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TEXAS COACH - (ISSN 0040-4241) - Copyright 2024 Texas High School Coaches’ Association, Inc.
PUBLISHER
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION, INC.
PUBLISHING/EDITORIAL OFFICES:
2553 N INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE RD SAN MARCOS, TX 78666-5924 web: www.thsca.com
Subscriptions: Annual subscription to TEXAS COACH for members of the Texas High School Coaches Association is $20.00, which is included in the THSCA membership dues. For non-members, digital versions of the magazine may be accessed for free at www.thsca.com. Single copies are $5.00 per current volume. TEXAS COACH is published monthly except in June, July, and August and is dated the first of the publication month, although it is mailed around the 10th of the publication month.
Change of address: Request for change of address must reach us 30 days before the date of issue with which it is to take effect. Duplicate copies cannot be sent to replace those undelivered through failure to send advance notice. Email change of address notice to admin@thsca.com or members can go online and make the change in your member portal profile at www.thsca.com.
Periodicals Postage Paid at San Marcos, TX & additional entries. “All rights reserved”. (USPS 540-600).
POSTMASTER send address change to:
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION P.O. Drawer 1138
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Printed by Capital Printing Co in Austin, Texas.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JOE MARTIN joemartin@thsca.com
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GLEN WEST glenwest@thsca.com
Chief Operating Officer of THSCA BRIAN POLK brianpolk@thsca.com
Chief Operating Officer of THSCEF LIBBY PACHECO libbypacheco@thsca.com
Director of Publications & Technology BECKY ADAMS beckyadams@thsca.com
Director of Administration
MARGARET BEYER margaretbeyer@thsca.com
Director of Media & Marketing
ANNA BUCKALEW annabuckalew@thsca.com
Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships
MOLLY FLY mollyfly@thsca.com
Director of Membership
ALLIE HERRMANN allieherrmann@thsca.com
SHERYL HONEYCUTT sherylhoneycutt@thsca.com
Director of Hotels & Hospitality
CHELSEA MILLER chelseamiller@thsca.com
Director of Finance & Accounting
KEVIN SMITH kevinsmith@thsca.com
Director of Public Relations & Awards
TYLER WATTS tylerwatts@thsca.com
thsca OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS -
BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEES for 2024-2025:
Finance: Sterling Doty, Dave Henigan, B.J. Gotte, *Kendall Miller, John Snelson, Drew Sanders
Bylaws: Chip Darden, *Chad Dunnam, Joe Hubbard, Todd Quick, Shaun McDowell, Leo Mireles
Ethics: Chris Cochran, *LaQueisha Dickerson, Clint Hartman, Don Hyde, Marvin Sedberry Jr., Fred Staugh
Policy: Jerry Carpentier, Josh Gibson, Brian Randle, *Aaron Roan, Jacob Thompson, Todd Winfrey
Magazine: Kevin Crane, Jeff Ellison, Reuben Farias, Allen Gratts, *Lance Moffett, Juan Morales
Hall of Honor: Dub Farris, Gary Joseph, *Johnny Taylor, Allen Wilson
Director-Elects & Alternates:
DIRECTOR-ELECTS
*Denotes Chair
Region 1 – Andy Cavalier, Canadian; Region 2 – Casey Pearce, Breckenridge; Region 3 – Josh Gibson, Pleasant Grove; Region 4 – Michael Pry, El Paso Coronado; Region 5 – Brian Randle, Randle; Region 6 – Don Hyde, La Vega; Region 7 – Ben Bitner, CC Veterans Memorial; Region 8 – Eddie Salas, San Antonio Harlan;
1ST ALTERNATES
Region 1 – Jason Richards, Muleshoe; Region 2 – Sammy Burnett Brownwood; Region 3 – Marcus Shavers, North Forney; Region 4 – Daren Walker, El Paso Franklin; Region 5 – Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point; Region 6 – Clint Fuller, Kilgore; Region 7 – David Sanchez, Laredo United; Region 8 – Tony Salazar, Westlake;
2nd ALTERNATES
Region 1 – Aaron Dunnam, Dumas; Region 2 – Mike Reed, Gordon; Region 3 – Antonio Wiley, Coppell; Region 4 – Frank Maldonado, Midl. Legacy; Region 5 – Travis Reeve, El Campo; Region 6 – Shane Tolleson, Waxahachie; Region 7 – JC Ramirez, Jr., Veterans Memorial; Region 8 – Doug Warren, Wimberley;
chip darden region 1 - lub. cooper
chad dunnam region 1 - amarillo
kendall miller past-Pres - emerson
drew sanders Pres-elect - vandegrift
john snelson President - dickinson
dave henigan region 3 - denton ryan
sterling doty region 2 - stephenville
aaron roan region 2 - abl. cooper
kevin crane region 2 - midway
todd winfrey region 1 - canyon
clint hartman region 4 - midl. legacy
fred staugh region 4 - monahans
marvin sedberry jr. region 3 - terrell
josh gibson (interim) region 3 - Pleasant Grove
allen gratts region 3 - arl. bowie
b.j. gotte (interim) region 5 - pearland
laqueisha dickerson region 5 - timberview
shaun mcdowell
brian randle (interim)
jeff ellison
jerry carpentier
chris cochran
jacob
lance moffett
2024-2025 THSCA ADVISORY COMMITTEES
ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
R-1 Jason Richards, Muleshoe
R-2 Russell Lucas, Sweetwater
R-3 Seth Stinton, Melissa
R-4 *Jaime Boswell, Andrews
R-5 Virginia Flores, Cy-Fair
R-6 Don Drake, Ennis
R-7 Rob Davies, Harlingen
R-8 Stan Laing, Northside
ATHLETIC TRAINERS
R-1 Steven Ortiz, Midl. Legacy
R-2 Billy Abbe, Abilene
R-3 *Mike Harrison, Allen
R-4 Isaac Wimberley, Lub. Cooper
R-5 Aimee Williams, Fort Bend
R-6 Greg Goerig, Midlothian
R-7 Benjamin Garcia, Harlingen
R-8 Chad Hennessey, Georgetown
AQUATICS
R-1 OPEN
R-2 Casey Pacheco, Abl. Wylie
R-3 Eric Vogan, Texas High
R-4 *Michael Waldmann, Andrews
R-5 Robert Kelly, Pasadena
R-6 Daniel Gonzalez, Longview
R-7 Hector Castaneda Jr., Harl. South
R-8 Kari Brothers, Northside
BASEBALL
R-1 Thomas Brockman, Idalou
R-2 Allen McGee, Graham
R-3 Josh Wheeler, Muenster
R-4 Juan Orozco, EP Coronado
R-5 *Corey Cephus, Cy-Ranch
R-6 Matthew Anderson, Franklin
R-7 Adrian Alaniz, Sinton
R-8 Tom Alfieri, SA Churchill
BOYS BASKETBALL
R-1 Jason Pillion, Amarillo
R-2 *C.J. Villegas, Brady
R-3 Ty Tabor, Krum
R-4 Jason Archibald, Wink
R-5 Danny Russell, Friendswood
R-6 Jake Russ, Franklin
R-7 Sean Armstrong, G. Portland
R-8 Andrew Brewer, Alamo Heights
At-Large Samuel Benitez, North Shore
GIRLS BASKETBALL
R-1 Tyler Helms, Idalou
R-2 *Kenni Patton, Electra
R-3 Donna McCullough, Sachse
R-4 Steve Lee, Pebble Hills
R-5 Christina Jamerson, Dulles
R-6 Marcus Willis, La Vega
R-7 Ashley Moncivaiz, Harlingen
R-8 Christina Camacho, Judson
At-Large Brooke Brittain, Mansfield
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
R-1 Jay McCook, Canadian
R-2 Glenn Griffin, Holliday
R-3 *Logan Kelly, Lovejoy
R-4 Alonzo Samaniego, Presidio
R-5 Kenneth Decuir, Paetow
R-6 Josh Sypert, Eustace
R-7 Efrain Ambriz, Harlingen
R-8 Kelly Thompson, Leander Rouse
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
R-1 Ray Baca, Canyon
R-2 Loy Triana, Burkburnet
R-3 *Susan Bailey, Highland Park
R-4 Corina Marrufo, Del Valle
R-5 Jim Darcey, Katy
R-6 Edward DeLaCruz, Waxahachie
R-7 Joey Rendon, Santa Gertrudis
R-8 Rachel Freeman, SA Reagan
At-Large Karmen Sanders, Taylor
FOOTBALL
6-Man Josh Stanaland, Jayton
R-1 Jason Richards, Muleshoe
R-2 Sterling Doty, Stephenville
R-3 *Joe Castillo, Little Elm
R-4 Ruben Rodriguez, Eastlake
R-5 Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point
R-6 Clint Fuller, Kilgore
R-7 Brent Davis, G. Portland
R-8 Alan Haire, Jarrell
BOYS GOLF
R-1 Justin Wilborn, Lub. Cooper
R-2 Jason Hodges, Stephenville
R-3 Charlie Means, Denison
R-4 Paul Bustamante, Pebble Hills
R-5 *Mike Martin, Memorial
R-6 Brant Bennett, Midlothian Heritage
R-7 Celso Gonzalez, McAllen Mem.
