Texas Coach - November 2023 - Volume LXVIII No. 3

INSIDE: first ever "texas high school coaches day" is a victory

november 2023

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OCTOBER 2023

thsca OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 2023-24 TEXAS COACH - (ISSN 0040-4241) - Copyright 2023 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 $70.00 membership dues. For non-members: one-year subscription price is $30.00; two-year subscription price is $50.00; Foreign: one-year subscription price is $50.00. 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.

kendall miller

President - emerson

john snelson

Pres-elect - dickinson

jerod womack

region 2 - waxahachie

kevin crane

region 2 - central

Lee Wiginton

Past-pres - Allen

aaron roan

region 2 - abl. cooper

matt lovorn

chad dunnam

region 1 - canyon

jeff rayburn

region 3 - lone star

region 1 - amarillo

dave henigan

chip darden

region 1 - lub. cooper

allen gratts

region 3 - denton ryan

region 3 - arl. bowie

james williams

b.j. gotte (interim)

todd quick

robert flores

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 2553 N INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE RD SAN MARCOS, TX 78666-5924

john settle

mark torres

fred staugh

clint hartman

region 3 - sunnyvale

region 4 - pebble hills

region 4 - monahans

region 4 - midl. legacy

shaun mcdowell

laqueisha dickerson

ricklan holmes

shane anderson region 6 - waco midway

region 6 - lufkin

charley drum

amanda wolf-schramm

lance moffett

region 5 - fb marshall

region 5 - pearland

Printed by Capital Printing Co in Austin, Texas.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOE MARTIN joemartin@thsca.com

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GLEN WEST glenwest@thsca.com

region 5 - grand oaks

region 5 - fb austin

region 6 - hutto

region 7 - nikki rowe

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 Social Media & Marketing

KAYCI COHEN

kaycicohen@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 Finance & Accounting

GORDON MACKEY

gordonmackey@thsca.com Director of Hotels & Hospitality

CHELSEA MILLER

chelseamiller@thsca.com Director of Public Relations & Awards

TYLER WATTS

tylerwatts@thsca.com

OCTOBER 2023

jerry carpentier region 7 - odem

leo mireles

region 7 - laredo lbj

region 8 - canyon lake

region 8 - smithson valley

region 8 - hays

juan morales

region 8 - sotomayor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEES for 2023-24:

Finance: Dave Henigan, B.J. Gotte, Kendall Miller, John Snelson, Mark Torres, *Lee Wiginton Bylaws: Chip Darden, Charley Drum, *Chad Dunnam, Ricklan Holmes, Todd Quick, Shaun McDowell Ethics: Kevin Crane, LaQueisha Dickerson, Robert Flores, Clint Hartman, *Jeff Rayburn, Fred Staugh Policy: Shane Anderson, Jerry Carpentier, Leo Mireles, Juan Morales, Aaron Roan, *Amanda Wolf-Schramm Magazine: Allen Gratts, *Matt Lovorn, Lance Moffett, John Settle, James Williams, Jerod Womack Hall of Honor: *Ronnie Gage, Johnny Taylor, Dub Farris, Gary Joseph

*Denotes Chair

Director-Elects & Alternates: DIRECTOR-ELECTS

Region 1 – Todd Winfrey, Canyon; Region 2 – Sterling Doty, Stephenville; Region 3 – Marvin Sedberry, Jr., Terrell; Region 4 – Jeff Ellison, Odessa Permian; Region 5 – BJ Gotte, Pearland; Region 6 – Chris Cochran, Lindale; Region 7 – Reuben Farias, La Joya; Region 8 – Joe Hubbard, East Central;

1ST ALTERNATES

Region 1 – DJ Mann, Lubbock Coronado; 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;

2nd ALTERNATES

Region 1 – Andy Cavalier, Canadian; Region 2 – Sammy Burnett Brownwood; Region 3 – Marcus Shavers, McKinney; 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;

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CONTENTS DE PA RT M E N T S

7 10 14

KENDALL MILLER - EMERSON HIGH SCHOOL

NOW HEAR THIS

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES

C O V E R S T O RY

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES DAY 2023 F E AT U R E S

OUR DAY TO SHINE

THANK YOU TO THE SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING SO FAR THIS YEAR

13 20 28

WIT & WISDOM

INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION

LIABILITY INSURANCE

ARE YOU COVERED?

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

THE JASON FOUNDATION

JUST SHOW UP!

BY STEPHEN MACKEY, 2WORDS

BUILDING FEMALE LEADERS

BY KELLY LOZADA, LUBBOCK MONTEREY HS

PHOTO BY ginger cannon

17 22

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

NOVEMBER 2023 VOL. LXVIII NO. 3

24 32 60 4

AROUND THE STATE

COACHES AND COACHING FAMILIES FROM ACROSS TEXAS

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES DAY

A CELEBRATION OF ALL OUR TEXAS COACHES!

SUPER ELITE & COACH OF THE YEAR CRITERIA AND NOMINATION DEADLINES

40 44 48 52 56 62

N.I.L. AND THE IMPACT ON COLLEGE RECRUITING

BY THE ECCKER SPORTS GROUP

DRILLS TO KEEP THE "SPRINT" IN SPRINT HURDLES

BY JEREMIAH BUTCHEE, STEPHENVILLE HS

WINNING, EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T

BY ALLISON HILL, CROSBY ISD

UTILIZING PICKOFFS IN HS BASEBALL

BY TOM ALFIERI, SAN ANTONIO CHURCHILL HS

ATHLETES AND ADHD

BY CYNTHIA AUSTIN, PHD

BUILDING CULTURE THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS AND ACCOUNTABILITY

BY JACOB DAWSON, AMARILLO HS

OCTOBER 2023

2023-2024 THSCA

ADVISORY COMMITTEES ATHLETIC DIRECTORS R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Jason Richards, Muleshoe Russell Lucas, Sweetwater Seth Stinton, Melissa *Jaime Boswell, Andrews Virgnia Flores, Cy-Fair Don Drake, Ennis Rob Davies, Harlingen Stan Laing, Northside

AQUATICS R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

*Trey Hayes, Lubbock Casey Pacheco, Abl. Wylie Eric Vogan, Texas High Michael Waldmann, Andrews Robert Kelly, Sam Rayburn Daniel Gonzalez, Longview Hector Castaneda Jr., Harl. South 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 At-Large Chans Chapman, SA Reagan

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, Katy R-6 Jake Russ, Franklin R-7 Sean Armstrong, G. Portland R-8 Andrew Brewer, Alamo Heights At-Large Richard Flores, Cy-Falls

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 OPEN R-7 Clarissa Arredondo, McAllen Mem. 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 At-Large Scott Hippensteel, Lockhart

OCTOBER 2023

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

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 Keylon Kincade, Winona R-7 Brent Davis, G. Portland R-8 Alan Haire, Chaparral At-Large Clint Fuller, Kilgore

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 OPEN R-3 Kerry Gabel, FM Marcus R-4 Shawn Trousdale, Eastwood R-5 *Angela Chancellor, Kingwood 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 *Cashan Clark, Alvarado 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 Cecilia Kellar - Odessa 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 R-2 R-3

Styler Haddock, Canyon Cynthia Herrera, Stamford *Kathy Schoettle, Allen

R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Lindsie Swarb, Monahans Katie Roberts, Brenham Same Weeks, Troup Audra Troutman, Sinton Jennifer Fox, Alamo Heights

TENNIS R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Darby Norman, Canyon Randall *Carrie Castleberry, Vernon Sylvia Sims, Frisco Heritage OPEN Daniel Marshall, A&M Consol.

