion for superheroes.

Since he was young, he would always enjoy finding comic books at the store and chasing his sisters around acting like Captain America. 

“I ‘borrowed’ my mom’s red oven mitts and took out the trash can lid. I would chase my sisters in the backyard acting like [Captain America],” Heath said. 

Heath has specific reasons for why he likes some superheroes more than others, and the reasons that may surprise you. 

“For DC, it’s Batman. Batman’s ability to get things done, adapt on the fly, placing himself behind the betterment of others. For Marvel, Captain America. Leadership, feeling that everyone has a purpose and no one person is more important than any other, the importance of the team, and his will to achieve his goal no matter how long it takes,” Heath said. 

Heath’s love for superheroes has impacted not only his life in the movie world, but his family life as well. He has turned his passion for superheroes into a family event. He brings his wife and daughters with him for every new film showing on the big screen. 

“I think it’s more my wife begging them to go so they can hang out with me. They are more interested in the snacks and the free dinner,” Heath said. 

The more and more movies made for any franchise–Marvel, DC, or TMNT, it can get repetitive and hard to come up with creative, original ideas. That’s why the little details in up-and-coming movies are important. People want to see good ideas being shown through the screen. Heath said he likes to look for his own little thing in each movie. 

“I try to identify where the directors adjusted the original storylines from the comics and the little easter eggs that are placed throughout the movies,” Heath said. “Their ability to adjust to current times and how we can see deeper into characters and their backstories.” 

One thing that is coming to more movies and shows in Marvel is the “multiverse.” This is a collection of infinitely many alternate realities and dimensions. Lots of people, including Heath, are excited to see where this can take Marvel. This gives Marvel the ability to create its own reality in any direction. Fans know that movies can be a part of any universe and it’s only a positive for Marvel. 

“I think the multiverse gives them the ability to do what the comics did long ago. There were always different teamups with some of your favorite characters for a unique adventure,” Heath said. 

Though there are many opportunities for Marvel, they have had their fair share of bad beats. 

“The first that comes to mind are the attempts of the Fantastic 4,” Heath said when asked about the disappointing projects in the past couple of years.  

Heath has been able to share his love for superheroes with not only his family but with his students and players. His room is decorated with many different superhero drawings, posters, and lots of action figures.

When it comes to coaching, Heath likes to name play calls after certain superheroes. He is able to make learning and playing more fun by doing this for not only the players but himself as well. 

“I feel it goes back to my purpose in life. Everyone has or finds their purpose (like a superhero) and strives to be the best version of themselves for the betterment of others. My purpose is to be the best person I can be to influence others to move in that direction. My experiences as a student and through playing football, have helped me become the person I am today. I try to give back and also protect what helped me for the next generation of teachers and coaches,” Heath said. 

Coming up with your own powers that you hope to have or creating your own superhero is usually on the mind of those who watch superhero movies. Heath is no exception. 

“I would combine the abilities of Batman, and Captain America. I have no idea what my name would be though,” Heath said.