R-8 Glenn Phair, New Braunfels
At-Large Paige Martin, Southlake
GIRLS GOLF
R-1 OPEN
R-2 Chris Sims, Abilene Cooper
R-3 Kerry Gabel, FM Marcus
R-4 Shawn Trousdale, Eastwood
R-5 *Angela Chancellor, Kingwood Park
R-6 Joel Davenport, Ennis
R-7 Jennifer Ruiz, McAllen
R-8 Patrick Pruitt, Westlake
At-Large Brent McCuiston, Alamo Heights
BOYS SOCCER
R-1 Hugo Aguillon, West Plains
R-2 Justin Rhodes, Stephenville
R-3 Pablo Regalado, Kemp
R-4 OPEN
R-5 *Ben Powell, Bellville
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Julian Robles, Harl. South
R-8 David Rogers, SA Lee
At-Large Jason Meekins, Katy Jordan
GIRLS SOCCER
R-1 Alistair Caldwell, Lub. Coronado
R-2 Carl Wiersema, WF Rider
R-3 Kelly Thompson, Allen
R-4 OPEN
R-5 *Evelyn Torres, Ridge Point
R-6 Gerald Slovacek, Midlo. Heritage
R-7 OPEN
R-8 Bailee Perrine, Dripping Springs
At-Large Aaron McGough, Highland Park
SOFTBALL
R-1 Styler Haddock, Canyon
R-2 Cynthia Herrera, Stamford
R-3 *Kathy Schoettle, Allen
R-4 Lindsie Swarb, Monahans
R-5 Katie Roberts, Brenham
R-6 Same Weeks, Troup
R-7 Audra Troutman, Sinton
R-8 Jennifer Fox, Alamo Heights
TENNIS
R-1 OPEN
R-2 *Carrie Castleberry, Vernon
R-3 Sylvia Sims, Frisco Heritage
R-4 OPEN
R-5 Daniel Marshall, A&M Consol.
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Eddie Marquez, Roma
R-8 OPEN
BOYS TRACK & FIELD
R-1 Jon Murphy, Stratford
R-2 Andy Howard, Goldthwaite
R-3 *Janson Head, Denton Ryan
R-4 Brien Burchett, Greenwood
R-5 Jason Haddock, Clements
R-6 Josh Rankin, Longview
R-7 Bob Bechtold, McAllen
R-8 OPEN
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
R-1 Crista Jones, Lub. Monterey
R-2 *Jeremiah Butchee, Stephenville
R-3 Ashley Broom, Sunnyvale
R-4 Robert Ontiveroz, Monahans
R-5 David Pollack, Seven Lakes
R-6 Jordan Johnson, Midway
R-7 Stacy Zamzow, Goliad
R-8 Jen McHugh, SA Reagan
VOLLEYBALL
R-1 Kelly Lozada, Lubbock Monterey
R-2 Shay Douglas, Stephenville
R-3 Jennifer Chandler, Northwest
R-4 Heather Archibald, Wink
R-5 Jenny Adcock, Stratford
R-6 Arden Johnson, Troup
R-7 Jess Odem, Goliad
R-8 *Rachel Torvik, SA Reagan
At-Large Kayla Allen, Vista Ridge
BOYS WRESTLING
R-1 Dalton Clear, Canyon
R-2 OPEN
R-3 *Kyle Stevens, Anna
R-4 Oscar Norez, EP Montwood
R-5 Vinnie Lowe, Katy
R-6 Collin Stroner, Midlothian Heritage
R-7 Donald "Ed" Arvin, CC Veterans Memorial
R-8 David Burdick, Vista Ridge
GIRLS WRESTLING
R-1 *Tyler Frausto, Canyon
R-2 OPEN
R-3 Tiffany Mangini, Flower Mound
R-4 Stephen Scott, EP Franklin
R-5 Nicholas Johnson, Cy-Woods
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Ronald Pratt, Rio Grande City
R-8 Garvin Smith, San Marcos
*DENOTES CHAIR
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
THSCA Coaches,
October 2024
It seems like we were leaving Coaching School just yesterday, and now we are already halfway through the fall semester. It always amazes me when I visit with coaches from across the state at how many things our coaches juggle on a daily basis and still manage to keep relationships the top priority. As our coaches grind through the second half of fall sports, no one realizes the many tasks that you take on each day. Football, Volleyball, Team Tennis and Cross Country are all well into their district schedule with the district certification less than a month away. Basketball, Wrestling, and Soccer will soon begin, and the season of the coach will continue as many will enter a second sport. The full-time commitment to your sports, while teaching class, attending faculty meetings, driving buses, counseling athletes, and having a family sets the coach apart from any other job in education.
Thank you all to all who have signed up and are committed to play “The Texas Way”. It is our job to model the values of good sportsmanship to our athletes and community. Also thank you to those who hosted an “Officials Appreciation Game”, it is important for us to let everyone know that we appreciate them while they are helping us participate in our games and matches. Basketball coaches, please remember to participate in “Our Day to Shine” for your first home scrimmage. With that being said, THANK YOU to all the teams, coaches, schools, and fans that participated in “Our Day to Shine” this fall. I want to remind everyone that money raised through this event goes to our coaches and players who endure hardship or tragedy. Many have been grateful recipients of the proceeds from this program, and we want to continue to build that program for future needs.
We are preparing for a Legislative Session and elections in November. Coach Martin and Coach West do such a tremendous job of keeping us informed of dates that we need to be aware of and what role we must play to continue to protect athletics as we know it in Texas public schools. It is our responsibility as coaches to act when called upon, especially now, in support of public education. Please get out and VOTE PURPLE in support of Public Education.
You are all aware of the THSCA Academic All-State teams that are named throughout the year. This is such an awesome way to bring recognition to athletes who do a great job of balancing athletics and academics. Coaches, please check the THSCA calendar for the nomination deadline in your respective sport. Volleyball, Water Polo, Team Tennis, and Cross Country must be submitted by November 1, 2024. Please take advantage of this opportunity to highlight these deserving athletes and your athletic program.
Two more new opportunities to celebrate your athletes and your program are the Super Elite Teams and our Coach of the Year award. Nominations for both start this month. Be on the lookout for emails and updates on the THSCA website for the nomination window for your sport.
Finally, thank you to all that take time to recognize and show appreciation for the teachers on your campuses. All these things you do to bring recognition to others serve as examples to our athletes, our communities, and our nation on how to focus more on others than ourselves.
Good luck to each of you as you finish your fall seasons, and I wish each of you success. Never lose sight of the magnitude of how much you impact our athletes, schools, and communities.
John Snelson, THSCA President
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Obituaries
COACH JOE NEIL BAIN
Joe Neil Bain, 83, of Amarillo, TX passed away September 2, 2024. Joe was born December 21, 1940. He graduated from Stinnett High School in 1959 then obtained his teaching degree from West Texas University in 1964. Joe taught and coached at Stinnett High School, Memphis High School, and Amarillo High School over 30 years.
Joe received a 25 year recognition award for being a member of Texas High School Coaches Association, THCA Track and Field Outstanding Achievement Award in 1996, Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame for Track Coach of the Year in 2004, and in 2014 he was inducted into the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame as the 164th member.
Joe will always be remembered for his dedication to education, sports, and students. His love for teaching and Amarillo High School was immeasurable. Joe was a faithful member of Amarillo Central Church of Christ for 40 years. He always loved to talk about his love for God and Christ. Joe will be missed by his family, friends, and thousands of students he was always ready to brag about!
COACH BILL (WILLIAM) BAINE
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Coach Bill Baine, a cherished mentor, beloved coach, and guiding light to countless athletes and coaches. Bill Baine departed this world on August 29, 2024, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him.
Coach Baine’s journey began with a passion for sports and a fervent desire to inspire others. His early years were marked by a natural athleticism and a dedication to excellence that would define his career. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Physical Education, Bill embarked on a path that would see him become a beloved figure in the world of coaching. He started his coaching career at his alma mater, Killeen HS before taking the roll of Offensive Coordinator at Van Horn HS in West Texas, before taking the same position for one year at Rosebud-Lott HS where after one season he was promoted to Head Coach and Athletic Director.
Over a remarkable career spanning four decades, Coach Baine made an indelible impact on both high school athletes and coaches. His tenure as head coach for the Rosebud-Lott High School was marked by numerous playoff wins in seven trips to the playoffs, two District Championships and the 2002 Class 2A – Division II State Football Championship, as well as a reputation for fostering not only skilled athletes but also well-rounded individuals. His teams were known for their discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship—qualities that reflected his own values and commitment to excellence.
Beyond the victories and accolades, Coach Baine's true legacy lies in the lives he touched. Known for his unwavering support, encouragement, and the occasional tough love, he was a mentor who inspired confidence and resilience. The field house door was always open, and his door always welcoming. Many former players and coaches recall his insightful guidance and the personal growth they experienced under his tutelage.
When he was in the fourth grade his teacher had every student stand up in the front of the classroom and tell the class what they wanted to be when they grew up. Bill told his classmates that he wanted to play ball as long as he could and then he wanted to coach it after that. He achieved his dream.
Coach Baine was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother. He is survived by two brothers of Temple and San Antonio and his sister of Alabama. He is also remembered fondly by his extended family, friends, and the countless students and athletes whose lives he transformed.
Coach Bill Baine's spirit and dedication will be dearly missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he inspired and the community he so lovingly served.
OCTOBER 2024
The Texas High School Coaches Association recognizes the devastating toll the fentanyl crisis has on our communities. As leaders in athletics and education, we have a unique platform to address this issue. We are committed to equipping our coaches with the necessary tools to educate both their athletes and communities about the dangers of overdoses and the steps they can take to prevent misuse.
To amplify this effort, THSCA has proudly partnered with the Safety Blitz Foundation to create the Coaches vs. Overdoses program. Their research shows over 65% of teens are less likely to misuse prescription drugs if they are aware of the dangers and omnipresence of fentanyl in counterfeit products sold on the streets like fake pills and illegal vapes. This initiative is designed to provide coaches with simple, evidence-based resources to help spread critical messages about fentanyl misuse and overdose prevention. - Joe Martin, THSCA Executive Director
PLEASE BE ADVISED: TEXAS COACH magazine will be making some changes to our delivery and publication protocols for the 24-25 school year. The THSCA Board of Directors voted to continue publishing 9 issues concurrent with the school year (SEPTEMBER 2024-MAY 2025); however, due to an extreme increase in production costs, we will only be printing and mailing 5 issues. All other issues will be delivered 100% digitally via email. Those who have chosen email delivery as their preference will continue to receive all 9 issues digitally. Those that select mail preference will receive September, November, January, March, and May issues in their mailbox and October, December, February, and April via email link. We appreciate your understanding as we know this magazine is a very important asset to the value of our association and its members!