OPEN Eddie Marquez, Roma Teri Saunders, Pf. Hendrickson

BOYS TRACK & FIELD R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Jon Murphy, Stratford Andy Howard, Brownwood *Janson Head, Denton Ryan Brien Burchett, Greenwood Jason Haddock, Clements Josh Rankin, Longview Bob Bechtold, McAllen Keith Randle, SA Johnson

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Crista Jones, Lub. Monterey *Jeremiah Butchee, Stephenville Ashley Broom, Sunnyvale Robert Ontiveroz, Monahans David Pollack, Seven Lakes Jordan Johnson, Midway Stacy Zamzow, Goliad 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 Jacob Thompson, Leander Rouse

BOYS WRESTLING R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Dalton Clear, Canyon OPEN *Kyle Stevens, Anna Oscar Norez, EP Montwood Vinnie Lowe, Katy Collin Stroner, Midlothian Heritage Donald "Ed" Arvin, CC Veterans Memorial David Burdick, Vista Ridge

GIRLS WRESTLING R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Tyler Frausto, Canyon OPEN *Jessica Fresh, Northwest Stephen Scott, EP Franklin Nicholas Johnson, Cy-Woods OPEN Ronald Pratt, Rio Grande City Garvin Smith, San Marcos

* DENOTES CHAIR

5

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Personalized healthcare when you need it most Your questions and concerns about your health matter. Ascension Seton care teams are here to empower you and your family by listening, respecting your experiences, and creating a care plan that works for you. You deserve to be seen and heard. That‘s why our doors are always open to provide health and healing, for the whole you — body, mind and spirit. To us, you are more than a patient. And together, we are a community.

ascension.org 6

OCTOBER 2023

© Ascension 2023. All rights reserved.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

November 2023

THSCA Coaches, November is always a transition month. Some volleyball, cross-country, water polo, and tennis programs have attained the ultimate prize and won the state championship; and there are football programs that are still fighting for a trip to AT&T Stadium.

Across the state, basketball teams are starting practices and taking their first step toward the Alamodome. Tens of thousands of people will ascend upon these venues to watch our different state events.

The spectacle of our state events are second to none, and are a reminder of just how special high school athletics is in this state.

Congratulations to those teams that have achieved that ultimate goal, and good luck to those still in the hunt.

Texas High School Coaches Day was a huge success. Coaches make the ultimate sacrifice EVERY day for the sake of our kids and communities. This state recognition, while long overdue, is well deserved by each of you. As we recognize our coaches, remember that Coach of the Week and Coach of the Year nominations are still ongoing.

Please remember, the Coach of the Year awards are not just for Head Coaches, so please nominate your Assistant Coaches for recognition as well. ROCK Nominations are also due for the Class of 2024 by December 1st. As we recognize our veteran coaches, our ROCK program is very instrumental in developing our coaching staffs for tomorrow. Please get those nominations in for a deserving young coach.

We celebrate this profession because we know of its importance and have countless examples of how coaches continue to change the lives of teenagers. Please stay active and watch for our legislative alerts. We will need all of us. Our profession and our kids are worth it.

We realize that we only exist as coaches because we are fortunate enough to coach players. Please make your nominations for the Super Elite Team, and the Academic AllState Awards. Nominations are still ongoing for these awards.

Good luck again to everyone as we finish up football and start our winter seasons.

Continue to set the standard and lead our kids and communities.

Kendall O. Miller, THSCA President

OCTOBER 2023

7

The confetti falls

december 27 Ta x A c t Te x a s B o w l . c o m 8

OCTOBER 2023

February 9-11, 2024

Hilton and Conference Center College Station, TX

OFFENSE Jeff Lebby, University of Oklahoma (1:00 pm, Fri.) QB play / RPO's quick game decision making

Larry Zierlein and Hardee McCrary Clinic Co-Directors

DEFENSE Coleman Hutzler, University of Alabama (1:00 pm, Fri.) Outside LB fundamentals / Simulated pressures

Jordan Shoemaker, Texas State (3:30 pm, Fri.) Inside zone plus zone counter / 6 man pro w/adjustments

Terry Joseph, University of Texas (3:30 pm, Fri.) DB drills & fundamentals / DB game planning

Adrian Mitchell, Klein Collins HS (7:00 pm, Fri.) Inside run with passes / Outside run with comp. passes

Matt McDaniel, Port Neches-Grove HS (7:00 pm, Fri) Slanting & moving 3-4 front / coverages that fit these fronts

Drew Sanders, Vandegrift HS (7:00 pm, Fri.) Put the ball in hands of playmaker / Inside zone formation & gap schemes Kennedy Polamalu, Las Vegas Raiders (8:00 am, Sat.) Outside zone & keepers / Play action pass plus 6 man pro.

Shawn Bell, Baylor (10:30 am, Sat.) BU situational passing game / BU play action passing game Todd Dodge, 7x State Championship Coach (2:00 pm, Sat.) Lessons learned in 36 yrs o f coaching Part 2 / Combo passing concept Malcolm Kelly, TCU (4:30 pm, Sat.) Wide receiver tech. & fund / TCU 4 vertical passing game Kurt Traylor, UTSA (8:00 pm, Sat.) Counter game w/screens, PAP & waggle off counter/ 5 man drop back pro.

Jeff Ellison, Odessa Permian HS (8:30 am, Sun.) Modern triple option with spread pass. / Continuation of 1st hour

CLINIC INFORMATION

$80 pre-registion fee. $90 at the door. There are no one day badges. Videotaping is not permitted. There will be no refunds issued after January 25. To pre-register please send your registration & payment to:

Lone Star Coaching Clinic 1404 Strada Curva New Braunfels, TX 78132 Phone:

830-885-5415

e-mail: clinic@zierlein.com

Matt Powledge, Baylor (8:00 am, Sat.) Def fundamental -tackling & takeaways/Block destruction & blitz mech Bradly Dale Peveto, UTEP (10:30 am, Sat.) Def RPO in 1 & 2 high coverage / Comp. early down pressures Paul Gonzales, TCU (2:00 pm, Sat.) Safety Fundamentals / Quarter coverage v. multiple formations Mike Mutz, Stephen F. Austin (4: 30 pm, Sat.) Sliding 4-3 def. w/creepers & mult. cover. / 3-4 down philosophy & pressure concepts Siddiq Haynes, UTSA (8:00 pm, Sat.) Pass rush philosophy / Base run fits in the 3-4 Daniel Da Prato, Texas State (8:30 am, Sun.) Special Teams org. & drills / Kickoff return timing & spacing

HOTEL INFORMATION

Hilton and Conference Center, 801 University Dr. East, College Station, TX. Special room rate $107. Check-in time is 4:00. Call 979-693-7500 or 800-HILTONS. Please state you are attending LSC24 to receive the special room rate. This special room rate is available until the room block is sold out or Jan. 17th, whichever is first.

Check for updates at: www.lonestarclinic.com

Friday Night Social at 9:15 - ??? Sponsored by: Wings & More; Jim Smith, New York Life; Adrenaline Fundraising; and Photo Texas OCTOBER 2023

9

NOW HEAR THIS COACH ALVIN LEE RINGO

Obituary

Alvin Lee Ringo, of Las Vegas, NV, and formerly Hallettsville, peacefully went to his heavenly home surrounded by his loving family on October 17, 2023. Alvin, 85, was born September 15, 1938 in San Saba, Texas to James and Dorothy Ringo. He later lived with Ed and Frances Witten in Lampasas, Texas while attending high school. He graduated from Lampasas High School in May 1957, excelling as a four-sport letterman, senior class vice president, and captain of his football team. His senior year, he was voted school favorite and senior favorite.

