I need help understanding the youth sports culture. I have a decent understanding of the youth wrestling scene and I can put my finger on most of the issues that are prohibiting the long term development of young athletes. Most of them include the short sightedness of parents. Read this sentence carefully: parents should absolutely be involved in the athletic endeavors of their children; however, this doesn’t mean they always know what’s best for them. Sport seems to be the only industry that allows, and even encourages, untrained individuals to be the “experts.”
I recently listened to two parents describe how well the football season went for each of their sons. They raved about the new direction of the youth football program. They were excited because their sons were in 3rd grade and they started tackling. In addition, the experience was vastly enhanced for Dad because, at that age, only parents were allowed to coach. You know, father-son bonding on the football field (sarcasm noted).
I did my best to listen and try to understand the excitement of the two parents, but there were too many red flags for me. I couldn’t get past them, so I’ll share a few of them.
Number 1: Is it really necessary for 3rd graders to play organized tackle football? Is it even safe? I mean, can children handle the impact? Does this “fast track” them to success? Because I’ve seen a number of highly successful football players who never played organized football until they were a member of a professional football team. I asked a few more questions and it became apparent to me that these youngsters practiced two times a week plus played one game on the weekend – for 9 weeks. This doesn’t make sense to me.
The NFL recently ended a fierce skirmish with the players and owners a few months ago. The player’s union basically said the season was too long and they were too susceptible to long term injuries, but didn’t have long term health benefits. These are physically developed, world class athletes; men, not children. NFL teams don’t even tackle three times a week, but 3rd graders do? It just doesn’t make sense.
Think on this notion for a moment: could it be possible that the concussion epidemic that has become so prevalent in sports today could be linked to the increased impact that athletes encounter as children? Just think about it. Is it possible? If it is we need to take caution at a very early age.
Number 2: When I was in youth sports, the mantra was always “safety first.” It was preached at every practice and throughout my physical education classes. Is safety really first? If I’m honest, it was actually frustrating for me as a young athlete, but I wasn’t the adult, was I? Safety must be the number one priority of parents and coaches. They MUST act like adults, not children.
I told these two parents that tackle football for 3rd graders scares me. It’s similar to my concerns with sports specialization. Young children aren’t physically ready for the repetitive stress on their underdeveloped bodies. As a result, athletes are experiencing serious overuse injuries at a very young age. It’s not healthy for children. Obviously, I wasn’t surprised that these two parents had never thought of the long term health ramifications of their shortsighted actions. I trust that they emphasize safety during practices and games; however, the real question is if they emphasize their safety years beyond those practices and games. It all sort of resembles the NFL Player’s Union, doesn’t it?
Number 3: Another aspect of the conversation that raised concern was the concept of only parents coaching. I understand youth sports depends on parents assuming these roles.
Side note: this just might preclude, by the way, that they’re too young…if Johnny can’t tie his own shoes and needs Daddy there, he’ll probably have difficulty understanding how to find the check down receiver when a blitz is coming.
Adamantly, I asked these parents if their children actually learned anything about playing football. They both quickly replied, almost in unison, “They had fun.” Clearly, that wasn’t my question. I asked if they learned how to play football. If our goal is to have fun, then let’s have fun. I completely identify with them on this notion. In fact, I agree whole-heartedly that these kids should have fun. Unabated, imaginative FUN. A parent-led football organization is significantly different than the football I remember being fun in third grade. We organized our own games on the school playground and in our backyards. In fact, every adult was hell bent on making sure we didn’t play “tackle.” We threw a Hail Mary on every play. That was fun. It’s no wonder I don’t see a group of children playing pick-up games at the park. How can learning cover 2 defense or how to run a halfback option pass be fun for anyone other than the halfback? We don’t need organized football led by parents to provide fun for kids. In fact, it’s actually stealing from them the creativity and genuine joy fostered in a pick-up game.
A few months ago, I wrote about a youth baseball game that I attended as a spectator. I was appalled by the lack of skill. I watched a pitcher throw the ball as hard as he could past underdeveloped hitters. That didn’t happen in the Sandlot because the objective was to have fun by playing the game. If the pitcher threw the ball past everyone, the kids in the field wouldn’t get to engage in the activity. We all held that pitcher accountable so everyone could play. Parents take away the fun by organizing it the pitcher’s goal becomes eliminating the possibility of the ball being put into play. That’s not much fun for the kid standing in right field.
All of a sudden, we trust parents to teach our youth athletes the intricacies of these great games. Are they qualified to teach skills, tactics and techniques effectively? Last time I checked, kids don’t need parents to instruct them how to have fun. And we don’t need parents assuming the expert role when they’re not.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Delusions of grandeur
I’ve been fired up, dare I say angry, since the Packers-Vikings game ended this weekend. I haven’t been able to shake it, so I’m going to write about it. Of course, I’m a die-hard Packers fan and would much rather see the Vikings lose football games than win them. So, after the Packers won in the Dome, it would make sense if I was overjoyed, but I wasn’t.