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10 THINGS I'VE LEARNED
After 26 years of coaching and 12 years of being an Athletic Coordinator and Head Coach, I just recently decided to step down from my position. After reflecting on the past years, I decided to produce a top ten list of lessons I have learned during this time. I wish I had known most of this when I started, but hopefully some new head coaches can take a few of these lessons and find them useful.
10. Know your priorities in life: Head coaches in general are driven and highly motivated and take their jobs home with them seven days a week. The time you spend at home working or thinking about your job is time you will never get back with your loved ones or with different interests you may have. Something I wished I could have done was have a side hobby, something to take my mind off the job and get away for a few hours.
9. Do not let your ego get in the way: Coaching is not about coaches, but the kids. We are extremely competitive people and want to win at everything we do, but at the end of the day it is about providing student athletes with the lifelong lessons they will utilize later in life. As I have learned, if you concentrate on this concept, winning usually takes care of itself. Also, a head coach should be a collaborator and be able to accept advice from your staff and even your players. There are so many great ideas that are dismissed because of the source.
8. Be a great listener: As I stated before, do not be afraid to listen and acknowledge ideas coming
BY CHARLEY DRUM THSCA PAST DIRECTOR - STONY POINT HIGH SCHOOL
from your staff or players. Getting as many people invested in your goal will be extremely beneficial in the execution. I have also learned that listening is the best way to deescalate a situation with a parent. Often, once the parent unloads without an interruption or argument, the situation becomes less volatile, and the conversation becomes more productive. Listening to parents does not mean you have to agree with their position, but it signals you have acknowledged their concern, and in most cases, you can agree to disagree.
7. Know your staff: Evaluate people’s actions, not their motivations. Know their strengths and weaknesses and put them to work for your program. Try not to put people in untenable situations and reward them with tasks or positions that match their abilities. Assistants all over the state have the goal of becoming a coordinator or a head coach, but do not realize the time, stress, and work involved in the position. Honestly, there are coaches that are much more suited to an assistant role. Being able to recognize this with their actions over the years will help in making decisions about promotions.
6. Complaining never solves anything: Whether it is facilities, talent base, or scheduling, complaining has never been the answer. We teach kids to be accountable and being able to overcome adversity; as head coaches, we need to be able to model this behavior no matter what the situation is. As a head coach, we can only control what we can control and whining or making excuses for any
kind of setback can be extremely detrimental to the overall message we are trying to convey to our players.
5. Appreciate the hard times: Few people talk or write about the tough and challenging times as a head coach. As we all know, depression, sadness ,and frustration are all part of the life of a head coach. You need to embrace these struggles, not linger in them; but acknowledging these feelings makes the successes later that much more rewarding. Talking about these emotions with your athletes provides them with a blueprint on how to handle real life situations later in their adult life.
4. Positive energy: Try and surround yourself with positive people. There is nothing more draining than being around “glass half empty” individuals. There is so much negativity in our society today, kids and coaches need the positivity that athletic programs provide. Try and find the unseen benefit of any situation and vocalize this to your coaches and kids. This often becomes contagious within your program.
3. Do not hold grudges: Being a head coach, you will encounter many negative comments within your organization and in your community. In my experience, you must have thick skin and be able to take this criticism and let it fuel you and your team. I have always chalked it up to passion for their kid or the program or in many cases, just plain ignorance. Unfortunately, head coaches must work with everyone, both supporters and
detractors. A pet peeve of mine is a coach that holds a grudge with a kid. We often forget the mistakes and stupid mistakes we made as kids. Some of the best success stories in high school athletics are kids who overcame mistakes in their younger years and become important and vocal leaders for their programs.
2. Things will end: No matter how long your tenure as a head coach might last, enjoy and be grateful for everything you have accomplished, and more importantly the relationships you have formed during your stint. Head coaches impact more kids yearly than most during their entire lifetime. Have fun, laugh, and enjoy your athletes and coaches. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule had a great quote earlier this year, “This is a life we have chosen. This world, to me, is always like the mafia. You get hired, eventually you get whacked, and you live as much as you can in between.” No matter how your tenure ends, do not forget to have fun.
1. Be yourself: Remember you are in this position because people believed in you and your skill set. The position of head coach is something people everywhere can only dream about. Everyone thinks they can do your job and will often tell you about it or give you advice concerning your program. Remember what got you here and stay strong with your ideals and philosophy. Everyone outside of your program has some sort of agenda. There is nothing more satisfying than doing it “your way.” To all the new head coaches across the state this year, good luck and enjoy the ride.
wit wisdom&
SPORTSMANSHIP
"Talent wins games, but teamwork & intelligence wins championships."
Michael Jordan
“If character is what you do when no one is watching, then sportsmanship is that conduct with everybody watching.”
Bob Ley
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
Xunzi
“One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it.”
Knute Rockne
"Class is striving hard to be the best at what you do while taking the needs of others into consideration."
Roger Staubach
"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."
John Wooden
" The five S's of sports training are: Stamina, Speed, Strength, Skill and Spirit; but the greatest of these is spirit."
Ken Doherty
RESTRAINT
"Sometimes our power resides not in what we do, but in what we don't do."
Paulo Coelho
"Destructive thoughts and emotions undermine the very cause of peace and happiness. If you think clearly about it, it makes no sense to think you're seeking happiness, if you do nothing to restrain angry, spiteful, and malicious thoughts and emotions."
Dalai Lama
"There is always a limit to self-indulgence, but none to self-restraint."
Mahatma Gandhi
“Not to have control over the senses is like sailing in a rudderless ship; bound to break to pieces on coming in contact with the very first rock.”
Mahatma Gandhi
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ESTABLISHING AN IDENTITY FOR YOUR PROGRAM
CREATING CONSISTENT HABITS TO IDENITY YOUR PROGRAM
By Kevin Thomas CAddo mills high school
As I prepare to enter year 20 of coaching, I reflect back on year 19 and look at areas that I can improve on: things that went well, things that didn’t, and most importantly, was I impactful for kids? As the good word tells us on Sunday mornings, we will never be perfect. However, in the coaching world, great coaches are never satisfied with anything less than perfect and are going to keep striving for that perfection.
Quick little background info: I’ve spent most of my 19 years coaching in the DFW metroplex where I have had the privilege of coaching under some phenomenal leaders and being a part of some tremendous coaching staffs. My roles have included: Asst. Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, and just about every football position there is to coach, as well as roles in men’s track, women’s track, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball. I only include these roles to say that I’ve had the opportunity to work with several different programs and types of kids.
As I was preparing to write this article, I asked several head coaches, “What is your program’s identity?” You would be surprised at the number of different responses that I received. Some consistent responses, some completely different responses, and some were not really sure what their identity is. There is no right or wrong answer, but you better know what one or two things you are going to hang your hat on for your program. If you don’t have an identity, you probably find yourself spinning in circles from year to year trying to figure out how to get better. I believe identities look completely different from coach to coach, community to community, type of kids to type of kids, etc. So how do you figure that out? It has to start with an honest evaluation of the program. Whether you take a new head coaching position, or you just want to re-evaluate your program after a less than successful
year, you need to take a look at what is consistently being done well and what is not. For an Athletic Director/Head Football Coach, you have to look at each role separately. You should look specifically at your overall athletic program and then specifically at your football program. Maybe it’s that your kids are small, but really fast and athletic. So, you are going to focus on speed, quickness, timing, etc., and game plan according to those strengths. Maybe your kids are really big and strong, but really slow and unathletic. Well, you’re probably going to focus on power and explosiveness while trying to chip away at getting faster and more agile. Whatever the case is, evaluate the program, be honest about the things that your kids are not great at, and formulate a consistent plan to maintain the strengths while trying to close the gaps of the program weaknesses.
When my family and I were re-locating from the metroplex, as I interviewed for jobs, one of the questions that I asked each AD was, “What is the identity of your athletic program?,” for two reasons. First, I wanted to know above all else what they are about and in which direction we are leading young men and women. Secondly, I wanted to know if I would be a good fit for them based on those discussions. After six different interviews, our family ended up in Caddo Mills; I didn’t know anything about Kodi Crane (AD) or too much about Caddo Mills, but after spending the day with Coach Crane, I felt like I had a very good understanding about what he was about and the vision of where he wanted to take the athletic program. When I asked him what the identity of the football program was, he told me that they hang their hat on three things: Intense Strength and Conditioning, Character Education, and Competition. Coach Crane felt like with the type of kids we have here, and the great administration and community support we get, that these three things are something our kids can consistently do
really well. Right or wrong, win or lose, everyone involved in the program could stand behind these things.
In looking at the identity of our athletic program as a whole (which includes every sport we offer plus all offseasons), you can walk into our team room and you will see really quickly what we are about. There are two pillars at the front of the room that rise from floor to ceiling. The first pillar is labeled “Physical Toughness”, the second one, “Mental Toughness”. Here at Caddo Mills, “physical toughness is defined by our breaking point”. “Mental toughness is defined by our response to adversity”. And it is important that we challenge our athletes consistently in these two areas during off-season, as well as inseason practices and lifting so that it becomes habit for competition. One thing we do here that has a direct impact on our mental and physical toughness is STRONGLY encourage all of our kids to run track. We build in track workouts into our athletic period so that all kids at some point are on the track each week. And 50 second runs are part of our testing and record board system. Now, are we perfect? No, we are not and probably never will be. There will be times where one of our kids doesn’t handle a frustrating situation well and gets an unsportsmanlike penalty or a technical foul, because at the end of the day, kids are kids and are still learning how to handle those situations. However, we strive for that perfection, and you better believe when our kids come up short in these areas that are the identity of our program, that it will be addressed and re-focused. EVERY TIME.