He went on to Southwest Texas State University on a football scholarship for 3 years (3year lettermen). During his time at SWT, he met the love of his life, Frances Dolezal, They were married November 27, 1959, in Hallettsville, Texas at the First United Methodist Church where he was a lifelong member. For his senior year, he transferred to Texas A&M University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in May 1962. He received his Master of Education from Sul Ross State University in 1975.

Alvin was an educator and coach of football, basketball, golf and track for 35 years all across the great state of Texas and was honored to be a part of numerous district and state championships. He began his teaching/coaching career in Yorktown and also coached in Lampasas, Wilmer Hutchins, Refugio, South San (Head Coach), Carrizo Springs (Assistant & Head Coach), Hallettsville, and Sweeny. Coach Ringo was honored to have worked with such great coaches and athletes during his career.

Coach was a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. One of his favorite memories was being part of the coaching staff for the 1989 Whataburger All Star basketball game, where he was honored to coach Shaquille O’Neal.

To know Al was to love him. Coach was loved for his shy and quiet personality, his one-liner quips and jokes, his dance moves, and sweet smile. He adored his many students, fellow coaches, and athletes. He cherished moments with family, indulging in his favorite pleasures: Blue Bell ice cream; cold beer; Dolly Parton; dominoes (his favorite saying was “if you can’t count - then cut”); golf (known as “Diamond Al” on the course); picking and shelling pecans, especially since he was from the Pecan Capital of the World, San Saba, Texas. But most of all, he liked to cut-a-rug dancing with Fran to country music and old-time rock and roll.

We are always on the hunt for article content for publication in Texas Coach magazine!

Article submissions can be sport-specific skills and techniques, or be related to program administration, team culture, building relationships with athletes, parents, administrators, etc.

Maybe a top 10 list you want to create or a “Do’s and Don’ts guide?” We publish articles from both members and non-members... so we encourage you to reach out to all of the different sport coaches on your campus, your athletic adminstrators, spouses, student-athletes, school administrators, booster club presidents, etc. and ask them to share their knowledge and wisdom with our Texas coaching family! Please email all article submissions to beckyadams@thsca.com – Word Document format is preferred, and 2-4 pages would be ideal length.

10

OCTOBER 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

THINGS TO KNOW...

Super Elite, Academic All-State and Coach of the Year Competitions are Now Open!

In your THSCA Member Portal, under the awards tab you will find access to submit nominations for Academic All-State, Coach of the Year (Head and Assistant coaches both), Coach of the Week and Super Elite competitions. Nominate your athletes and fellow coaches for these honors before it's too late!

2024 THSCA Leadership Summit Tickets Available Now!

This is the signature event of the Texas High School Coaches Education Foundation. This one day summit features a range phenomenal speakers; four from the motivational/inspirational arena, and four current high school coaches offering ideas for how they handle leadership development on their home campus. We will also keynote our 2024 Coaching Beyond the Game award recipient, Coach Jack Alvarez of Marshall HS. Find more information at www.thsca.com/summit

National High School Academic Excellence Award:

The THSCA has partnered with The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Football Hall of Fame and state High School Associations from all states for the creation of the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Award. This award will provided nationwide recognition honoring individual high school football teams for excellence in the classroom. Football coaches, you should have received an email outlining the protocols for nomination. Nominations will be submitted directly to THSCA beginning in November and are due no later than January 14, 2024.

Have you checked out our 4-L's (LISTEN, LEARN, LOVE & LEAD) Curriculum?

Coach Stephen Mackey of 2Words Character Development and the THSCA have worked together to generate a library of short video lessons for coaches to use as a tool when addressing key issues coaches face everyday outside of the X's and O's. These videos are a perfect opportunity for professional development for your staff. Check out a sample of available lessons now at www.thsca.com/4l and access the full library of lessons by logging into your THSCA Member Portal Account.

Some of the Lessons Available Now...

•

Three Questions to Ask Yourself to Hear Parents Better

•

The Impact of Athletics Begins and Ends with the Coach

•

How to Get the Most Out of Beyond the Game

•

The Miracle of the Locker Room: How Athletics can Raise the Character & Culture on your Entire Campus

•

A Framework to Building Person and Team Core Values

•

How to Build a Healthy Locker Room (R.E.S.P.E.C.T.)

•

10 Lies of Leadership (& What you can do about them)

•

How to Lead a Parent Meeting

•

AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

OCTOBER 2023

11

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION CONVENTION 2024 MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION

CLINIC DATES: January 11-13, 2024

Kalahari Resort - Round Rock, TX

$100.00 CONVENTION/MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

●

THSBCA MEMBERSHIP WITH CARD

●

CONVENTION FEE

●

COACHES INFORMATION PUBLISHED IN 2024 DIRECTORY

●

CLINIC ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE

MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR PLAYER/ COACH POST SEASON AWARDS.

REGISTRATION MUST HAVE POSTMARK of Saturday December 16, 2023 for coaches’ information to be included in the THSBCA 2024 Coaches’ Directory.

$120 LATE OR ON-SITE REGISTRATION.

For questions, please contact Mario Barrett: 210-724-9959 or thsbca1973@yahoo.com

THSBCA – “A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE”

*************ATTACH THIS FORM WITH PAYMENT PAYABLE TO THSBCA ***************** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: (First, Last) __________________________________________ THSBCA Member # _____________ High School/Affiliation: ____________________________________________________________________ Home Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________ _________________

City: ____________________________________________ State: ____________ Zip: _________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________________________

Cell Phone Number: (

) ____________________________________________

PLEASE CIRCLE ONE:

Head Baseball Coach -

Other ______________

Assistant - Volunteer

CHECK / SELECT FROM BOXES BELOW: MEMBERSHIP AND CONVENTION $100 HALL OF FAME BANQUET $75 (MEMBER PAYS $40 & THSBCA CONTRIBUTES $35) MEMBERSHIP ONLY $60 ( Will also be included into 2024 directory by Dec 16, 2023)

TOTAL $_____________ PLEASE MAIL FORM AND PAYMENT TO: Mario Barrett 22307 Whitecourt Drive Tomball, TX 77375 12

OCTOBER 2023

Mental Health Resources While The Jason Foundation specializes in awareness and education of suicide prevention, we often receive requests from people that are looking for mental health resources in their area. The links below provide information for those searching for mental health services or providers.

The resources listed are for informational purposes only. The Jason Foundation does not endorse, recommend, or vouch for the quality of services provided by the agencies. Please take caution when choosing the provider and services that best meet your individual needs, costs, and standards.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. They’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

SAMHSA Facility and Mental Health Resources Locator The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. They provide a Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, a confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems. findtreatment.gov The Jason Foundation The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is a nationally recognized leader in youth suicide prevention and awareness.

Our mission is to provide programs and resources for students, educators, and parents to help recognize and assist young people who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. The Jason Foundation has never charged any school, district, teacher, or coach for the use of any of our programs or materials.

Through The Jason Foundation, you have accessible a wealth of information that can be utilized in your professional and personal life. Visit our website, www.jasonfoundation.com, to learn more about the programs available and how you can become involved in suicide prevention. Please join us in combatting the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or visit your local emergency room.