I’m tired of the antics that come from the Minnesota Vikings and it has nothing to do with my allegiance to the Green Bay Packers. I’m tired of them because they have a great effect on the people I see every day and, unfortunately, the Minnesota Vikings organization currently represents the American people more than the tradition of excellence that comes from the organization in Green Bay. The Vikings have set their standards on mediocrity and they revel in it. They applaud and champion complacency, and it’s not right. The proof was in the pudding on Sunday when their head coach decided to punt the ball to the Packers (the most prolific offense in football) with three minutes left, down by 6 points, instead of going all in and trying to win. Result: another second half collapse and one more notch in the loss column. The Vikings simply don’t play to win. So, guess what? They don’t win.
I’m upset with all of this because a professional organization, in the country for which I happen to live, has no expectations of excellence. They don’t strive to win. They don’t care if they lose. Their delusions of grandeur are unacceptable and I’m not going to be silent about it anymore. In fact, I went on a ten minute rant to my athletes at practice on Sunday night about it. I’m sick and tired of the Minnesota Vikings organization because they don’t care about success and there are too many impressionable young people watching.
To further this point, they started a rookie quarterback who made a few decent throws and looked good (even great) at times, however, he ended the day 13-32 with 219 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions (one of his completions was a surprise 79 yard pass on the first play of the game). He had an awful day as a quarterback, and lost the game, mind you, but the Vikings have found a way manipulate the truth to crown him the “next big thing” and the savior to their franchise. Why? Because he’s good looking? It’s pathetic and I can’t stand to see children and athletes that I work with buying this garbage. We have to have higher standards. If kids are going to look to professional athletes as role models, they need to see those professional athletes living standards of excellence.
I told my athletes that I expect excellence from them in every facet of their lives. We expect them to always do their best and be their best. I’m not interested in settling for mediocrity and have no intentions of not playing to win. I don’t care if they struggle in math or their teacher doesn’t like them, I expect them to be on the honor roll. If they’re going to be involved with what we’re doing, I expect them to treat others kindly and respect their parents and teachers. I expect them to follow rules and be an example to others. I expect their lives to exude excellence and force people to take notice; to stand out and be different and not settle for less than best or be complacent. The outcome is irrelevant if they play to win, leave it all on the field and go all in. Who they are today is important, but not as important as who they’re going to become. They need to expect to be “winners” – in life.
I’m tired of organizations, businesses, school districts, churches, and other groups of people championing mediocrity. I’m tired of the participation mindset that says everyone should feel good about themselves. I’m tired of parents accepting it from their children to preserve their self-esteem. I’m tired of coaches punting the ball to the best offense in the league when they have a chance to win and calling it a good day so they can crown their next hero. I’m tired of it and I won’t allow it in the lives of those who I work with…or those who read this blog.
The world desperately needs people who will stand up for what is good and right and strive for excellence in all areas of their life. Our organizations and businesses need leaders who have the courage to play to win while maintaining integrity.
I’m tired of the antics that come from the Minnesota Vikings and it has nothing to do with my allegiance to the Green Bay Packers. I’m tired of them because they have a great effect on the people I see every day and, unfortunately, the Minnesota Vikings organization currently represents the American people more than the tradition of excellence that comes from the organization in Green Bay. The Vikings have set their standards on mediocrity and they revel in it. They applaud and champion complacency, and it’s not right. The proof was in the pudding on Sunday when their head coach decided to punt the ball to the Packers (the most prolific offense in football) with three minutes left, down by 6 points, instead of going all in and trying to win. Result: another second half collapse and one more notch in the loss column. The Vikings simply don’t play to win. So, guess what? They don’t win.
I’m upset with all of this because a professional organization, in the country for which I happen to live, has no expectations of excellence. They don’t strive to win. They don’t care if they lose. Their delusions of grandeur are unacceptable and I’m not going to be silent about it anymore. In fact, I went on a ten minute rant to my athletes at practice on Sunday night about it. I’m sick and tired of the Minnesota Vikings organization because they don’t care about success and there are too many impressionable young people watching.
To further this point, they started a rookie quarterback who made a few decent throws and looked good (even great) at times, however, he ended the day 13-32 with 219 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions (one of his completions was a surprise 79 yard pass on the first play of the game). He had an awful day as a quarterback, and lost the game, mind you, but the Vikings have found a way manipulate the truth to crown him the “next big thing” and the savior to their franchise. Why? Because he’s good looking? It’s pathetic and I can’t stand to see children and athletes that I work with buying this garbage. We have to have higher standards. If kids are going to look to professional athletes as role models, they need to see those professional athletes living standards of excellence.
