Don Somma is “Winning Jersey Style”
Member Spotlight
Colleton River Club resident Don Somma recently completed a book, Winning Jersey Style, regarding his years of coaching football and teaching in various New Jersey school districts. The book is rich in organizing, planning and building not only football programs, but team spirit and teaching boys how to be successful men. Colleton member Rich Torre sat down with Don, for The River, to discuss his new book.
Happy Homecoming Congratulations to the Nicklaus residents who narrowly defeated the Dye residents by two points (208-206) in Colleton’s annual Homecoming Weekend golf event, and thank you to the 23 members who took advantage of the CRGA clinic, which was offered as part of our Homecoming Weekend festivities.
The River: You were successful building programs from scratch. What was your formula for success? Don Somma: It’s simple. Defining winning and not just by wins and losses, but by defining the objective of the program. Things like kids being better students. Getting everyone pulling in the same direction. That means parents, teachers, other coaches, custodians and cooks. And in doing this it comes at no expense to anyone. For example, I recruited basketball players at every school. I had to convince protective basketball coaches that this was in their interest. In fact, 10 of my tight ends wound up playing Division I or Division I AA college football.
Photo left to right: Jim Eisert, Matt Stewart (pro), William Spadafora, Paul Zaffaroni
TR: It seems you helped a lot of high school kids get to college. Was that your greatest joy from coaching? DS: Helping kids not just get to college but become successful in life. What equals success? The kid becomes a good husband, father, citizen and gives back in life. Play practice perfect. Watching everyone execute their responsibilities is a thing of beauty. While I wouldn’t focus on any one game or school, having 85% of my Elizabeth students make honor roll and 25% make national honor society is one of our biggest accomplishments.
Men’s Club Challenge Results March 22-24, 2012
Overall Champion & Nicklaus Flight Winner
Atlanta Athletic Club Mr. Craig Marmon Mr. Bobby Pavloff Mr. Todd Ryman Mr. Matt Scheck Mr. Kevin Rudder
Dye Flight Winner Gross Champion
Dye Flight Runner-Up Nicklaus Flight Runner-Up
Rolling Hills Cc Hackensack Gc Jonesboro Gc Elk River Mr. Chris Schafer Mr. Ted Horton Mr. Larry Grisham Dr. Michael Mayhew Dr. David Schwimer Mr. Bob Mason Dr. John Cook Dr. Jim Graham Mr. Gordon Lovingood Mr. Bob Manzo Dr. Ron Burnett Mr. Jim Holmes Mr. Paul Zaffaroni Mr. Michael Solow Dr. Mack Moore Mr. Chuck Dockery Mr. Rocky Catalano Mr. Randy Cochran Mr. Lee Brun Mr. John Carter
TR: Who should read the book? DS: Any middle school girl or boy who is thinking of playing high school sports and has issues with grades. Their parents. Business leaders on how to strategize, scheme and execute on a plan. TR: Some of the best parts of the book were motivational situations where you either turned around a game or a season. How did you strategize and implement these ideas? DS: These were all premeditated acts to get either our kids or opponents’ attention and regarding opponents, to get them off their game. I’d also draw attention to myself to take the pressure off our kids. No matter what situation you are in, decipher the information and use it to your advantage. That’s why coaches watch so much film. TR: Could the book be used by business managers as a leadership, creative problem-solving and motivational tool? DS: Sure. In closing, I’m honored that many people in Colleton River have taken the time to read the book. Rest assured, any success the book has will be given back to the community.
Lifelong Learning Group The Lifelong Learning Group of Colleton River has completed Season III. We are able to look back at many enjoyable programs, field trips, speakers, photography exhibits and kayaking trips. The success of your LLG is attributed to you, our members, who enthusiastically support the programs. In addition, these programs would not have been possible without the ideas and planning of the LLG Work Group: Paula Williams, Senior Advisor; Nancy Taylor, Barb Gates, Mary Jo Cubbin, Mary McKane, Sherry Steele, Burt Must, Dave Russert, Tom McKane, Sallie Lott, Sue Glancey, Kris Mak, Lynne Patti, Jim Patti, Linda Rankin, Maxine Melcher, Wendy Baker, Vickie Must, Judy Russert, Janice Norton, Bev Jennings, Bert Einloth and Doris Beedie.
Colleton members / LLG organizers Doris Beedie, Bert Einloth & Sue Glancey
Following the “mission of the Lifelong Learning Group to develop and present programs and events that inform and invite members to think, discuss, and learn together and foster an expanded sense of Colleton River community spirit within and beyond our gates,” we look forward to planning and presenting Season IV beginning in the fall of 2012. As always, we welcome your suggestions and comments. For additional information, please call the front desk: 843.836.4400.
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The River | Spring 2012
ColletonRiverClub.com | The River
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