Visit www.JasonFoundationTo Learn More TheT The Jason Foundation | 18 Volunteer Drive | Hendersonville, TN 37075 | (615) 264-2323 OCTOBER 2023

13

Texas High School Coaches Education Foundation

Our Day to Shine

14

Alamo Heights

Cy-Woods

Kilgore

Abilene

Danville MS

Kountze

Alice

Denton

La Grange

Amarillo River Road

East Bernard

La Vernia

Bandera

East View

Lindale

Bellville

Economedes

Littlefield

Brownwood

Edinburg

Longivew MS

Bryan

El Campo

Longview

Cameron

Ennis

Lubbock

Canadian

Georgetown

Lubbock Coronado

Canyon

Giddings

Lubbock Estacado

Cinco Ranch

Greenwood

Madison

Clear Springs

Harlan

Madisonville

College Station

Hays

Marble Falls

Colmesneil

Henrietta

Marshall

Colorado City

Highland Park

McAllen Memorial

Comal ISD

Hughes Springs

McGregor

Corpus Christi Ray

Katy Morton Ranch

McKinney

Cuero

Katy Tompkins

Mesquite Horn

Cypress Park

Kenedy

Midlothian Heritage OCTOBER 2023

THANK YOU to all of the schools who reported participation so far in this fall's "Our Day to Shine" Campaign!

With support from our coaches and their communities, the THSCA is able to assist athletes & coaches beyond what our current benefit policies will allow.

Your donations, just through October have totaled over $64,000!

Midway

Seven Lakes

Monahans

Shallowater

Muleshoe

Sharyland

Navarro

Silsbee

New Deal

Smithson Valley

Nikki Rowe

Stanton

Northside ISD

Stephenville

Odem

Stratford

Orange Grove

Sweetwater

Palestine

Taylor

Pittsburg

Texarkana Texas

Plains

Troup

Princeton

Troy

Samuel Clemens

West Mesquite

San Angelo Lake View

West Rusk

San Antonio Memorial

Wimberley

San Antonio Stevens

Wink

Sanger

Wylie

Planning to host an "Our Day to Shine" scrimmage/spring game for a winter or spring sport?

Download the tools provided by THSCA online at www.thsca.com/downloads

The kit includes a press release, a poster, Venmo QR code, reporting form for donations and an information sheet.

Santa Gertrudis Academy Santa Rosa OCTOBER 2023

15

SYMMETRY IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THSCA COACHES & ATHLETES

EXCLUSIVE

PARTNER IN TEXAS 16

www.symmetrysports.com • (903)560-8070 • Mt. Pleasant, Texas OCTOBER 2023

&

wit

wisdom

W O N D E R & AW E

"I believe that curiosity, wonder and passion are defining qualities of imaginative minds and great teachers; that restlessness and discontent are vital things; that intense experience and suffering instruct us in ways that less intense emotions can never do."

Thomas Edison

“Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”

Franz Kafka

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle."

Albert Einstein

"Being proud of who you have become doesn't mean you're perfect; it means you're aware of your growth and potential" - Elizabeth Gilbert PRIDE IN ONESELF

"I am so proud of you that it makes me proud of myself."

Gloria Steinem

"We teach children how to measure and how to weigh. We fail to teach them how to revere, how to sense wonder and awe."

Harold Kushner

"Don't dim your light to make others comfortable.

Be proud of who you are and shine brightly."

Michelle Obama

"Proud moments are the building blocks of confidence and self-belief."

"When you take ownership of your accomplishments, you can be proud without arrogance."

Deepak Chopra

Simon Sinek

"Proud of you for embracing challenges and turning them into opportunities for growth."

Jack Canfield OCTOBER 2023

17

Your fast pass to game day.

DIGITAL TICKE TING IS NOW PART OF THE FAN ENGAGEMENT SUITE. Fan-friendly and easy to manage. Meet Hudl Tickets.

Everything in one place.

Completely customizable.

No minimums.

More efficient entry.

Let Hudl do the setup.

Better reporting and security.

Fans can watch live games and highlights, see schedules, and now buy tickets, all in one place.

There are no minimums on tickets sold. Sell as many or as few as you’d like.

Let us know which events you want to offer digital ticketing and we’ll set it up for you.

Choose your pricing, ticket types, capacity and single or multi-game ticketing.

No added cost.

It’s free to add Hudl Tickets to your organization.

Each ticket holds a QR code that fans scan at the gate, giving them direct entry in seconds and reducing lines.

Digital sales simplify the accounting, security, and reporting process. Get a real-time look at who purchased tickets, tickets sold, and revenue generated.

Make your live events easier to attend. Get started with Hudl Ticketing at: hudl.com/solutions/fan/ticketing

18

OCTOBER 2023

January 26-28, 2024 Clinic Highlights ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

Hotel Information

Features only high school coaches as speakers.

18 Lectures will be given by top high school football coaches from Texas A discount to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World will be given to each coach at the clinic. (Good only on selected items and only for the duration of the clinic.)

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World will provide hunting and fishing equipment as door prizes.

The Embassy Suites Hotel is located adjacent to Bass Pro Shops and in close proximity to Grapevine Mills Mall and the Toyota Music Factory.

FCA Lecture on Saturday.

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 on Sunday. $1000 Cash door prize after the last lecture on Sunday.

“Texas Hold-Em” Tournament on Friday night 50 minute lectures and 45 minute breakout sessions.

Job Board available.

Largest High School Only Football Clinic in Texas!

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 $161, 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: DFW Coaches Clinic 30801 Beck Road Bulverde, Texas 78163 Check our website for clinic updates or to register.

¨ ¨

E-mail — coachesclinic@yahoo.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter—@dfwclinic

¨

www.coachesclinic.net

" —————————————————————————————————————— DFW Coaches Clinic Registration Form

Name:

Name:

Name:

Name:

School:

School Phone:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

E-mail: Enclosed is my check for $______ covering ______ coaches @ $80 per coach. ($90 after January 19, no refunds after this date) Make check out to DFW Coaches Clinic and mail to the address below or register online

OCTOBER 2023

@dfwclinic

The Largest High School only Football Clinic in TEXAS! Alternate Contact phone 214.356.4730 830.708.9132

19

JUST

SHOW UP!

BY STEPHEN MACKEY FOUNDER OF 2WORDS CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT THIS LESSON IS PART OF OUR 4-L CURRICULUM VIDEO SERIES, watch it now at www.thsca.com/4l

Coaching is hard. But then, life is hard too. In the game of life, there are going to be obstacles and difficulties, just like there are in sports. Just like our players get the opportunity to become the best they can be through sports, coaches do too.

hard to show up early in the morning–when it’s hot, when it’s cold, when there’s no praise, when the gym is empty–then all of a sudden it puts you in a position to learn the lessons that most people don’t want to learn.

Through coaching, we can learn how to show up to any challenges we meet and then rise above them all. And if we can do it in sports, we can do it in life.

When we learn to show up instead of running away, we become unshakeable and unstoppable in our confidence, in our mindset, and in our discipline.

Nobody wants to learn the hard lessons, the lessons that require them to be humble, or the lessons that require them to go the extra mile. If you show up when it’s hard to show up, you will learn things that others aren’t willing to learn. Those lessons will allow you to win battles that otherwise would be lost if you only showed up when it was easy or when you were being praised.

Just show up. It sounds simple, but it can be really hard. You’ll win half of your battles just by showing up in sports and in life. But for the other half, the really difficult battles, then how you show up matters. So let’s talk about how to show up.

Show up when it’s hard to show up.

How many people make big commitments when it costs them nothing? Then, when it comes time to pay the commitment, when it comes time to choose the harder right over the easier wrong, they step back and say, “I don’t want to anymore.” When they’re getting praised, they’re all about it, but the moment that the criticism or the challenge comes, they step back and they’re not interested.

But as Cat Osterman says, “The very best work hard, even when it’s hard to work.” If you show up when it’s 20

Showing up when it’s hard to show up is how you win the most difficult battles in sports and in life.