I told my athletes that I expect excellence from them in every facet of their lives. We expect them to always do their best and be their best. I’m not interested in settling for mediocrity and have no intentions of not playing to win. I don’t care if they struggle in math or their teacher doesn’t like them, I expect them to be on the honor roll. If they’re going to be involved with what we’re doing, I expect them to treat others kindly and respect their parents and teachers. I expect them to follow rules and be an example to others. I expect their lives to exude excellence and force people to take notice; to stand out and be different and not settle for less than best or be complacent. The outcome is irrelevant if they play to win, leave it all on the field and go all in. Who they are today is important, but not as important as who they’re going to become. They need to expect to be “winners” – in life.
I’m tired of organizations, businesses, school districts, churches, and other groups of people championing mediocrity. I’m tired of the participation mindset that says everyone should feel good about themselves. I’m tired of parents accepting it from their children to preserve their self-esteem. I’m tired of coaches punting the ball to the best offense in the league when they have a chance to win and calling it a good day so they can crown their next hero. I’m tired of it and I won’t allow it in the lives of those who I work with…or those who read this blog.
The world desperately needs people who will stand up for what is good and right and strive for excellence in all areas of their life. Our organizations and businesses need leaders who have the courage to play to win while maintaining integrity.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Playing well during the social chaos at the Mall of America
One of our favorite places to go to as a family is the Mall of America. We usually walk around without an agenda. I thoroughly enjoy "people watching" and conducting my very own amateur social experiments. I always leave having gained great insight into how human beings act, respond and meander about their lives.
We generally spend a hefty amount of time at LEGOLand - Isaiah's favorite place in the mall. He picks the station with the fewest distractions, climbs on top of the table and sticks his feet in the mix of LEGOS while he focuses on building tower after tower. I love watching him put his mind to something and begin to realize the creative juices inside of him. LEGOLand is a lot of fun. With all of that said, I have this strange suspicion that there are definitely a set of very clear unwritten rules and guidelines that every child and parent must follow during their time creating miss-matched towers. Today, a 14-year old boy (I'm assuming he was 14 as he was bigger than me) had been carousing every station looking for specific pieces to bring to the fortress he was constructing.
Side note: I think said individual is already in breach of these rules, or code, if you will. When the intellectual capacity of the individual reaches the point of understanding there are certain pieces made by the LEGO Group needed to complete the latest recreation of Lancelot's castle, you've probably outgrown the LEGOLand play area in the Mall of America.
Compared to his counterparts, this boy looked like a giant - literally. And he walked up to the station occupied by my first born son and took the figurine that resembled a firefighter. Isaiah quickly reached for it, but he was too late. He said, "hey, I want that." The bully snapped back and said, "well, I'm using it." WHAT?!?!?!?
I thought to myself, did that just happen? After surveying the situation and looking at my 3-year old son crying and saying he wanted to firefighter, I concluded that, yes, it actually did just happen. An awkward teenage boy stole LEGOS from my 3-year child...WTF (censored)? Of course, I took the high road, even though I wanted to throw down under the shadow of Woody and the Hero-Bot 9000 and give this kid a "dirt nap," and did my best to create a teachable moment and explain to Isaiah the idea of conflict management and sharing. Whatever, he just wanted the firefighter. I should have told Isaiah that, at 3, he'd get more middle school girls than that kid, but I'm fresh off a few blogs that held me accountable on that one.
Thinking about those few blogs, I witnessed another great and teachable moment in Banana Republic. Isaiah took a liking to a mannequin in a brown skirt and bright orange sweater. Much to my surprise, he was trying to lift the skirt of the female mannequin and I joked, "Isaiah, you cannot do that until you're married." "But I want to play with her," he said. Of course, he wasn't thinking of anything sexual; he sincerely wanted to play. Feeding off the situation, I told him he has to first hold her hand if he wants things to go any further. He turned to Liz and said, "Mommy, I want her to hold me." Liz had enough and said, "Isaiah, she's not real and she doesn't even have a head." Exactly! Mom, welcome to the world of raising boys. Chivalry doesn't come naturally, we must teach our boys how to value women.
**********
Did you know the name 'LEGO' is an abbreviation of the two Danish words "leg godt", meaning "play well"? It’s been the name and ideal of the founder of LEGO Group, Kirk Kristiansen, since 1932. Today, Isaiah "played well" even if others didn't. Good for him.
We generally spend a hefty amount of time at LEGOLand - Isaiah's favorite place in the mall. He picks the station with the fewest distractions, climbs on top of the table and sticks his feet in the mix of LEGOS while he focuses on building tower after tower. I love watching him put his mind to something and begin to realize the creative juices inside of him. LEGOLand is a lot of fun. With all of that said, I have this strange suspicion that there are definitely a set of very clear unwritten rules and guidelines that every child and parent must follow during their time creating miss-matched towers. Today, a 14-year old boy (I'm assuming he was 14 as he was bigger than me) had been carousing every station looking for specific pieces to bring to the fortress he was constructing.
Side note: I think said individual is already in breach of these rules, or code, if you will. When the intellectual capacity of the individual reaches the point of understanding there are certain pieces made by the LEGO Group needed to complete the latest recreation of Lancelot's castle, you've probably outgrown the LEGOLand play area in the Mall of America.