This is just what we believe in and what we feel like OUR kids can have success with. In the five year span that Coach Crane has been the Athletic Director at Caddo Mills where this identity has been established, there have been tremendous strides and improvement in our programs. This year alone, every one of our women’s sports programs reached the post-season and all but two of our men’s programs did the same. Are we contending for state titles yet? No, not yet, but our programs are improving each year and continuing to head in the right direction. However, it takes more than ideas and talk. It takes action. With the athletic leadership we have in Coach Crane and Coach Camacho (Girl’s Coordinator), they have been able to establish these identities and have instilled in their coaches to understand, adhere to, and consistently coach these expectations. I feel that our staff does a really good job with this.
Whatever you decide your identity is, no matter what sport or program, one thing over my last 19 years has consistently remained the same……Integrity and discipline will always win. In my opinion, these two pieces are the ULTIMATE PILLARS of any successful athletic program.
It doesn’t matter what the identity of your program is, without these two things, it may not matter. Sure, you can have success here and there because of talent, but you cannot sustain a championship program for multiple years without consistent discipline and integrity. And I offer a sincere gratitude to the men and women who coached long before I joined the profession (and to those still coaching) that have established these foundational pieces in their athletic programs so that I have been able to see exactly just how monumental these pillars are.
One of the best true examples of “Integrity first” that comes to mind is the situation that happened just a few years ago at the 2019 Football State Championship game when the Galena Park North Shore leadership had to make a very difficult decision to send their 5-star RB home and not allow him to play in the title game due to an infraction of team rules. That is a true example of faith and belief in what their program is built on and that win or lose, the integrity of the program was the most important thing. In a quote in the Dallas Morning News, Coach Jon Kay said, “Obviously the stage [State Championship] is what it is, but the integrity of this program comes first!” In another story, the Austin American Statesman titled their front page, “North Shore strutted to its state title with integrity”. Had they made an exception and allowed the kid to play, would the outcome have been the same? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe the ball bounces Duncanville’s way a few more times and it’s a different story. For me, I can’t help but think about the same stage one year earlier with the Hail Mary ending. I truly believe that when you do things right, at some point, success is going to find your program. Because integrity and discipline always win. Maybe it finds your program at a time when it is least expected or your back is against the wall, like a Hail Mary situation. I applaud the leadership at North Shore for putting the integrity of the program first, even at the most critical time.
In closing, I would like to remind you that these are just some of the things that I have experienced in my career and truly believe. There are a ton of great athletic programs in the state of Texas who do some really great things. I think it is wise to self-reflect on these things from time to time, just as you would self-scout offense or defense at the end of the season to make sure you’re giving your kids the best chance of success both on and off the field or court. Whatever you decide on, stay consistent and keep the integrity and discipline in place. Again, I appreciate every Head Coach and Athletic Director that I have worked for, as I have learned a great deal from each of you. I am extremely proud to be a High School Coach in Texas and I wish all of you nothing but the best for your programs.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT REMOVAL
By Jaleesa Mackey MS, ATC, LAT, CES from Dell Children's
When performed correctly, emergency equipment removal for contact sports is imperative to improve patient outcomes of suspected head and spinal injuries. Athletic trainers are specifically trained to provide care and remove equipment in these emergencies (Boergers et al. 2019). The most recent recommendations state that protective equipment should be removed at the venue or site while maintaining stabilization of the cervical spine before transportation (Prentice, 2021). 52.44% of medical personnel believe that on-field removal of athletic equipment will only result in less head/neck movement, whereas 64.08% believe that removal will expedite care and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes (Boergers et al. 2019). This is due to the lack of trained medical personnel at each event. Athletic trainers must work with local EMS and team physicians to practice equipment removal as often as possible before and during the sports season. Proper access to medical personnel in these events will ultimately lead to improved outcomes for the athlete.
Protective equipment may interfere with the ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and apply AED pads in an emergency (Bowman et al., 2020). The thickness of the chest plates and shoulder pads can interfere with the depth and speed of compressions. Coaches, Athletic Trainers, and medically trained professionals should be aware of quick-release functions that may be available on the shoulder pads. Most manufacturers of football
shoulder pads have created a quick-release system to allow for expedited and high-quality compressions (Bowman et al., 2020). Recent studies have shown no difference in CPR quality for lacrosse athletes with and without pads, which contradicts other authors whose studies focused on athletes’ football pads. Football pads are much thicker than lacrosse pads, which may explain the discrepancy (Bowman et al., 2020).
All emergency equipment removal procedures should be outlined in the most recent EAP with all Athletic Trainers, EMS personnel, team physicians, and coaches. It is imperative that the medical team work together and have rehearsed procedures to ensure proper care of the injured athlete. At least three personnel from the medical team should be readily available to assist with all equipment removal. The following procedures are from the 17th edition of the Principles of Athletic Training: A guide to evidence based clinical practice, by William E. Prentice.
Face Mask Removal
The face mask is usually attached to the helmet by four fasteners. The two side fasteners should be removed first, followed by the two top fasteners. Newer helmets typically have quick-release fasteners that help with decreasing movement.
It is recommended that the face mask be removed using tools and techniques that require the least amount of movement of the cervical spine.
1. Electric screwdrivers
2. Anvil Pruner (cutting device)
3. FM Extractor (cutting device)
Helmet Removal
Two providers are required for proper helmet removal.
1. Provider 1 maintains stabilization of the cervical spine using the “head squeeze” technique or the “trap squeeze method”
2. Provider 2 cuts the front of the jersey in a T-pattern
3. Provider 2 cuts the right and left chest straps, as well as the front straps or strings
4. Provider 2 cuts the chin strap and removes the jaw pads from the helmet
5. Provider 2 reaches under the shoulder pads from the front and takes over cervical spine stabilization
6. Provider 1 removes the helmet, then resumes control of the cervical spine
Shoulder Pad Removal
There are three techniques available depending on the number of personnel in the medical team.
1. The Elevated Torso Technique is used when the shoulder pads have not been cut posteriorly
a. Provider 2 reaches under shoulder pads from the front and assumes control of the cervical spine.
b. Providers 3 and 4 tilt the athlete 30-45 degrees at the waist.
c. Provider 1 removes shoulder pads axially (towards the head).
2. The Flat Torso Technique is used if the shoulder pads are cut anteriorly and posteriorly.
a. Provider 2 reaches under shoulder pads from the front and assumes control of the cervical spine.
b. Providers 1 and 3 remove the shoulder pads by sliding them laterally from underneath the athlete.
3. The 8-Person Lift
a. Provider 1 maintains stabilization of the cervical spine while providing commands
to Providers 2-7 to lift the athlete 1 foot off the ground.
b. Provider 8 slides a spine board under the athlete.
c. Provider 9 slides shoulder pads from underneath the athlete without disrupting Provider 1.
d. Provider 1 commands the team to lower the athlete onto the spine board.
After all equipment removal procedures have been executed safely, administer a rigid cervical collar to the athlete before beginning transport to an emergency facility. The Athletic Trainer or team physician should stay with the athlete and monitor vitals until transportation is available or advanced medical professionals are ready to take full care of the athlete. Ensure you brief the medical team of the events up until the release of care.
Ensuring proper equipment removal by medical professionals; who are familiar with the indications and contraindications for equipment removal and equipped with the precise knowledge and skills (Boergers et al., 2019), is vital to improved outcomes of head/neck spinal injuries. Emergency department clinicians lack familiarity with protective equipment, which can lead to longer removal times (Boergers et al., 2019) and decrease immediate care of the athlete. In conclusion, Athletic Trainers need to revise emergency management guidelines for equipmentintensive sports, establishing procedures with the personnel that they have available to aid. Coaches are an important resource, who can be trained and proficient in assisting with equipment removal. With recurrent preparation, involving all personnel, effective on-field equipment removal in emergencies will ensure the best care of the athlete.
References
Boergers, R. J., Bowman, T. G., Sgherza, N., Montjoy, M., Lu, M., & O’Brien, C. W. (2019). An Investigation of Athletic Trainers’ Emergency Management Practices for Equipment-Intensive Sports. International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training, 24(6), 235–242.
Prentice, W. E. (2021). Principles of athletic training: A guide to evidencebased clinical practice. McGraw-Hill Education.
Bowman, T. G., Boergers, R. J., Lininger, M. R., Kilmer, A. J., Ardente, M., D’Amodio, G., Hughes, C., & Murphy, M. (2020). Lacrosse protective equipment and the initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and time to first automated external defibrillator shock. Journal of Athletic Training, 57(8), 748–755.
the texas way :
Building a legacy of lasting change
It’s time to build more than a great
initiative.
The Opportunity for Positive Change
It’s no secret that sportsmanship is at an all-time low.
Between 2017-2018 and 2022-2023, ejections among student-athletes have doubled from 1,568 to 3,199. Over that same time period, coach ejections have increased an infuriating 50%. And that’s to say nothing of fan ejections, fan behavior, and the unhinged comments found on social media.
These aren’t just statistics. These are the evidence of a growing threat to athletics as we know it. Every athletic director and coach I talk to in Texas and
beyond feels the same urgency: we need to act now. Why? Because sportsmanship is foundational to education-based athletics.
Sportsmanship isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a musthave.
Bad sportsmanship will be used by those who want to decrease school or athletic funding, remove athletic periods, or lower the standard for who can and can’t coach in Texas. Bad sportsmanship is one of the main reasons current officials hang up their whistle and get out of the game. Most importantly though, sportsmanship sets the tone for how our students
will face adversity, treat others, and succeed not just on the field, but in life.
Sportsmanship is about so much more than a game. That’s why we launched The Texas Way.
Introducing The Texas Way
The Texas Way (PlayTheTexasWay.com) is a joint sportsmanship initiative, founded by the Texas High School Coaches Association, the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association, and 2Words Character Development. It’s more than just an initiative—it’s a movement toward better sportsmanship, one that will ripple out into every aspect of our schools and communities.
Our goals are clear and powerful:
1. Reduce ejections at UIL sporting events.
2. Elevate the quality of sportsmanship throughout the state.
3. Strengthen communities, as well as the relationships among coaches, athletes, officials, and fans.
Thanks to the generous support of Mammoth Sports Construction (MammothBuilt.com), we’re providing a video-based curriculum that’s free to schools, focusing on the “Three Pillars of The Texas Way”:
• Respect for Others: The Texas Way teaches respect that goes beyond the scoreboard. It’s about who we are, not what others do.
