When you become a coach, you are put in one hefty role. Whether it is pee-wee football or at the professional level, you are in charge of shaping a group of people. Of course you have more of an influence on your players when they are younger, but you are the one setting the example for your team.
If you are coaching and throw hissy fits when the ref makes a "bad call," then your team is going to act the same way regardless of the level. You are the person that sets the example for every single player that you are coaching.
One of the things I am looking forward to as I move forward in my life is becoming a coach. I want to take my passion for the sport (or sports) that I love and share it with young people.
Some of the coaches I have through my life helped develop my passion for the sports I have played. Whether it was volleyball, bowling and even track that I joined during college, they have given me a reason to continue playing the sports.
When an athlete encounters a coach like this, it makes them want to play the game.
Sadly, there are also coaches that have done the exact opposite to plenty of athletes throughout time. If they are doing it for the love of the game, they are not showing it.
Coaching is something that should be taking seriously regardless of the level. It should not be considered just another paycheck for someone. There is so much more to it than that.
Gary Andersen, the former head coach of Oregon State University football, gave up $12.6 million by leaving the school, and people are calling him crazy.
In a statement released by the University, Andersen said, "Coaching is not about the mighty dollar. It is about teaching and putting young men in a position to succeed on and off the field. Success comes when all parties are moving in the same direction."
You all may call him crazy to leave a guaranteed $12.6 million, but I could not commend this coach more. He realizes what coaching is all about, and it's worth way more than tackles and touchdowns. It is about the person that these athletes become, and it's all thanks to the coach that leads them out onto the field everyday.
So here is the thank you that all of the great coaches out there deserve. Thank you for doing it for us and not for the paycheck coming your way. If every coach was like that, the whole world of sports would probably be a little different than it is right now.