Compared to his counterparts, this boy looked like a giant - literally. And he walked up to the station occupied by my first born son and took the figurine that resembled a firefighter. Isaiah quickly reached for it, but he was too late. He said, "hey, I want that." The bully snapped back and said, "well, I'm using it." WHAT?!?!?!?
I thought to myself, did that just happen? After surveying the situation and looking at my 3-year old son crying and saying he wanted to firefighter, I concluded that, yes, it actually did just happen. An awkward teenage boy stole LEGOS from my 3-year child...WTF (censored)? Of course, I took the high road, even though I wanted to throw down under the shadow of Woody and the Hero-Bot 9000 and give this kid a "dirt nap," and did my best to create a teachable moment and explain to Isaiah the idea of conflict management and sharing. Whatever, he just wanted the firefighter. I should have told Isaiah that, at 3, he'd get more middle school girls than that kid, but I'm fresh off a few blogs that held me accountable on that one.
Thinking about those few blogs, I witnessed another great and teachable moment in Banana Republic. Isaiah took a liking to a mannequin in a brown skirt and bright orange sweater. Much to my surprise, he was trying to lift the skirt of the female mannequin and I joked, "Isaiah, you cannot do that until you're married." "But I want to play with her," he said. Of course, he wasn't thinking of anything sexual; he sincerely wanted to play. Feeding off the situation, I told him he has to first hold her hand if he wants things to go any further. He turned to Liz and said, "Mommy, I want her to hold me." Liz had enough and said, "Isaiah, she's not real and she doesn't even have a head." Exactly! Mom, welcome to the world of raising boys. Chivalry doesn't come naturally, we must teach our boys how to value women.
**********
Did you know the name 'LEGO' is an abbreviation of the two Danish words "leg godt", meaning "play well"? It’s been the name and ideal of the founder of LEGO Group, Kirk Kristiansen, since 1932. Today, Isaiah "played well" even if others didn't. Good for him.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The non-negotiables
One of the best decisions and single most defining moments in my life happened when I was 19 years old. It was the last weekend in January during the new millennium – January 29, 2000, to be exact. I made the decision to pursue the greatest woman in the world. I did my homework on her and carefully selected Liz. I met her earlier in the school year at an Athletes in Action function and casually asked a few other runners about her. Then I watched her at an indoor track meet. When she made her second turn during the first lap of a 3,000 meter race, I was captivated by her stride and look of determination. Of course, she was beautiful so it made the decision easier. I turned to my friend, Clayton, and told him that I was going to marry “that girl.” And I did. It didn’t happen by chance or by fate, though. It came by way of a very intentional process. I was looking for love in all the right places and found it.
I was different than most college students at that time. I had begun to understand my faith and knew that God was going to do big things in and through me. I wasn’t living the college lifestyle many of my classmates and teammates were. I made the decision when I was young to “save myself” for marriage and put myself in the right environments to maintain that standard. In the meantime, I thoughtfully considered my dating standards and, with the assistance of a great mentor, articulated my non-negotiable standards for a wife. At the top of the list was a faith and understanding of Christ that placed God at top of her priority list. My faith was the most important part of my life and it was imperative that whoever I chose to date thought the same way. It wasn’t narrow-minded on my part, it was smart. What was top on priority couldn’t number 5 or 6 on the one I was going to spend the rest of my life with. For me, when it came to this, not everyone deserved a chance. I made a decision that I was only going to date those who met my standards for a wife. Fortunately, it only took one.
You have a choice with who you date and you have a choice with the standards you use. Your standards can never be too high for your future spouse (they can be wrong – looks, money, etc. – but never too high). You must determine your non-negotiable standards immediately, no matter how old you are. Think deeply and write them down. Once they’re determined, follow them! Don’t enter into exclusive dating relationships with individuals that don’t meet your standards and, if at any time, the individual you are with demonstrates to you that he/she doesn’t possess one of the non-negotiables, it’s time to move on. It doesn’t matter if he has potential. If he doesn’t meet the standards, move on. I don’t care if she’s really good looking and comes from a great family. If she doesn’t meet the standards, move on. Don’t waste anyone’s time. This doesn’t mean that you throw in the towel every time someone annoys you. I’m talking about the few, specific non-negotiables. If they’re non-negotiable, you shouldn’t have to negotiate with yourself about him/her.
There are far too many people who live accidental lives. They find themselves in a situation or a relationship and they don’t know how they arrived in the place they are. It’s about taking responsibility for your life and the decisions you make. They were reluctant to take initiative and control of the decision making process and allowed things to happen that were less than best for their lives. They didn’t have the courage to go against what culture was saying and listen to what their heart was saying. They weren’t selective in who they chose to date. They let the date choose them. They were looking for love in all the wrong places.