• Control of Self: This pillar is about maintaining composure and grace, especially when the stakes are high. The Texas Way encourages handling challenges with class.
• Spirit of Competition: We’re here to win, but not at the cost of integrity. The Texas Way promotes giving your best effort while holding true to your values.
Keeping the Momentum Going
We’ve already seen incredible success! Since its launch this summer, over 4,000 coaches from onethird of Texas districts have registered. It’s a great start, but we know that creating lasting change requires sustained effort. Here’s how we can keep that momentum going:
1. Make Sportsmanship a Daily Habit
The Texas Way isn’t a one-time initiative; it’s a way of life. To see real change, we need to integrate its principles into our daily interactions, practices, and games.
• Daily Reminders: Whether it’s a quick prepractice talk or debrief, make The Texas Way a regular part of your team’s routine.
• Coach Accountability: Hold your coaches to a higher sportsmanship standard than you set for your athletes. Remember: students will never be better sports than you are.
• Student Leaders: Identify student-athletes who embody The Texas Way and empower them to lead. Peer influence is powerful—let’s use it for good!
2. Celebrate Every Victory
Change happens one step at a time, and every positive moment is worth celebrating. What gets rewarded gets repeated!
• Highlight Positive Behavior: Use social media, newsletters, and in-game announcements to shine a light on athletes, coaches, and fans who exemplify sportsmanship.
• Track Progress: Whether it’s fewer ejections or more self-control during tough games, let’s celebrate the measurable wins.
• Official Recognition: Utilize the UIL’s “Good Sportsmanship Reporting Form” to recognize athletes who go above and beyond. Small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity.
3. Grow the Movement
We’ve started strong, but there’s so much more we can do. Let’s bring more people into The Texas Way.
• Involve the Community: Sportsmanship isn’t just for athletes. Parents, fans, and local businesses all play a role in shaping the culture. Let’s get them on board!
• Collaborate Across Districts: Share your successes with other districts and encourage them to join in. Together, we can make a bigger impact.
• Use Your Resources: Take full advantage of the free resources from 2Words Character Development and Mammoth Sports Construction. These tools are designed to help you spread the message effectively.
4. Stay Committed to the Long Haul
Change takes time. We’re building something that will last for generations, so let’s stay the course.
• Long-Term Vision: Every act of respect, every display of self-control, and every moment of integrity is building the future of Texas high school sports.
• Adapt and Adjust: As we learn and grow, let’s be open to new ideas and ways to improve. Flexibility is key to success.
• Lead by Example: As athletic directors and coaches, we set the tone. When we lead with integrity, we inspire our athletes to do the same.
The Texas Way: More Than a Program—A Movement
Together, we can make The Texas Way more than just a sportsmanship program. We can make it a movement that transforms the face of Texas athletics, leaving a legacy that goes beyond the game.
Let’s keep pushing forward, celebrating every victory, and building lasting change.
Remember, it’s not just about winning games—it’s about winning hearts. Let’s continue to make Texas high school sports a model of respect, integrity, and true competition.
This article was written by Stephen Mackey, founder of 2Words Character Development (www.2Words.tv), the 4L’s: Listen, Learn, Love, and Lead Curriculum, and The Texas Way. For more information, or to get started with The Texas Way, visit www.PlayTheTexasWay.com , or contact Coach Mackey directly at Mackey@2words.tv.
What do our collaborators have to say about the texas way?
ray zepeda
u.i.l. Director of athletics
Why is the Texas Way important to the future of athletics in Texas?
The thing that makes interscholastic athletics in Texas special is that we still emphasize the importance of education and community in our programs. As such, it is important that the atmospheres at our contests reflect the very best of our communities. This type of atmosphere and emphasis on right conduct by all concerned truly allows students to learn how to compete to win but to do so without comprising one’s standards or personal positive example. The focus on controlling one’s own self in the heat of competition while respecting our opponent is a great lesson that can be applied to many other aspects of a student’s life as they move forward beyond our games and competitions, and will allow us to build stronger communities built on mutual respect in the future.
Do you have any early statistics to suggest Texas Way is making a difference in our Texas high school athletic programs?
It is still very early. However, our early data suggests that the vast majority of ejections due to misconduct are coming from schools and programs not signed up for or actively engaged with the Texas Way Program. Similarly, the majority of early good sportsmanship
reporting forms that we have received on positive practices and conduct are coming from Texas Way enrolled schools. These early returns emphasize the importance of actively engaging and coaching the Texas Way curriculum to positively impact performance in this important area.
What does buying into the Texas Way mean to the UIL?
I really believe that buying into the program means having a specific plan and strategy in each program for teaching the important principles of controlling oneself, respecting our opponents, and competing to win with integrity within the appropriate spirit of competition. Great coaches are great teachers. If we fully expect this program to make a positive difference, we will need to coach it and teach it like we do anything else that we are expecting our student-athletes to learn and execute under pressure and adversity. Further, we need to actively find ways within the culture and of our communities to positively teach and impact the many spectators that attend our athletic events in support of their communities’ kids. If we can truly buy into the program and have specific strategies in place to do this, I truly believe that the program will be a great success.
joe martin
Thsca executive director
Tell me why it’s important that the Texas Way is a collaborative effort between all our associations?
Our sportsmanship in Texas at U.I.L. events has declined over the past several years as the ejections for student athletes, coaches and fans have increased. We have identified this sportsmanship initiative as the #1 THSCA initiative for 2024-25, but we know we cannot make the impact needed across the state without the help of all the other associations. We have partnered with the THSADA, UIL, and 2Words Character development to create the Texas Way platform. We have encouraged and expect ALL of the other sports associations in Texas to endorse and participate in this initiative. If we ALL not only endorse, but actually work to assist and encourage our coaches to be engaged every week, The Texas Way will become a common narrative and a huge success. We are very fortunate to have Mammoth Sports as the Texas Way sponsor, allowing Stephen Mackey to produce and provide to our schools for free, PSA’s, videos, and weekly teaching opportunities covering the 3 pillars of the Texas Way.
Tell me how you expect coaches to be able to use the Texas Way as a resource with their student-athletes?
We are encouraging our coaches to utilize the Texas Way education opportunities provided by Stephen Mackey in three different areas. He is providing videos, digital playbooks, and weekly lessons that address best practices for fans, coaches and athletes. We expect our coaches to share the the educational opportunities at parent/booster club meetings, with their staff, and with their athletes on a weekly basis. We expect our coaches to “coach” the Texas Way each week in preparation of their contests. We have to coach it for it to work – We hope and expect it becomes part of each coaches' program culture and that it is taught year round, and that it just becomes natural/common behavior of their program.
Why is the Texas Way so important in today’s athletic environment, and how would you have benefitted from this program when you were coaching?
When I started coaching in 1978 and throughout my career, we relied on corporal punishment when we had an athlete behave in a negative manner.
The corporal punishment was a paddling, at times, but mainly running (and running a lot) along with punishing the team by running them for allowing it to happen.
Today, we look at this from a different lens; not to say some type of punishment is warranted, as we encourage our coaches to develop a “proactive coaching perspective”. We need to provide opportunities to train and grow our student athletes when they have been ejected from a game and not just punish them and/or the team. We encourage our coaches to develop a required training for athletes that are ejected that includes: best practices in communicating with officials, communication with opponents, and teammates, how to manage an altercation with an opponent during the game, how to step away from a volatile situation, and how to win and how to lose. Having a proactive plan for athletes, coaches and fans is a step in the right direction to make a huge impact and get us back to representing our state in a positive manner. We want our state to be proud of our Texas High School Athletics and “The Texas Way” to become a common positive narrative.
rusty dowling
Thsada executive director
Tell me why it’s important that the Texas Way is a collaborative effort between all our associations?
Since there is a wide-net to cast throughout the State of Texas, the Associations have the ability to collaborate immediately and effectively with all stakeholder groups, such as student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, parent/fan groups, and school administrators. The more collaborative the process and effort, the more effective the implementation can be. We’ve already seen a variety of methods in moving this program through the different levels; as the outcomes were defined at the beginning of this process and remains the same with all groups.
Tell me how you expect athletic directors to be able to use the Texas Way as a resource with their coaching staff?
Having the ability to utilize the Three Pillars of The Texas Way allows athletic directors to establish a clear process and direction in how to achieve the outcome that they envision with their various levels of coaching staffs. The Texas Way also gives the athletic director the opportunity to drive the message of sportsmanship to all coaches in a consistent and structured way. The process of utilizing all the elements of The Texas Way will remain consistent from campus-to-campus.
What encouragement would you give to athletic directors to make the Texas Way a PROGRAMWIDE protocol for all sports?
The Texas Way presents a unique curriculum that can be balanced throughout an entire district and used as a resource for all coaches and student-athletes consistently. A campus and a coach or coaches can learn and engage methodology from each other so that the message, and hopefully the outcomes, can be the same. A shared message is the best way to attain the results necessary for the success of the program and will also allow all staff to navigate the program effectively.
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CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING PLAYERS
BY
TATE LOMBARD CANYON LADY EAGLE BASKETBALL
I am honored to speak on behalf of the teams that I have been a part of. Over the past 17 years, I have coached various sports in different schools across the state of Texas. Throughout this time, I have seen firsthand the importance of evaluating players in your athletic program.
One important aspect I have taken advantage of throughout the years is finding ways to work with upcoming players before they get to the varsity level. Summer camps and junior high athletic periods are great opportunities to work with the incoming athletes you will have at the high school level in future years. I have been able to work with our junior high athletes developing the skills necessary to produce future varsity players. I know this is a luxury that is not always available to all head coaches. Great youth and junior high programs are the lifeblood to your high school success!