Show up and smile in the face of adversity.

When things are not going well, you have one of two options. You can be negative about it, which damages morale for you and your players. Or you can look the adversity right in the eye, smile and say, “Is that all you've got? That’s what I needed to be my best!

Thank you!”

Same adversity. Same person. Two different responses.

In every situation, no matter how ugly or hard it is, you have a choice. When you make the choice to OCTOBER 2023

smile in the face of adversity, the adversity loses its sting. Hard things get easier when you smile in the face of adversity. It is the most confident thing that you can do when everything has gone wrong, to stand up and smile. That attitude allows you to step towards the next right thing, so you can get back on track.

one foot out, that gets you nowhere. If you want to win the battles that no one else will win, then show up and give your best every single day.

When you choose to smile instead of frown at adversity, you become unstoppable. You win the battles that others can’t because most people aren’t willing to put negativity aside long enough to see how a difficult situation can be for their benefit. When things get hard, just show up and smile in the face of adversity.

Show up and give your best.

We’ve all seen athletes (and other coaches) who have shown up at a practice or a game being physically present but mentally absent. If your body is present but your mind is elsewhere, what good are you really doing yourself or your team? When you show up, you have to show up and give your best.

Show up and give a hundred percent of whatever you’ve got. Even if what you’ve got is only 60%, give 100% of that 60%. This shows your players that you’re trustworthy. It shows them that you’re committed to give everything you’ve got no matter how much or how little that is. When you show up like that, it changes how you coach. It changes how you respond to adversity, how you stay engaged or how you try to escape from what’s going on. It changes how your athletes behave, too.

When you show up and don’t give your best, you’re showing up and playing the hokey pokey, one foot in

Final Thoughts These three things take no talent. When you show up when it’s hard to show up, you display discipline, commitment, and integrity. When you show up and smile in the face of adversity, you demonstrate confidence, perspective, and positivity. When you show up and give your best, you set the example for excellence and effort.

It takes no talent to do these things, but they will make your talent better. It can be scary to show up when it’s hard or to smile on a bad day. It can be scary to show up and give your best, especially if you’ve shown up before and fallen short.

But as Brene Brown says, “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing that we can do is just show up.”

This article was written by Stephen Mackey (@MackeySpeaks), founder of 2Words Character Development (www.2Words.tv), and is a part the 4L’s: Listen, Learn, Love, and Lead Curriculum written by Stephen for the THSCA members. For more information, or to access the 4L’s Curriculum, visit www.thsca.com/4l, or contact Coach Mackey directly at 979-777-3022.

OCTOBER 2023

21

Offered By:

The John A. Barclay Agency

8701 Shoal Creek Blvd., Bldg. 2, Ste #201 -- Austin, TX 78757

Phone: 512.374.4927

Underwritten by Carrier rated A+ XV Superior by A.M. Best

This coverage will be in effect July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE WHAT THE POLICY COVERS:

COVERAGE A - LIABILITY INSURANCE Up to $2,000,000 per insured per occurrence/$ 3,000,000 per occurrence, plus the cost of defense, investigation and legal fees • Applies in the event a member is alleged to have caused injury or damage to others while performing his/her professional duties • Errors and omissions insurance for claims for damages arising out of a member’s duties as a professional educator, including all defense cost Note: The duty of the insurer to defend extends even to groundless, false and frivolous suits and accusations.

COVERAGE B - REIMBURSEMENT OF ATTORNEY FEES Up to $10,000 per insured per occurrence • The policy provides reimbursement of attorney fees in a broad range of situations not included under Coverage A. This includes allegations of criminal and/or sexual misconduct and employment related actions against an educator involving dismissal, revocation of certification and other professional rights and duties.

• In actions involving termination, salary, reassignment, certification or resignation, the matter in dispute must be resolved in favor of the member to qualify for the full reimbursement of $10,000. However, $2,000 of this amount is available for initial consultation and research, whether or not the member prevails, to determine if there exists a reasonable chance of the case being resolved in the member’s favor.

COVERAGE C - BAIL BONDS Up to $2,000 premium on bail bonds

WHAT THE POLICY PAYS:

COVERAGE A: Up to $2,000,000 per insured per ccurrence/$3,000,000 per occurrence, plus the cost of defense, investigation and legal fees.

COVERAGE B: Up to $10,000 per claim per Insured. Coverage for criminal proceedings and /or sexual misconduct limited to $10,000 aggregate per policy term.

COVERAGE C: Up to $2,000 premium on bail bonds.

COVERAGE FEATURES:

Criminal/Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The policy provides reimbursement of attorney fees up to $10,000 under Coverage B if the educator is acting in the scope of his/her duties.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is covered under Coverage A (Liability) if administered according to the rules of the jurisdiction in which the school is located.

Outside Activity

As long as the educator is within the scope of his/her professional duties, the policy covers liability for injury to students and others while the educator is conducting visits to industrial and commercial establishments, entertainment centers, outings, picnics and other similar school functions, subject to specific automobile, watercraft, & aircraft exclusions

Coverage B

Reimbursement of Attorney Fees - Such reimbursement as is afforded the member for actions involving tenure, dismissal, revocation of certification & other professional rights and duties is assured under the policy and is not contingent on the approval of a board or review committee, as might be the case where 44 the only available assistance is from a defense fund.

22

NEW INSURANCE PURCHASED AFTER 7/1/23 WILL COMMENCE ON THE PAYMENT RECEIVED DATE. THIS COVERAGE IS NOT RETROACTIVE.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE & HOW DO I PURCHASE?

The Texas High School Coaches Association offers a Coaches Professional Liability Insurance option to eligible members with coverage beginning July 1, 2023. The THSCA has chosen the John A. Barclay Agency, Inc. to provide this coverage to our members.

This plan was devised to offer liability insurance and legal assistance to THSCA members. In order to be eligible for this coverage you must meet the following criteria: • You must be a Coach, Athletic Trainer or Athletic Director for an accredited secondary school, college, junior college or university, within the state of Texas. Coverage also applies to classroom duties.

• Your THSCA Membership must be current for the school year in which the coverage is effective – 7/1/23 - 6/30/24.

• PROFESSIONAL, AFFLIATE and LIFE members are eligible only if they meet the criteria above. This insurance is not available to STUDENT or RETIRED members.

If you choose to purchase this insurance coverage and do not meet the criteria for eligibility, this coverage will not be valid. This coverage will be in effect July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. Insurance purchased after July 1, 2023 will commence on the payment received date. This insurance coverage is not retroactive.

Payment should be made directly to the THSCA. The total 23/24 annual premium for the insurance coverage will be $58.00 per member.

Annual Insurance Premium: State Taxes and Fees (4.925%): Association Administrative Fee: TOTAL 2022/23 Annual Premium:

$ 53.00 $ 2.61 $ 2.39 $ 58.00

Checks should be made payable to: THSCA Mail payment to: THSCA, P.O. Box 1138, San Marcos, TX 78667 DO NOT MAIL PAYMENT to the Barclay Agency.

Eligible members will be able to purchase the Coaches Professional Liability Insurance on the THSCA website, or by selecting to purchase the coverage on the THSCA membership application form and submitting it by fax, email or mail to the THSCA office with the insurance payment.

NOTE: In order to be eligible to purchase the coverage your membership must be current for the same year of policy coverage. (7/1/23-6/30/24)

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Do you have the financial ability to defend yourself in the event of claim?

Do you have the expertise to find the best legal counsel for your situation?