On our wedding day, Liz gave me a beautiful letter that she had written. In it, she wrote, “you have nothing I can’t live with and everything I can’t live without.” She was looking for love in all the right places, too. She chose me. And I chose her. We’ve been married for over 8 years and we’ve had to work through many issues and problems. The dynamics of our relationship have changed with careers, children, mortgages, etc. Neither of us is perfect. However, it’s not about if the other is perfect or not, it’s that we’re perfect for each other.
I made a choice to pursue Liz 3,882 days ago and every day since I’ve made the same decision. Life is about making decisions and in the end, those decisions make you.
I was different than most college students at that time. I had begun to understand my faith and knew that God was going to do big things in and through me. I wasn’t living the college lifestyle many of my classmates and teammates were. I made the decision when I was young to “save myself” for marriage and put myself in the right environments to maintain that standard. In the meantime, I thoughtfully considered my dating standards and, with the assistance of a great mentor, articulated my non-negotiable standards for a wife. At the top of the list was a faith and understanding of Christ that placed God at top of her priority list. My faith was the most important part of my life and it was imperative that whoever I chose to date thought the same way. It wasn’t narrow-minded on my part, it was smart. What was top on priority couldn’t number 5 or 6 on the one I was going to spend the rest of my life with. For me, when it came to this, not everyone deserved a chance. I made a decision that I was only going to date those who met my standards for a wife. Fortunately, it only took one.
You have a choice with who you date and you have a choice with the standards you use. Your standards can never be too high for your future spouse (they can be wrong – looks, money, etc. – but never too high). You must determine your non-negotiable standards immediately, no matter how old you are. Think deeply and write them down. Once they’re determined, follow them! Don’t enter into exclusive dating relationships with individuals that don’t meet your standards and, if at any time, the individual you are with demonstrates to you that he/she doesn’t possess one of the non-negotiables, it’s time to move on. It doesn’t matter if he has potential. If he doesn’t meet the standards, move on. I don’t care if she’s really good looking and comes from a great family. If she doesn’t meet the standards, move on. Don’t waste anyone’s time. This doesn’t mean that you throw in the towel every time someone annoys you. I’m talking about the few, specific non-negotiables. If they’re non-negotiable, you shouldn’t have to negotiate with yourself about him/her.
There are far too many people who live accidental lives. They find themselves in a situation or a relationship and they don’t know how they arrived in the place they are. It’s about taking responsibility for your life and the decisions you make. They were reluctant to take initiative and control of the decision making process and allowed things to happen that were less than best for their lives. They didn’t have the courage to go against what culture was saying and listen to what their heart was saying. They weren’t selective in who they chose to date. They let the date choose them. They were looking for love in all the wrong places.
On our wedding day, Liz gave me a beautiful letter that she had written. In it, she wrote, “you have nothing I can’t live with and everything I can’t live without.” She was looking for love in all the right places, too. She chose me. And I chose her. We’ve been married for over 8 years and we’ve had to work through many issues and problems. The dynamics of our relationship have changed with careers, children, mortgages, etc. Neither of us is perfect. However, it’s not about if the other is perfect or not, it’s that we’re perfect for each other.
I made a choice to pursue Liz 3,882 days ago and every day since I’ve made the same decision. Life is about making decisions and in the end, those decisions make you.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
What did you do in the offseason to get better?
This morning I'm writing directly to coaches. What did YOU do in the offseason to get better? Coaches expect their athletes to do a number of things in the offseason to be ready for the next, but are they willing to put in the extra time to become better themselves? In most cases, I would say, "no."
The number of good coaches in the sport of wrestling is on the decline and I would be as bold as to say that there are only a few "great" coaches left in our state. Sure, being in a leadership role with kids is special in and of itself, however, I'm tired of applauding "good intentions" and "meant well." It's time to expect more from our leaders. I just don't see enough coaches putting in the time necessary to become better coaches - or better men, husbands, fathers, etc. When these men were athletes, they understood the importance of doing the extra work and the little things right to succeed. Somehow, in those same men there's a disconnect when it comes to their role as coach. We expect excellence from our athletes, but not from our coaches. They're set on mediocrity and complacency. There are no prerequisites to coach. Continuing education is not mandatory. And, as a result, standards are essentially non-existent.
Yesterday I was a part of a new project in our state that was focused on raising standards of excellence. I had been talking to another coach about the condition of the coaches in Wisconsin and instead of waiting for someone else to do something about it, we did. We put together our state's first "Coaches Advancement Day." I was adamant about leaving the word "retreat" out of the title because we had no intentions of retreating; we want to advance. We had 12 successful wrestling coaches focusing on becoming better.
It's not an accident that these coaches have experienced great success; they're willing to put the time in to become better. I think it's fair to believe there are more than twelve coaches who want to get better, however, sadly, the same twelve individuals seem to take advantage of all of the opportunities.
As a coach, I'm postured as a learner. Trying to become the best I can be is very important to me, so I'm willing to do what it takes. It's time for more coaches to put in the same amount of time to improve as they expect from their athletes. Instructing a wrestler to attend a summer camp and not doing so as coach is unacceptable. There are many little things that can be done to improve.