As a head coach, one of the most challenging tasks we have is constructing a varsity team to give you the
best opportunity to win. Each year the dynamics are different, and you have to use the players available to you. I feel it is very important to know the strengths and weaknesses of each individual player and put each of them in a role with her best opportunity to be successful. Each player has a role and no two are the same. Creating roles and accepting roles may be the ultimate difference maker in your team's performance.
Below is a list I have found to be helpful in this process. Like many things in coaching, this was originally created by someone else then adjusted by our staff several years ago to build our own philosophy. We give this list to our players before each season to help explain how we determine their role on the team.
>>> 1. TALENT
An athletes’ talent level is always the first thing we notice. Unfortunately, talent does not always come with these other characteristics that make a “winning player”. Many athletes have the talent to perform the task but often lack in the unmeasurable traits that make a winner. Talent may consist of size, athleticism, and skill sets. When your team is full of talented players that are great teammates, your team has the potential to win at the highest level. But talent alone is never enough.
>>> 2. UNSELFISHNESS
Are you willing to accept your individual role for team success?
If you are coming off the bench, will you be prepared to enter the game and perform the job you are assigned to do?
Can you be a specialist? Defensive player for a special assignment?
Are you willing to sacrifice scoring to rebound and play defense?
>>> 3. CONSISTENCY
What is your quality of work each day on and off the court?
Do you work hard some days or every day?
Do you work hard in the classroom, or do we have to worry about your grades?
>>> 4. WORK ETHIC
What does your effort level look like every day?
Do you have to be pushed or do you push yourself and others?
Are you self motivated?
If you can’t get yourself ready daily, the team can’t do it for you.
>>> 5. ATTITUDE
Is your attitude positive or negative?
You must be sincere in your approach and show concern and empathy for your teammates.
No negative comments towards anyone, including yourself.
Can you accept criticism without losing your cool or confidence?
>>> 6. MENTAL TOUGHNESS
This may be the biggest intangible that coaches notice. How will you react under physical and emotional stress? We want to play you in big moments. When the score is close late in the game, are you going to run and hide or take control and make the play?
When things go wrong, will you respond by blaming others or work harder?
Can you handle adversity and stay poised? We want intense people but without a lot of emotion.
>>> 7. BASKETBALL INTELLIGENCE
Do you have the ability to learn offense and defensive systems quickly?
Can you make the right decision in various situations? Do your teammates consider you easy to play with?
>>> 8. EXECUTION
Do you have the ability to run our offense and defensive systems effectively?
Can you play within the team concept?
Will your talents blend together with other players?
>>> 9. BEHAVIOR
Do you have the commitment to do what’s right, under all circumstances, regardless of peer pressure? Behavior consists of showing great character and class
Are you kind and courteous to others around you?
>>> 10. GRADES
You don’t have to be the smartest player of the team, but you should make the grades you are capable of.
>>> 11.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership is your influence to others by both word and deed.
Are you a positive influence, a negative influence, or no influence at all?
The most respected leaders practice what they preach. Actions speak louder than words.
Have you earned the respect of your teammates? Will they follow where you lead?
>>> 12.
CONFIDENCE
Are you the type of player who wants to guard the opponent’s best player?
Are you the type of player who wants to take the last shot to win the game?
Are you a player who believes we should win every time we step onto the court?
I hope this list helps define the important things you are looking for in evaluating players to create your team. More importantly, hopefully this helps your players understand the little things that will help them earn a role on the team they are a part of!
Clinic Highlights
Features only high school coaches as speakers
1 18 Lectures given by top high school football coaches from Texas
Friday Night OL and DB Chalk Talk
Saturday Night Small School Session
A discount to B Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World for each coach at the clinic (Good on selected items for the duration of the clinic.)
The Embassy Suites Hotel is located adjacent to Bass Pro Shops and in close proximity to Grapevine Mills Mall and the Toyota Music Factory
Coaches Devotional Sunday morning
A clinic t-shirt for the first 700 coaches in attendance (Sponsored by The Performance Course)
Cash and Bass Pro Shops gear given away after each lecture Sunday
$ $1000 Cash door prize after the last lecture Sunday
“Texas Hold-Em” Tournament Friday night
50 minute lectures and 45 minute breakout sessions
Job Board available
Clinic Headquarters:
Embassy Suites Outdoor World at D/FW Airport 2401 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051 Phone (972) 724-2600 or (800) EMBASSY
To receive the special room rate of $159, make your reservation by January 4 and state you are attending the DFW Coaches Clinic. Embassy Suites Hotel provides a complimentary cooked to order breakfast and happy hour each day to every coach staying at the hotel. Each room comfortably sleeps four.
Registration
$80 registration fee if mailed in by January 19 ($90 after January 19, no refunds after this date)
To pre-register, please send the registration form and a check payable to: D DFW Coaches Clinic 30801 Beck Road Bulverde, Texas 78163
Check our website for clinic updates or to register www.coachesclinic.net E-mail — coachesclinic@yahoo.com
Largest High School Only Football Clinic in Texas!
It's time to start nominating for thsca Super Elite Teams and Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Coach of the Year
The THSCA Super Elite Teams consist of high school players nominated by members of the Texas High School Coaches Association. The player must meet the THSCA award criteria to be nominated. The award recognizes student athletes across the state of Texas for their exemplary athletic achievement in their respective sport. (Do you have highlights of athletes you think are Super Elite? We would love to see you post them on social media and tag us @THSCAcoaches and #SuperEliteTeam.)
All eligible nominations will be collected and sent to the the S.E.T. (Super Elite Teams) Committees to be evaluated. The S.E.T. Committee will submit the finalists to the THSCA Advisory Committee for their respective sport for final approval and decision on who has made the Super Elite team in each classification. Super Elite teams will be recognized after the state championships have been announced. See the chart below for nomination windows for each sport.
CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION:
1. Be of good moral character
2. Varsity sports only
3. Have been a member of the team in good standing at the time of nomination
4. Player has excelled as an elite member in their respective sport
SUPER ELITE TEAMS BY THE NUMBERS:
► There will be 101 Super Elite Teams covering all 23 sports throughout the state.
► There will be over 1,800 student-athletes recognized on the Super Elite Teams.
► We will have 808 Coaches (on S.E.T. Committees) that will select the Super Elite Teams.
Super Elite Team Timeline by Sport:
THSCA along with our partners at Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, want to give recognition to our Texas high school coaches for their accomplishments on and off the field/court. We will be presenting head coach and assistant coach of the year awards in every sport and every THSCA region. Awards will include:
Nomination Process:
Award Requirements:
The nomination process will be open to every member of THSCA after the state championships in each sport. Each THSCA member is offered a chance to nominate a head coach and/or assistant coach to submit through the Member Portal. Nominations will cease after 2 weeks. Nominations will then be handed over to the Awards Committee for scoring (by region).
* Indicates nomination window applies for both boys and girls teams in that particular sport.
PLAN A BETTER BASKETBALL PRACTICE
BY ALLEN GRATTS
THSCA DIRECTOR & ARLINGTON BOWIE HS HEAD BASKETBALL
COACH
The main thing, is to keep the main thing, the main thing.
“Failure to prepare is preparing to Fail” is a quote by John Wooden many years ago and should be thought about every time a practice schedule is made. Coming straight out of college and into the coaching world, I thought I knew how to be a basketball coach. I was a good high school player and an All-Conference player in college; however, I quickly learned that just because you can play the game does not mean you can coach the game.
Starting off as a junior high coach in Cleburne, TX, I coached basketball, football, and track. I would work my junior high basketball players out in the morning and go to the high school in the afternoon to assist with the varsity. My mentor and dear friend, Jeff Cody, was the head coach at the time. Coach Cody came to one of my first junior high practices that I thought went pretty well and changed everything the next day. He told me "That’s not what he wants nor what we need at the Junior high level." He said, “These kids need basic fundamentals. They need to know how to dribble, pass, and shoot.”
Changing my practice was the best thing that could have ever happened. If you are a young coach and don’t have a mentor, find one!
For over 26 years as a head coach, my practice has been set in the following order:
• Fundamentals: Ball handling, Passing, Shooting, Individual Offensive moves
• Rebounding
• Individual Defense
• Group Defense
• Transition Defense
• Team Defense
• Team Offense
When looking at these segments, it should be easy to see what the main thing is. For our program and like many others, it is defense. Your main thing will change with your opponent, but always remember what your program is built on. We spend over 50% of our in-season practice working on defense, but you cannot be a good defensive team without being a good rebounding team. Most good defensive possessions end with a defensive rebound.
The order of practice never changes. On occasion some things may get left out, but the order never changes. Players will be in a routine and will always know what is coming next during practice. The only thing that will change are the drills during the segment.
I am still “old school” and write out my practice plan every day. On one side of my practice schedule is my plan, and on the backside is almost every drill that we do (close to 100 drills). Having all of my drills on the backside of my plan makes it much easier to prepare day to day. I never type out my practice schedule because I have to draw out certain drills while planning. Depending who we are playing, a lot of defensive drills are handmade so I often refer back to my drawings of a drill when we are on the floor.
Fundamentals >>>
Practices are going to start with ballhandling. Whether it is two ball dribble, working with tennis balls, dribble push or doing point guard drills, ballhandling is going to be first on the schedule (8min).
Do not take passing for granted! We will do some type of stationary passing: right left push pass, feeding the post pass going both ways, and skip passes (6min). Bounce passes on the perimeter are not permitted. They will only be used when feeding the post and off the break. We will also do one passing drill on the move whether its 3-man weave with weighted ball, 2-man passing slide/run or one of our pregame passing drills (2min). Weighted balls are used during most of our passing drills on the run.
Shooting practice is the 2nd most time consuming segment of practice (minimum 25min). On Wednesday and Saturday, a minimum of 45 minutes. We are fortunate to have 2 Guns and a Dr. Dish that will never collect dust. These machines get used on a daily basis. There are several great drills that you can find online that will fit into your offense with your Gun or Dish. We always start with form shooting, then to Mikan, layups and put-backs and tip-ins if we are doing group work that day. Station work always includes our 3 machines (spot up and penetration kick) with 1 hand form with weighted ball and Mikan or two ball shooting station on the other two goals. Using a weighted ball is one of the best tools for teaching 1 hand form rotation on the basketball.