THIS IS NOT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE POLICY BUT A SUMMARY AND IS PROVIDED FOR REFERENCE ONLY. ALL COVERAGE PROVIDED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE POLICY IN THE EVENT OF A LOSS OR OCCURRENCE IS SUBJECT TO THE EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN THE MASTER POLICY ON FILE WITH THE POLICYHOLDER, INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS, ENDORSEMENTS, AND ADDITIONS. QUESTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC INSURANCE POLICY COVERAGE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO: The John A. Barclay Agency, Inc. 512.374.4927 2/23/2023

MARCH 2021

OCTOBER 2023

OCTOBER 2023

23

around the state

24

OCTOBER 2023

OCTOBER 2023

25

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Riddell is proud to sponsor the Texas High School Coaches Association

For more information, contact your Riddell sales representative or call 1.800.275.5338 26

OCTOBER 2023

Thank You to our 2023-24 THSCA Sponsors

OFFICIAL PROGRAM COLLABORATORS

Official Health, Safety & Wellness Collaborate

Official Coach of the Year Partner

CORNERSTONE

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Supporting Sponsor: SI Wealth Management & Army ROTC OCTOBER 2023

27

BUILDING

FEMALE LEADERS

BY KELLY LOZADA

Lubbock Monterey HS - Head Volleyball Coach THSCA Region 1 Volleyball Advisory Committee & ROCK Program Mentor

In the middle of a match we were not winning, I made a lineup change. The team captain had to move from her spot as the outside attacker and go give us a block and attack on the right side. Our opponent’s outside hitter was eating us alive and I needed a hand on the ball to give our defense a chance. She got mad. She intentionally screwed up.

The team morale tanked. We lost.

Back up to their freshman year.

I took on this program knowing they had not had success in a long time, they’d never had a winning record in program history. They’d never won a gold ball. I knew. I understood my job was to teach them the mental and strategic parts of the game. I knew “kids these days” want to know why we do any and everything. I knew their foundation was not very strong yet, but this is where we were. So, here I enter with a strong plan and some good drills. I was going to turn things around, and we were going to bring pride back to our program. I had a decent support staff, I just needed a team leader to help carry out the plan.

Back to my story, I clearly saw who the kids were choosing to follow and although it may not have been my formula for a team captain, the team was set on her. She was the best player/scorer on the team. I liked her a lot! She could speak to adults and kids and had a huge cheering section.

No one else would step up as a leader, because what she said or did was gospel to them. It worked out, sometimes. But, I had a lot of conversations with her about accountability and getting her team 28

back on the right path. We finished the district season 4-12, we did not qualify for the playoffs.

My charge then became- develop leaders - the kinds of leaders who would carry out the plan.

I remember when I first started looking for help in this area I was disappointed at the lack of online resources. I found some articles about developing leadership in teens, but nothing was going to hold my hand, step by step, and give me a curriculum guideline to actually mold and create young leaders (at least this is true of my google searches). Now, this was all before Mackey and One Word came across my desktop. Anyway, I found an article that spoke about why it was so hard to convince kids to step up, as leaders. It cited how our kids are in a culture of social media and images. It also mentioned the FOMO factor - Fear of Missing Out. The article explained that kids see Snapchats and Instagram posts of their friends spending the night together, or hanging out, taking fun, cool pictures.

Instead of feeling happy for their friends, they feel sad. They feel left out. The teen begins to question, “Why didn’t they invite me?” FOMO. Honestly, I can say there are plenty of adults who go through this, too. So what in the world does that have to do with developing teen leaders? Well, it turns out the author pieced together that kids feel left out and depressed or anxious based on their perception of someone else’s social media. Left out. So, how hard was it going to be to get a kid to be brave enough to STAND OUT? The kid who runs the full distance, the kid who takes every single rep, is often standing out, left behind when the ones who did “enough” are OCTOBER 2023

finished and standing together waiting on the others to come join them.

Look, there’s no magic pill for leadership.

Building leaders is a process. It all comes down to buy-in. I have to convince my athletes that they are awesome individuals, regardless of their skill in my sport. I have to make sure they know they are valued and valuable. I have to greet each one by name, get to know a little something about them and celebrate when they finally get that line-shot down.

Through platforms like FCA, I can talk to them about their identity and who God created them to be. But even someone who is not a believer can use their words and interactions to help boost a kid’s identity.

Once I have built a little confidence and trust with our athletes, then I start to ask them and encourage them in their personal goals. What I mean is, if I have a kid that wants to win a gold ball next season, then I encourage them in the weight room, in their academics, in agilities, and in their skill development.

I have to encourage them in their attendance! If I have a kid who wants to play at the next level, I keep telling them that these lifts, this improvement of their vertical, their quickness, their great serving and great hands will give them a chance to go play somewhere.

By the way, encouraging words are not a natural thing for me. I am an Acts of Service love-language person, so “doing things” is king in my book.

But, I love the kids enough to give them words of affirmation and extra time to allow them to grow and develop into leaders, without any manipulation.

Fast forward to the following offseason, our team was so hungry for success.

The team set individual and team goals. They

OCTOBER 2023

decided to stand out in the weight room, in running drills, in agility work, and on the court. We ended up with 2 great team captains out of that group. They were the first to cross the line in sprints. They were the first to make sure the net was up, or equipment was gathered. We not only had the first winning season in school history, we had the first 30+ win season in history. We held on to a state ranking the entire season, ranking as high as #8 in 5A for a few weeks. We finished the season 33-12. That was fun.

The gold ball chase is still on, but we finally seem to have a better grasp of good leadership. Don’t get me wrong, teenagers can waver at times, but they can also be awesome! I honestly look at them and am so proud and excited to see what they will become.

This has taken a lot of discipline and me being true to myself and being genuine around them. I have had to use good communication and lay out very clear expectations. I can’t be their friend. I have to be the one they can count on to always be me, doing what I do as the ultimate leader of this program. I often remind my kids that running a hard workout, or pushing hard in the weight room, or fighting a long five set match is not the hardest thing they’ll ever face. Learning to navigate all that and successfully step up when the call comes is what I’m after. I want kids to leave our program with tools for success after high school. My prayer and hope for them is that they go on to become great leaders in their homes, their schools and businesses, and in their communities.

We cannot just let them follow what looks good. We have to show them value in who they are right now so they have the courage to stand out in the future.

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FOUR BECOME ONE Four outstanding organizations, transformed into one powerhouse. And while our name may have changed, everything you count on - great service, uniforms, and gear remain.

YOUR GAME IS ALWAYS GAME ONE

30

GAME-ONE.COM

OCTOBER 2023

2024 THSCA SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION: THSCA will award the following scholarships: Eddie Joseph Memorial Scholarship ($2,500), Fisher Woodchick Memorial Scholarship ($2,005) and 10 additional $2,000 THSCA scholarships. Applicant must be child of current PROFESSIONAL member in good standing for the 23-24 THSCA membership year.

Selection of recipients will be based on the following criteria: 1. Academic Achievement Scan the code above to login to 2. Financial Need the THSCA Members Portal & 3. Community/Extra Curricular Involvement submit the application now!

4. Awards and Recognition 5. Must be a graduating senior class of 2024 and parent must be a current THSCA Professional Member in good standing.

Application requires completion of entry form, upload of an official transcript and a submission of a short essay stating why you would like to receive this scholarship and how it will be used. Please do not reference your name, parent's names, city or high school in your essay or short answer questions.

Recipients must use the scholarship towards an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school. Selections will be made by the THSCA Finance Committee, applications are anonymously submitted for review to the committee.

All applicants will be notified when selections have been finalized. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Entries must be submitted online by February 15, 2024.