Here is a small list of ideas for coaches. They're all very manageable. Coaches, you owe it to your athletes to improve. Get better or get left behind.
• Keep a journal
• Plan ahead
• Read a book (about leadership)
• Host or attend a summer wrestling camp
• Attend a coaching summit/clinic
• Find a mentor
• Watch the highest levels of wrestling on YouTube
• Use the buddy system – find another coach to share ideas with. Iron sharpens iron.
• Stay in shape
• Read articles (or books) about training athletes
• Breakdown video from previous seasons
• Challenge the status quo and think outside the box
• Study other coaches (including in other sports)
• Get to know your athletes and their parents
The number of good coaches in the sport of wrestling is on the decline and I would be as bold as to say that there are only a few "great" coaches left in our state. Sure, being in a leadership role with kids is special in and of itself, however, I'm tired of applauding "good intentions" and "meant well." It's time to expect more from our leaders. I just don't see enough coaches putting in the time necessary to become better coaches - or better men, husbands, fathers, etc. When these men were athletes, they understood the importance of doing the extra work and the little things right to succeed. Somehow, in those same men there's a disconnect when it comes to their role as coach. We expect excellence from our athletes, but not from our coaches. They're set on mediocrity and complacency. There are no prerequisites to coach. Continuing education is not mandatory. And, as a result, standards are essentially non-existent.
Yesterday I was a part of a new project in our state that was focused on raising standards of excellence. I had been talking to another coach about the condition of the coaches in Wisconsin and instead of waiting for someone else to do something about it, we did. We put together our state's first "Coaches Advancement Day." I was adamant about leaving the word "retreat" out of the title because we had no intentions of retreating; we want to advance. We had 12 successful wrestling coaches focusing on becoming better.
It's not an accident that these coaches have experienced great success; they're willing to put the time in to become better. I think it's fair to believe there are more than twelve coaches who want to get better, however, sadly, the same twelve individuals seem to take advantage of all of the opportunities.
As a coach, I'm postured as a learner. Trying to become the best I can be is very important to me, so I'm willing to do what it takes. It's time for more coaches to put in the same amount of time to improve as they expect from their athletes. Instructing a wrestler to attend a summer camp and not doing so as coach is unacceptable. There are many little things that can be done to improve.
Here is a small list of ideas for coaches. They're all very manageable. Coaches, you owe it to your athletes to improve. Get better or get left behind.
• Keep a journal
• Plan ahead
• Read a book (about leadership)
• Host or attend a summer wrestling camp
• Attend a coaching summit/clinic
• Find a mentor
• Watch the highest levels of wrestling on YouTube
• Use the buddy system – find another coach to share ideas with. Iron sharpens iron.
• Stay in shape
• Read articles (or books) about training athletes
• Breakdown video from previous seasons
• Challenge the status quo and think outside the box
• Study other coaches (including in other sports)
• Get to know your athletes and their parents
Monday, October 10, 2011
MMQB: Week 5
"You can't stop them. You can only hope to contain them." Stuart Jackson used to make a habit of saying this during Sports Center. It's the quote that was constantly ringing in my head last night during the Packers-Falcons game. The Falcons started the game perfectly - controlling the clock and keeping the Packers offense off the field. However, it was only a matter of time before Rodgers was able to pick apart the defense. I think Packers fans were a little greedy during the game last night, though. For me, it's refreshing to see the Packers are capable of winning "ugly," too. They're good. Really good.
The most exciting player of the weekend was Victor Cruz. The Giants wide receiver was unheard of before this season, but he makes acrobatic catches every weekend. Adrian Peterson did alright, too, but Calvin Johnson hasn't played yet. Drew Brees is the biggest superstar that nobody talks about. His numbers are almost as good as Brady, he's winning football games as well as anybody (except Rodgers) and he just put an entire team on his back and carried them to a win...again. I need to give Fred Jackson some props, too. Behind that young offensive line, he could rush for over 1,400 yards. And not-so-quietly, Jared Allen is playing like a Pro Bowler again.
Seriously, what's the deal with the Eagles? Michael Vick has seven interceptions and seven fumbles. I don't care how electrifying he is, that's a problem. The Eagles are a problem. Since Andy Reid is one of my favorite coaches, I haven't counted them out, but I'm getting very, very close. I heard separate interviews of both Reid and Vick. They both said they take the full responsibility for what's happening. To me, that doesn't make sense. Two people cannot be fully responsible, can they? I think they need to sort out who's in charge of the team (and Vick is not in charge). I just don't have much love for the entire NFC East right now. There isn't one team in that division that inspires me.
I have counted out John Candy and the Jets. They're a very good team, but they just keep losing. They can't afford to do that in their division. The Patriots are the Patriots and the Bills are for real. I don't think they can catch either of those teams and they can't rely on the other wild card spot with all of the surprising teams (Oakland, Tennessee, Cincinnati, etc.).
