ADM coach joins Creston after controversial exit

After a 10-win football season and a trip to the state semi-finals, ADM head football coach Garrison Carter resigned from the district on May 12, stating it was to “focus on his family and mental health.”

Married to Creston native Jessica (Tamerius) Carter, the coach was approved May 16 to begin at the Creston Community School District as a special education teacher and a part of the Panthers football coaching staff led by Bryan Morrison.

An ADM booster club, Tiger Gridiron Club, is confirming Carter stole money from the organization for personal expenses during his time as head coach after they confronted him about financial irregularities.

Gridiron Club President David Felt said Carter admitted to taking the money and returning it, though no specifics on the amount of money or date taken were provided. Felt said the club is a nonprofit that supports and invests in the ADM football program. He confirmed Carter has since resigned from the Gridiron Club.

Carter’s teaching contract with Creston begins July 1. “Creston Community Schools follows all legal procedures to hire the most qualified candidates and used this process to hire Mr. Carter as a teacher and member of our Panther family,” Creston Superintendent Deron Stender said Wednesday.

Carter was hired as ADM head football coach in 2018. ADM football has had a resurgence under his leadership. With a talented roster coming back, they are considered one of the top teams in the state next season.

The Panthers made a playoff appearance this year, but hope to find more postseason success in the upcoming season.

Felt said there were no formal charges made against Carter as he returned the money to the booster club.