Rebounding >>>
Close games are often won or lost on the Boards! You see it all the time. Shot goes up and someone does not block out. Ball is tipped in at the buzzer. The fundamentals of rebounding must be taught first. Not a lot of time is spent on rebounding drills (5min). The focus on rebounding is during team defense and team offense. Anytime during team if a put-back or tip-in occurs, there will be a consequence. Consequences normally occur right before it is time to shoot free throws or sometimes right then on the spot. It could be push-ups, towel pushes or running, but offensive put backs and tip-ins will not be tolerated by the defensive team during team practice.
Defense >>>
Individual defense starts our segment. Any type of mass defensive slide, full court turn drill, playing UCLA
cuts, checking cutters across the lane, anything 1 on 1 or 2 on 2 starts our defensive practice (8-10min).
Group defense follows with working on high pick and roll, box-box screens, deny drills, shell drill, and half court rotation drills (12min). Staying in sequence, move on to full court transition drills.
Transition defensive drills may be the most important part of practice. Change drill, 4 on 3 transition, and 4 on 3 rotation to transition. A vital part of our transition drills is to never take the ball out of bounds. During defensive transition, you want the ball to get up the court as quickly as possible. Our two main focuses are to protect the basket and to get the ball stopped (6-12min).
The last defensive segment is team defense. Before we start with team defense, it is free throws and water. I want all players as fresh as possible to starts the toughest part of practice. Team defense always start with any type of press that we run. We normally start with full-court jump trap (8-10min) and then any type of full-court zone press (8-10min). From there, we move into any type of half court zone (10min) and then into half-court man. A lot of time teaching half-court man defense is spent with our assistant coach during team offensive.
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. Whatever your main thing is, do not forget it during your practice.
Team Offense >>>
The last segment is team offense (15-20min). Team offense will vary game to game. We do not normally work on zone offense unless we know our opponent is a heavy zone team. Zone offense is normally worked
on first in the segment (8-10min). Our last part of team offense is versus man defense. Pace is the key to this segment. Even though it is toward the end of practice, this is when we want to play fast! Working on transition, secondary break, decision making, getting to the paint and penetration kick-outs. This part of practice also determines our conditioning. If we are up and down the court during team, no conditioning is needed at the end of practice. The length of our offensive practice depends on how much time is left in that practice.
Practice should be a routine with a variation of drills. Our toughest practice is usually the day before a game (Monday/Thursday). Our light practices are usually shooting, video, weights and sometimes team offense (Wednesday/Saturday)
5 Main Keys to a Productive Practice
1. The Head Coach, your Best Player, and your Point Guard cannot have a bad practice (Kelvin Sampson).
2. Know your opponent beforehand and plan your practice accordingly.
3. Prepare players during video so there is less conversation on the floor.
4. Consistent flow of practice day to day.
5. Keeping the main thing the main thing.
“Games are won or lost in practice,” is another John Wooden quote that I see at the bottom on my practice schedule. Take the time to plan your practice schedule daily. Your players deserve your very best every day.
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As a retired football coach of over 40 years, you accumulate a lot of knowledge and materials when it comes to offensive schemes and concepts via attending clinics, researching, learning from peers, etc… Other than attending Texas High School football games each week, I still get the urge to share my experience I have accumulated over the course of this time. This article will deal with utilizing a few formations to attack one, two, or zero coverages. Many of these are not original ideas but rather tweaks and alterations to passing concepts that have been around for quite some time. In this case, it will focus on stacks and bunch formations.
There are multiple ways to run these concepts by adding formations, motions, etc., but the main focus will be on a few formations to minimize the length of this article.
Diag. 1 - 3 x 1 STACK vs. 2 Hi Safeties
The first concept is from a 3 x 1 Stack formation versus a 2-Hi Safety (Zone) look. You may ask why from a “Stack” formation rather than a conventional 3 x 1 look? The answer is it simply creates another variable (look) in which to execute your concepts from. In addition, in the case you get teams that like to play some type of man under or zero coverage (bringing blitz) it creates natural rubs and confusion on match ups for the defense. I will not go into techniques or routes but rather let the diagrams do
utilizing stacks & bunch formation bunch formation
Written by: Scott Spanton Retired Football Coach
most of the explanation. I will briefly discuss the quarterback’s progression along with other coaching points on some “what ifs”. In Diag. 1 the primary read will work off the flat defender (represented with the box around him. The goal of this scheme is to put vertical pressure on the deep Safety while also controlling the flat defender. If the flat defender stays low, then the QB’s eyes go to the deep Safety and works the Bender route to the vertical, based upon the reaction of Safety. If the flat defender drops to middle or helps under the Bender route, this results in throwing the Flat route. Away from the stack, the single side’s job is to provide a quick outlet in case of backside pressure. The RB will stay in to provide a six- man protection scheme. I will not elaborate on the protection other than in this diagram utilizes a big-on-big scheme. The RB (if not on route) will check the LB to his side to threaten from outside. The QB will take a three-step drop on all of these combinations.
Diag. 2 vs. 1 Hi Safety (Zone) look
Diagram 2 illustrates a concept to attack a One Hi Safety look. The QB will read the flat defender. This concept puts pressure on the cornerback as in a thirds coverage now he must make a choice. Do I cover the Curl or stay back on the Wheel? The QB will use a progression read off the flat defender to the CB. If the flat player jumps flat, the QB’s eyes go to the CB. If CB stays back in his deep third, throw the Curl in the open window based upon the LB’s drop. If the CB jumps the Curl, then go to the Wheel. On the backside will also involve a Curl/Flat
concept. Usually this will come into play into the boundary if the deep Safety favors the field or there is backside pressure in which now the RB on the Flare is used as the player control off of the LB’s trigger (or blitz). Someone has to honor the Flare depending upon which ILB blitzes, or the Safety location would have to change.
Diag. 3 – 3 x 1 Stack vs. Cover 4
In Diagram 3 the focus is upon beating ¼’s coverage. The QB will now work high to low off the near Safety. He will read Safety and throw opposite of his action. If he covers the Corner route, throw the Post. If he stays on the Post, throw the Corner. If the CB drops under the Corner route look to the Expansion route. C.P.# 1(Coaching point) – It is important for the Expansion route to get width and depth on the release to create a horizontal stretch on the LB getting to him. C.P. #2 – On all of these plays it is important that on the QB’s first step his eyes are down the field to help control the Safeties. On the backside the single side is a blitz or quick throw based upon the backside pressure.
Diag. 4 - vs. 2 Hi Man Under
The advantage of this bunch is to create confusion for the secondary on their match ups in man coverage. It also creates natural rubs on releases. The QB will now use a progression read working from the Slant, Flat to Corner. Based upon the rub and mesh whichever one comes open first. C.P. > The receivers running the Slant and Flat routes must create a good mesh by rubbing hip pads to create that rub or possible collision by the de-
fenders. This concept also provides built in “Hots” in case of blitz. The defense could bring heat off the edge to the Bunch, but the Safety would have to change his depth (a cue) and now you may get a match up of one on one on the Corner route and take a shot. The backside is an outlet for the QB on the RB Flare in case of backside pressure but once again the Safety location would have to change either pre or post snap.
Diag. 5 - Utilizing Motion
Diagram 5 illustrates a couple points by adding motion into the equation. One, it clues in the QB pre-snap if there is a possibility of man (if the defender runs with motion) or zone. C.P.> The only wrinkle would be if the defender running with motion is trailing on the return portion. Again, the timing and location of the motion is important to create the same rubs as from the pre-aligned formation.
Diag. 6 – Man Beater From 2 x 2 Stack
The mesh concept is a great man beater regardless of if versus a one, two or zero high Safety look. It is important that the point man on each side of the stack cut their split down to 6-8 yards from their offensive tackle to their respective side. This is to allow for better timing on the mesh along with quicker read for the QB. The receiver in front of the stack to the side of the RB (protection call) side will set the depth of the mesh at 6-7 yards. It is crucial to get a free release and avoid getting re-routed as crossing the field. The opposite side front receiver will
be the mesh setter. It is imperative that in going underneath the depth receiver to rub shoulder pads with each other when crossing. The same rule applies as always and that is if it is man to man to continue running across the field. C.P.> After the mesh point the crossing receiver’s must stay flat on their path as to not allow (or minimize) the undercut of the route by the defender running with them. The QB progression involves reading the mesh and throwing it to the first receiver to come open after the mesh. If neither one is open, then the QB’s eyes will go to the Deep In (DIG) route then down to the check release over the ball run by the RB out of the backfield. If versus a one high man under look if the mesh is not open the QB can locate the middle Safety and if he is not getting depth and or squatting on the Dig, he could go over the top to the Post route.
7 – Change up off the Mesh concept.
After running the mesh concept a few times and knowing that the defense is manning up a good change up to the Mesh is the Return route concept. This is also a great inside the (+5-10) yard line play when a lot of teams will go man to man.
C.P.> Once the two receivers reach the outside of the Tackle box they will pivot (opening towards the QB) and then return out to the sideline staying on their landmark and not floating up the field. The QB progression now works to the protection call side working low to high to check down.
Diag. 8 - 2 x 2 Stack 2 High Safety Beater
An added wrinkle to this play is tagging or building it in the RB on a Pipe route splitting the two deep Safeties. The QB progression is off the deep Safety to the RB side. If the Safety stays on his hash or over the top of the Bender (Corner) route, the QB will throw the Pipe. If the QB sees the CB drop deep to help under the Bender, he will work back down to the Flat. C.P.> If both inside linebackers blitz the RB will now serve as a “Hot” outlet and snap his eyes around quickly looking for the ball.
Diag. 9 – 2 x 2 Stack vs. a 1 High Safety
This concept is the same as Diag. 2. The QB progression is the same.