OCTOBER 2023

31

CELEBRATING OUR COACHES...

High school and middle school coaches all over Texas now have a day specifically designated to celebrate their positive impact on students and communities. Senate Concurrent Resolution 38, which designated November 3rd, as Texas High School Coaches Day, was sponsored by Senator Lois Kolkorst and House Representative John Kuempel. The resolution passed in both the House and the Senate by a vote of 140-1 and was signed by Governor Abbott on May 19, 2023. SCR 38 designates the first Friday in November as Texas High School Coaches Day for a period of ten years.

Participation in high school athletics has positive, lifelong benefits for student-athletes. Student-athletes learn time management skills, leadership skills, the value of hard work, teamwork, and how to work through adversity. An article published by the National Federation of High Schools outlines that students also show a “stronger sense of self-confidence in building relationships with others and having an expanded capacity for empathy.” Additionally, studies like those published in the Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise Journal have shown that students who participate in sports are less likely to drop out of school, consistently have higher grades, and are more likely to seek a post-high school education than students who do not participate in sports. Without dedicated coaches to lead high school sports programs, students would miss out on the benefits of sports.

“Texas high school and middle school coaches are unique in that they are integral to the schools and communities they coach,” said Joe Martin, Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA). “Public school coaches are full-time teachers, department chairs, hall and cafeteria monitors, disciplinarians, and grief counselors.

They are field trip bus drivers, pep rally leaders, part-time field and facility maintenance workers, security guards, and janitors. They are the first to arrive on campus and the last to leave at night. But above all, they care for students and the community without expectation of praise and recognition. That is why we are thankful that Texas Legislators voted to create a day specifically for our school coaches; Texas High School Coaches Day will be celebrated to recognize the incomparable role that Texas coaches play in our communities.”

Schools were asked to participate in Texas High School Coaches Day by recognizing their coaches through social media, pep rally recognition, thank you cards, and other creative ways. On October 30th, THSCA launched a week-long social media campaign highlighting videos from Texas-raised professional athletes thanking coaches for their positive impact. Parents and communities were asked to find their ways to recognize the high school and middle school coaches in their school communities, and you all did not disappoint! We want to share some of the celebrations from across the state with you here.

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N.I.L. & THE IMPACT ON COLLEGE RECRUITING ECCKER SPORTS IS THSCA'S RESOURCE ON N.I.L. EDUCATION FOR COACHES & ATHLETES Since the landmark Supreme Court decision that ushered in a new era in collegiate and high school athletics, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has dominated headlines.

While it’s true that NIL altered the landscape and changed the game of college recruiting, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

“The disruption in college football, particularly, is not all NIL-specific,” said Bryan Bedford, CEO of the Bedford Agency and Recruit Route.

“During the pandemic, there was no outbound recruiting. Then, there was a major update to the Transfer Portal and the addition of the one-time transfer exception. NIL came in on top of that.

“It became the most transformative period in college athletics not only because of NIL but because all three things happened around the same time.”

The result significantly impacted college recruiting, and it started with limited outbound recruitment.

Before the pandemic, coaches would meet with 40

families and recruits in their homes, building a comprehensive picture of the athlete on and off the field. High school coaches also benefited from those recruitment visits, receiving valuable information from college coaches.

Both parties felt the effect of COVID-19 restrictions.

For nearly two years, athletes could not properly visit the campuses of schools they were interested in playing for, and face-to-face interactions with coaches or staff were severely limited. Athletes lost opportunities for increased exposure, and recruiters missed out on the critical eye test, limiting the ability to understand all aspects of a player fully.

The pandemic alone would have been disruptive enough but then came a significant rule change to the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Since 2018, the Transfer Portal has been an integral part of the recruitment process, impacting collegiate and current high school athletes hoping to compete at the next level. Many have likened it to free agency in professional sports, and competition is no longer relegated to peer athletes of the same graduation OCTOBER 2023

year but current college athletes as well.

It became a major talking point again in September 2022 due to an official rule change that allowed all student-athletes who were transferring for the first time – and who were in good academic standing from their current school – to have immediate transfer eligibility.

Prior to that revision, student-athletes who transferred were required to sit out a full season before they had an opportunity to compete with the new program. With the rule change, they have more freedom to find their best fit without missing out on a year of competition.

In August 2022, another revision was made. A D1 athlete can enter the NCAA Transfer Portal only during specified time windows. They are as follows:

“There is also no limit to how many official visits a student-athlete can make,” said Bedford. “So schools are bringing in more athletes on official visits because they know they’ll likely enter the transfer portal down the line. They’re recruiting a lot more kids.

“They changed restrictions to how you can overhaul your class (look at schools like Colorado or Texas State), and the portal and player management has basically been dysregulated,” he continued.

“Many coaches are budgeting 25% coming in and out of the roster on the portal. It used to be mostly high school kids, but now personnel departments look like the pro model – it’s transfers and high school kids. And that’s what the numbers are telling us, too.”

When the college football transfer portal’s 202223 cycle ended, stats showed athletes again used the portal at record highs.

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Between August 1, 2022, and May 1, 2023, 8,699 NCAA football players entered the portal, per ESPN. It was a 5.5% increase over last year’s then-record number (8,242) and more than double that of the inaugural 2018-19 cycle (4,076).

As Bedford alluded, no team used the portal quite like Colorado, which had a record 71 players enter during this past cycle alone, 61 of which entered the portal after Sanders’ introduction as head coach in December 2022.

Interestingly, the transfer portal and NIL have crossover too, and not always for the top recruits or student-athletes who dominate the headlines.

“As we know, NIL doesn’t impact just the highestperforming kids,” Bedford explained. “Now that we have legalized collectives, you might have a good athlete, maybe not a top recruit, but a talented athlete, and he goes to play at the University of North Texas (UNT).

“But maybe you tell that kid to walk on at the University of Texas, and you’ll pay him $30,000 to make up the difference in scholarships or other benefits he would have gotten. Then, maybe three years later, he uses the one-time transfer exception to go back to UNT. That’s how NIL and the portal can really impact programs and recruiting.”

It is worth noting that not all athletes who enter the portal are picked up. About 40% go into the portal and stay there, never playing for another team.

It’s not a hard and fast rule, but if a student-athlete enters, they should assume they’re off their current team. It’s a definite risk.

Bedford, himself a former college football coach in Texas, said he would recommend high school coaches consider these four tips: 1) Understand the implications of the NCAA Transfer Portal and windows. Athletes now playing at the collegiate level will likely look to their former high school coaches for advice or influence, so understanding the ins and outs of the portal is essential.

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2) Follow federal legislation and monitor bills being put forth. The media isn’t always the most reliable source, but reading and tracking current legislation will keep coaches and staff informed on proposed changes. The Eccker Sports Resource Hub can be referenced for the latest news and details, including real-time NIL updates and state-specific information. Find it at EcckerSports.com/resource-hub.

3) Seek counsel from an attorney or professional to protect player eligibility. Whether it’s a high school kid with NIL potential or a high-profile recruit, due diligence is critical. As with all things, there are people looking to help and people looking to benefit. If you see something, say something.

4) Start planning for disclosure. It’s possible the federal government might ask for disclosure in the future as a best practice. Start planning how to protect the school, team, and players, and begin outlining an NIL disclosure strategy.

can now build and develop rosters in a different way.

Much has changed. Much will continue to. That’s why it’s critical for high school and college coaches to stay informed and educated.

NIL became the predominant topic of discussion in high school and collegiate athletics. However, the impact of limited outbound recruiting and amendments to the NCAA Transfer Portal contributed to the disruption, too. Education remains critical to successfully navigating the most transformative period in athletics history.