I'm sold on the Bills, Raiders and 49ers. I think all three teams will be in the playoffs. Jim Harbaugh knows what he's doing. He has Alex Smith looking like a Pro Bowl leader right now. And their defense is completely legit.
The Raiders played "inspired" yesterday, however, they're good enough to win games like that every week (except for when the go to Lambeau...). Al Davis was a pretty big deal to professional football. I enjoyed watching the pregame shows yesterday and hearing how he impacted some of the best personalities in the game. He was a key factor in integrating the AFL and NFL, the first to hire an African-American head coach, a Latino head coach and a female CEO. What a pioneer. Good for him.
Tim Tebow has arrived, much to the chagrin of Merrill Hodge on NFL Live. Well, he was at least put in the line-up. I'm not sure if he's arrived yet. He is a gamer, though. How can you not love this guy? I like that he was a superstar without playing. It goes to show that people do like high character players. He has set himself apart and God is using him. Now, we get to draw our conclusions of him based on how well (or poorly) he can throw a football. I'm not as optimistic about his skills as I am his character. He's still and gamer, though, and he's a winner.
I'm ashamed to write that I put Ben Roethlisberger on waivers in one of my fantasy leagues right before the weekend started. Good one, Kevin. I just finished writing that after week 4 last year, he was money. He was suspended then and in terms of fantasy impact, he might as well have been this year. Now he's rolling and I have Jason Campbell instead. Dang.
The most exciting player of the weekend was Victor Cruz. The Giants wide receiver was unheard of before this season, but he makes acrobatic catches every weekend. Adrian Peterson did alright, too, but Calvin Johnson hasn't played yet. Drew Brees is the biggest superstar that nobody talks about. His numbers are almost as good as Brady, he's winning football games as well as anybody (except Rodgers) and he just put an entire team on his back and carried them to a win...again. I need to give Fred Jackson some props, too. Behind that young offensive line, he could rush for over 1,400 yards. And not-so-quietly, Jared Allen is playing like a Pro Bowler again.
Seriously, what's the deal with the Eagles? Michael Vick has seven interceptions and seven fumbles. I don't care how electrifying he is, that's a problem. The Eagles are a problem. Since Andy Reid is one of my favorite coaches, I haven't counted them out, but I'm getting very, very close. I heard separate interviews of both Reid and Vick. They both said they take the full responsibility for what's happening. To me, that doesn't make sense. Two people cannot be fully responsible, can they? I think they need to sort out who's in charge of the team (and Vick is not in charge). I just don't have much love for the entire NFC East right now. There isn't one team in that division that inspires me.
I have counted out John Candy and the Jets. They're a very good team, but they just keep losing. They can't afford to do that in their division. The Patriots are the Patriots and the Bills are for real. I don't think they can catch either of those teams and they can't rely on the other wild card spot with all of the surprising teams (Oakland, Tennessee, Cincinnati, etc.).
I'm sold on the Bills, Raiders and 49ers. I think all three teams will be in the playoffs. Jim Harbaugh knows what he's doing. He has Alex Smith looking like a Pro Bowl leader right now. And their defense is completely legit.
The Raiders played "inspired" yesterday, however, they're good enough to win games like that every week (except for when the go to Lambeau...). Al Davis was a pretty big deal to professional football. I enjoyed watching the pregame shows yesterday and hearing how he impacted some of the best personalities in the game. He was a key factor in integrating the AFL and NFL, the first to hire an African-American head coach, a Latino head coach and a female CEO. What a pioneer. Good for him.
Tim Tebow has arrived, much to the chagrin of Merrill Hodge on NFL Live. Well, he was at least put in the line-up. I'm not sure if he's arrived yet. He is a gamer, though. How can you not love this guy? I like that he was a superstar without playing. It goes to show that people do like high character players. He has set himself apart and God is using him. Now, we get to draw our conclusions of him based on how well (or poorly) he can throw a football. I'm not as optimistic about his skills as I am his character. He's still and gamer, though, and he's a winner.
I'm ashamed to write that I put Ben Roethlisberger on waivers in one of my fantasy leagues right before the weekend started. Good one, Kevin. I just finished writing that after week 4 last year, he was money. He was suspended then and in terms of fantasy impact, he might as well have been this year. Now he's rolling and I have Jason Campbell instead. Dang.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Endure such opposition
I’ve been very adamant about speaking the truth in love to the next generation of men since I started working with high school athletes ten years ago. Most recently, I’ve been expressing frustrations and expectations on boys becoming men on this blog. I have been very firm about these responsibilities and, in light of the weight of these expectations; I also want to be a source of encouragement to these young men.