Diag. 10 – Gimmick Play off the Quads Bunch
“Skip Pass” (or whatever special name it is tagged with)
In concluding this article, I thought I would throw in a good gimmick play that has been 100% effective whenever we used it. It involves deceiving the defense by throwing a lateral in the form of a “skip” pass off the grass (turf) to the player in the back of the bunch. There are a few ways to do this but in this case no motion will be used.
C.P.> If the QB is in the gun, then he needs to cheat up slightly to allow for the ball to be thrown backwards on a lateral. If under Center, it will be built in with the depth of the receiver in the back of the bunch. After receiving the snap, the QB will purposely throw a ball that skips off the ground on its way to the receiver in the back of the bunch. It is important in practicing this to get the ball at least half the distance before the ball contacts the ground. Upon
Diag.
the catch the receiver will walk backwards and slap the ball in disgust as if to sell that it was a bad pass and the ball will be dead. It is also important (personnel) to have three players that are good at holding their blocks to allow this play to work.
C.P.> Of course, as a Coach it is important to inform the officials before the game of the gimmick for them to not blow the play dead win the ball hits the ground. The receiver who fields the ball will count 1001, 1002 and then turn and locate the Post route run by the backside single receiver. The QB will after he releases the ball drift to the outside then runs a Wheel route out the backside. The receiver with the ball will locate the backside CB and if he runs with the Post, throw the Wheel. If the CB stays home, then he throws the Post. In setting up this play it is important when running similar backside concepts to determine whether the backside CB follows the backside receiver. Lets finish with ther worst scenarios. The skip pass, if the receiver misses fields the ball then we want him to fall on the ball and not try to make a bad situation worse
The other is if nothing is open and the receiver fields the ball cleanly, to get up the field and get what positive yardage he can. This play typically is good after a sudden change usually on the (+) side of the field or inside the opponent’s 40-yard line.
I hope that this article brings to light how these concepts can be useful within the framework of some of your schemes or at least provide food for thought on how to put pressure on the defense in defending the entire field. I enjoy sharing any information with anyone when it comes to talking ball. My email is sspanton1960@gmail.com if you ever want talk ball. Thank you again for all y’all do on a daily basis in changing and affecting young people’s lives in a positive way. It is an honor to be associated with one of the greatest organizations not only in Texas but the entire nation. Good luck to all the teams across the state of Texas and will look forward to our weekly “date night” with my wife witnessing “Friday Night Lights”.
my kids are first team
BY alicia russo-murrell, m.ed., raa royal high school, royal isd - Assistant athletic coordinator head softball coach, asst. volleyball coach
I grew up as a coach’s kid. I could truly appreciate being a coach’s kid although, looking back now, I took it for granted. At no time during my childhood did I feel like my father put me or my younger brother second to coaching because we were always with him, on the field, at the court, wherever he had to be to get the job done. I could tell that he was a parent first and a coach second. It wasn’t until getting a few years under my belt as a coach and having children of my own that I truly understood that what my dad did for me, and the role model he was, was even deeper than I initially thought. He taught me that you don’t have to be an “invisible” parent, where you are expected to act like you don’t have a family to be an effective coach. Through watching him, having kids of my own, and coaching for 32 years now, I have found peace with being a parent, a wife, a teacher, and a coach. My kids are unapologetically my first team.
For starters, I have the typical coach’s kid story. My dad was coaching long before I was born. My mom tells me how, when I was an infant, she had me in the stands at my dad’s baseball games screaming at the top of my lungs when the crowd cheered. As soon as I could walk, I was with my dad all the time at the field. I loved watching him do his thing. My dad exuded palatable authority on the field. He was responsible and dedicated, and his teams loved him. I remember vividly waiting around impatiently for my dad to finish his after-game talks with his assistant coaches. While he was strategizing away in the dugout, I was poking ant beds with sticks and digging in the recently dumped field dirt. We would be the last ones to leave, hitting the lights on the way out. In addition to observing my dad be a field general, watching my dad secure all of the locks gave me the feeling that he was the boss. That simple act felt so important to me, like the buck stops with him. I knew that my dad could be counted on.
Sometimes, during summer baseball, we would end up at the pizza place with the rest of the coaches and their families. The coaches would continue to strategize over
adult beverages, and we kids would play “Red Rover” (this was the late 80s) in the parking lot. No matter the situation, my dad had us right there with him, and my brother and I always felt included.
Wherever Coach Russo had to be, he was going to have his kids with him. He was very visibly a parent!
Now that I have my kids, I have been purposeful in including them in my coaching. My husband and I had kids late; I was 42 when I had my first son. Right away, I realized I was not aware of the insanely hard part of balancing a career with having a newborn. I thought that six weeks after having my son I could pop back into the first of my three sports; volleyball practice started in early August. I had my newborn in his carrier in the stands with a volleyball manager while the whistles blew. I also had two of my coworkers and most of the parents on the team eagerly offer to rock my son during practices or games. I thought with a great support system that I could continue to do what I do with minimal changes. My son thought otherwise. If he wasn’t stuck on mommy, he was a hot mess. I knew I needed help to continue to coach effectively. My husband and I worked out schedules with my mom, my stepdad,
my dad, and my step-mom which allowed me to keep coaching while they watched my son. I went from coaching volleyball, basketball, and softball to just volleyball and softball. It was still stressful, but I was determined to keep doing what I loved and to include my son when he got older. That was still the plan when his little brother showed up three years later. By that time, I had a routine with my parents and husband, which allowed me to bring my older son to games. By the time he was walking, he was shagging balls and feeding tees. He was the coach’s kid!
Now my boys are seven and five and are the typical coach’s kids. They are at all the games and practices unless my husband picks them up for a boys’ night. They have little replica jerseys of what my softball team wears. They can be found in the press box eating their dinner, and they know how to rake the field after the game. My amazing assistant coaches have been known to tie a shoelace, wipe a nose, or put a band-aid on a boo-boo. My softball players and volleyball players will eagerly rock one of my boys to sleep or share her cell phone with him on the bus. My boys know who will “sponsor” them at the concession stand and who needs a hug after a tough game. I can be a better coach knowing that my “village” is helping me. I don’t hide the fact that I’m a parent, but I also don’t farm out my responsibilities. The buck stops with me. My kids are always with me because I want them there, not because I don’t have other options. I love having them be a part of something special. I love that they get to see Mama work.
Recently, I was asked this question during an athletic administration interview…”Who are you, Coach Russo? What makes you, you?” My immediate answer was that I am a mom. I went on to elaborate that not only do I take care of my own children, I am a mom as a person. I have a servant mindset. I do for others. I love to see others succeed. I love to set people up for their very best. I love working behind the scenes to see my players shine. I spoke from the heart, and I stood by my answer. I didn’t get the position at that time because I lacked the necessary credentials. I did get hired for the position a year later, after completing my credentials; and I took the opportunity to ask the interviewer (my new boss) about my answer a year ago. Even though I knew it wasn’t the reason I didn’t get the job at the time, I honestly wanted to know, was my answer about being a mother something I should have kept to myself? He told me because my answer showed him where my priorities were. He knew that when it came down to job duties, my family would always come first, and he respected that. He said that if I didn’t put my real passion first and foremost then I would be setting myself up for failure in a new position that may force me to compromise my priorities. I agreed. Why would I even want a job that didn’t let me be the real me? Everyone knows that wherever Coach Russo-Murrell has to be, her kids will be with her. My kids are my first team, no matter what, and I wouldn’t change that fact for anything.
All in all, what does that mean for me as a coach? Knowing that my kids are my first team, I strongly believe, makes me an even better coach. I have been to numerous conferences with coaches expressing regret that they didn’t spend as much time with their own kids. I’m not going to live in regret. However, I do want to speak directly to the parents and caregivers of my volleyball and softball daughters; I make these promises to you: I promise to teach your child the games of volleyball and softball, alongside teaching her the game of life. I promise to work to develop your child into a complete human without sacrificing her health or well-being. I promise to keep my expectations high for your child, as well as myself. I promise to put your child’s needs in perspective while looking out for the good of the entire team and program. I promise to respect your house and your time. I promise to work alongside you and not against you. I promise to love your child like she was my own.
At the end of the day, I’m a mom first and a coach second. I embrace this fact without any shame or apology. While there are events I must decline, I never doubt my decisions. One day, as my 7-year-old played in the recently delivered field dirt and my 5-year-old explored an ant bed with a stick, the younger one told me, “Mama, I want to be a coach!” When I asked why, he said, “Because Mama, you’re the boss.” You are right, Bud. I’m the boss. You can count on me. Let’s go to work!
ODE TO WHISTLE
Oh Whistle,
Coach’s Checklist:
You decide the fate of games.
Oh Whistle,
You help me when I feel ashamed.
Oh Whistle,
You’ve taught me how to be a man.
Oh Whistle,
Once your blown time has began.
Oh Whistle,
The bead inside you rattles around.
Oh Whistle,
Since you’re a king, you should be crowned.
Oh Whistle,
“Ace!” you yell with your loud voice.
Oh Whistle,
You’ve taught me to always make the right choice.
Oh Whistle,
You’ve always been by my side since day one.
Oh Whistle,
I am proud to call myself your son.
Written by:
Ace Jackson Arroyo
8th Grade Honors English assignment. An inanimate object representing an living person. Spring 2024 Cuero Jr. High
My dad Adam Arroyo is Assistant Athletic Director, OLine and Golf Coach.
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MAXES & MEASURABLES can be entered by a player or coach and will be added to a player’s profile page.
TEAM PROFILE PAGE
Your teams’ profile page is publicly accessible to parents, players, media and recruiters with links to each player’s profile page.
PLAYER TRACKING
Download a Team Stat File to keep track of team stats by player or team totals.
Download a Game Summary File to view play-by-play game recap.
Automatically generate a Player Stat File to view per game and cumulative player stats as well as in-season and off-season maxes and measurables.
RECRUITING
College coaches can access your players test scores, stats, maxes & measurables.
College Coaches can DM with coaches and players via our IN-APP MESSAGING.
Get Started! Download the free app for Android or Apple, join now!