Teenagers face pressure to conform in countless ways. Many of them are unhealthy and unproductive, but they’re intriguing because they can sometimes be exciting and popular. Everyone desires to be accepted and, unfortunately, being part of “the crowd” temporarily meets that need. However, being part of the crowd is uninteresting and ordinary. It lacks uniqueness. It’s simply common. We need to strive to be uncommon. If everyone is doing it, it’s probably not worth doing. Nothing worth having or doing comes easily. Originality is a vital ingredient needed to become the man God created you to be. Your life should stick out and people should notice that you’re “different.” You have what it takes because you are exemplary and extraordinary. You need to be more weird because normal isn’t work. You are too valuable to be confined in the space of what everyone else is doing. Stand up and stand out!
It’s difficult to be the exception to society’s rules. Unquestionably, you’ll face persecution of various kinds. There are many great men that have gone before us who we can learn from. The late Steve Jobs is becoming immortalized for the way he approached life. One of his closest friends said of him during his final days, “Steve made choices…But for Steve, it was all about living life on his own terms and not wasting a moment with things he didn’t think were important. He was aware that his time on earth was limited. He wanted control of what he did with the choices that were left.” Jobs is the greatest innovator and leader in the past 20 years and he was determined to be unique, no matter how great the pressure was to conform. Without addressing specific pressures, in a sense, Jobs’ legacy captures the essence of what we’re going for here.
By looking into the lives of prominent characters in the Bible, we gain even more insight into the correct decision making process. Many of them faced death and persecution for standing up for what was right. High school presents us with pressures, obviously, but our lives aren’t on the line. Certainly, you can cope with not being invited to the next party when you decide to stand up to your buddies who want to go down the wrong path. Certainly, you’re strong enough to handle the “wrath” of the captain on your football team when you refuse to tolerate him degrading women. Certainly, you can put your popularity on the line to protect that helpless freshman your team insists on relentlessly picking on day after day. Certainly, you can endure the teasing from others when you decide to pursue purity and honor women by not having sex until your married. When you make difficult decisions, you will be ridiculed. When you’re exceptional, others will do all they can to bring you back down to their level.
When you feel attacked by classmates and teammates, take heart in knowing that it will make you stronger for the journey to become a man. I’ve been there and it can be hard to say, “No” and stand up for what is right. The rewards are great; however, don’t just take my word for it. If you will endure and not lose heart, God promises us that it’s worth it. Sure, it will get difficult, but He will provide the “extra” strength to preserve. This all leads to maturity.
Here are few passages that will provide you with encouragement to do what is right.
Teenagers face pressure to conform in countless ways. Many of them are unhealthy and unproductive, but they’re intriguing because they can sometimes be exciting and popular. Everyone desires to be accepted and, unfortunately, being part of “the crowd” temporarily meets that need. However, being part of the crowd is uninteresting and ordinary. It lacks uniqueness. It’s simply common. We need to strive to be uncommon. If everyone is doing it, it’s probably not worth doing. Nothing worth having or doing comes easily. Originality is a vital ingredient needed to become the man God created you to be. Your life should stick out and people should notice that you’re “different.” You have what it takes because you are exemplary and extraordinary. You need to be more weird because normal isn’t work. You are too valuable to be confined in the space of what everyone else is doing. Stand up and stand out!
It’s difficult to be the exception to society’s rules. Unquestionably, you’ll face persecution of various kinds. There are many great men that have gone before us who we can learn from. The late Steve Jobs is becoming immortalized for the way he approached life. One of his closest friends said of him during his final days, “Steve made choices…But for Steve, it was all about living life on his own terms and not wasting a moment with things he didn’t think were important. He was aware that his time on earth was limited. He wanted control of what he did with the choices that were left.” Jobs is the greatest innovator and leader in the past 20 years and he was determined to be unique, no matter how great the pressure was to conform. Without addressing specific pressures, in a sense, Jobs’ legacy captures the essence of what we’re going for here.
By looking into the lives of prominent characters in the Bible, we gain even more insight into the correct decision making process. Many of them faced death and persecution for standing up for what was right. High school presents us with pressures, obviously, but our lives aren’t on the line. Certainly, you can cope with not being invited to the next party when you decide to stand up to your buddies who want to go down the wrong path. Certainly, you’re strong enough to handle the “wrath” of the captain on your football team when you refuse to tolerate him degrading women. Certainly, you can put your popularity on the line to protect that helpless freshman your team insists on relentlessly picking on day after day. Certainly, you can endure the teasing from others when you decide to pursue purity and honor women by not having sex until your married. When you make difficult decisions, you will be ridiculed. When you’re exceptional, others will do all they can to bring you back down to their level.
When you feel attacked by classmates and teammates, take heart in knowing that it will make you stronger for the journey to become a man. I’ve been there and it can be hard to say, “No” and stand up for what is right. The rewards are great; however, don’t just take my word for it. If you will endure and not lose heart, God promises us that it’s worth it. Sure, it will get difficult, but He will provide the “extra” strength to preserve. This all leads to maturity.
Here are few passages that will provide you with encouragement to do what is right.
“Consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be made mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” – 1 Corinthians 4:7-10
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12:1-3
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