As more high school leaders nationwide consider allowing student-athletes to profit off their NIL, the ever-changing environment can be tough to navigate.

Eccker Sports Group provides tools high school coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and their families can use to help them track the status of NIL in their state and understand the impact it will have on their students now and in the future. Visit EcckerSports.com to learn more.

On the heels of the transfer portal and NIL, coaches

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DRILLS TO KEEP THE "SPRINT"

IN SPRINT HURDLES jeremiah butchee, Head Girls Track Coach, Stephenville High School The main problem I have seen with young track athletes (both boys and girls) who are working toward becoming successful 3-step hurdlers is that they are so focused on staying on pace in their 3-step that they forget that the 100/110 hurdles are in fact, a race. This shows up on the JV and even Varsity level all the way up to the District level of competition season where every year you see a 4-step hurdler beat 3-steppers because the 4-stepper is sprinting between the hurdles. Running a clean race with great rhythm is useless unless you are running a clean race with great rhythm FAST! All the hurdle form we work as coaches is to allow them to carry the maximum amount of sprint speed through ten hurdles. A 3-stepper that is reaching or bounding between the hurdles is not generating nearly as much force on the ground and, therefore, is slower than a 4-stepper who is sprinting with proper mechanics. Obviously, 44

past the District Meet the competition is experienced enough that the 3-step wins the day, but how far a hurdler can advance is all determined by how fast they are between the hurdles and the percent of maximum velocity they can maintain through those ten hurdles.

You will very rarely find a sprint hurdler on any relays in Stephenville as they are typically not the fastest kids we have but are able to achieve a good measure of success because of their ability to maintain what speed they do have throughout their race. The following drill series is what we use in Stephenville to focus on that ability, and is an integral part of our practice schedule every week.

Sprint Series

To start, there are a few things that are automatics when drilling the Sprint Series at Stephenville.

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1. Always in Spikes 2. Always out of blocks 3. Always with the wind 4. Always with 1st hurdle at regulation and every subsequent hurdle “down one” (30” - 36”) 5. Always over the 1st hurdle only, until they feel comfortable over the first. There is no point in drilling the last 9 if you are uncomfortable over #1 Once they are comfortable and fast over #1, then we can get into our Sprint Series. We have the ability to run a 3 hurdle set, a 5 hurdle set, a 7 hurdle set and a 9 hurdle set. Honestly, we never use the 9 hurdle set because, as you will soon see, if you stretch it out to 9, a conditioning element comes into play, and we don’t ever want that when working any kind of sprint whether it be the 100m, 200m, or the Sprint Hurdles. When we are sprinting, we want to be sprinting at as close to max velocity as possible with maximum recovery between sets. Therefore, we will just talk about the 3, 5 and 7 Set.

7 Hurdle Sprint Set The drill itself is very simple. On a 7 hurdle set, we will remove hurdle #2, #4 and #6 so the athlete will be going over hurdles 1, 3, 5 and 7.

Hurdle 3 will be moved up 4 feet, hurdle 5 up 8 feet and hurdle 7 up 12 feet (see diagram). This forces the hurdler to abandon any sort of reach or bound that they may have and just run. What the kids find is that the faster they run the better they feel approaching the next hurdle, and they don’t feel the need to reach or bound which, as we already discussed, slows them down dramatically. We time the start until touchdown over hurdle 7 and then give the kids full recovery while we add hurdle #2 back in. Now the hurdler is going over 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 with their goal time set off the 1-3-5-7 rep. Again, we give the athlete full recovery while we add #4 back in.

Rep 3 will have the kids over 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 OCTOBER 2023

with their goal time still being their 1-3-5-7 time.

Finally, hurdle #6 is added back in, and their last rep is over a full flight of 7. Setting their goal time off their first rep is very important because you know that if they are staying close to that mark after going from over 4 hurdles to over 7 hurdles then they are sprinting between the hurdles and are maintaining that % max velocity we are looking for.

5 Hurdle Sprint Set The 5 hurdle set is set up exactly like the 7 hurdle set but without hurdles 6 and 7. This is a great drill to use two days before a meet to work speed between the hurdles while leaving time for 300H or field event work.

3 Hurdle Sprint Set Again, set it up just like the 5 hurdle set but without hurdles 4 and 5. The 3 hurdle set is good for the day before the meet to activate their muscles and keep them fresh.

I consider it an honor to be given the opportunity to write an article for the magazine of this great association and hope that it might be of some use to the best coaches in the nation.

If you have any questions or need anything from any of us, the door to Stephenville HS is always open.

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OCTOBER 2023

47

Winning, Even When You Don't

Today, my mom called and asked me if I had a particular picture of my older sister. It’s a picture from the Texas 1A Girls' Basketball State Championship game she played in her senior year of high school. As a sophomore, I didn’t play but was on the team, which granted me a front-row seat. We played that game on February 27, 2003.

It wasn’t until my mom called that I realized today was February 27, 2023…20 years later.

in the first half and had to be shut down. Lauren would be guarding her now.

Seeing that photograph took me right back to that moment. It was the first time most of us from Hedley, TX, had ever been further than 60 miles away from home. We had won the Regional Tournament and qualified to play in the State Championship in Austin, TX. We would be playing at The Drum where the Lady Longhorns play!

With 8 seconds left, the score 54-55, and a state championship on the line, Coach Housden calls a timeout. In 60 seconds, he draws up a new play and makes sure every girl knows her job. We line up in a stack, the first two girls split in opposite directions while the last girl steps back to the top of the key as a safety. And Lauren, the third in line, in what seems like an eternity, steps up to catch the inbounds pass.

She takes one dribble. Two dribbles. And goes up for the winning shot. Stegemoller reaches across her own body, and Lauren’s, to block the shot. She grabs Lauren by the left arm causing her to miss.

But a whistle never blows. Time is running out. The Pirates have the ball and we scramble to make the clock stop. With 3 seconds on the clock, we send them to the free throw line and she drains them both. The final buzzer goes off with a score of 54-57.

That gym was, by far, the grandest place we had ever played in. The entire town showed up on buses, in carpools, and in personal cars to support a group of 13 high school girls that were about to live out their dream and become state champions! But before we received those medals, we had to defeat the Priddy Pirates.

At 8:30 in the morning, the referee tosses up the tip-off ball and away we go. Priddy’s 6’1" forward, Alesha Stegemoller, is no match for us, so the first possession goes to them. The first half flies by like an owl in the night, a blur that we barely remember and an almost tied score we’ll never forget. Leading by just 1, we hustle to the locker room to refresh our game plan. Stegemoller had scored 21 points 48

The third quarter is an anxious one. One second we’re in the lead, the next we’re behind. It continues to yo-yo back and forth, as do the emotions of everyone in the building. By the fourth quarter, Stegemoller has been held to 4 points. But was that enough?

Wilma Rudolph once said, “Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose.” I learned that lesson at 16 by watching my older sister respond to losing a game that had become a part of her. She picked herself up and, with her head held high, OCTOBER 2023

By Allison Hill, Crosby ISD

(8th Grade Basketball, Volleyball and Track)

walked to the other team to congratulate them.

Winning is easy, it’s learning how to lose that makes us who we are.

We came home the next day to a town that couldn’t contain their pride for us and this picture on the front page of the Amarillo Globe News.

Self Reflection I believe my story holds all of the components required by a personal narrative. It has the basic elements such as setting, conflict, characters, and theme. But it goes above that by incorporating figurative language and nonlinear plot development.

An English III Literary TEK from Strand 4 is “analyze how characters’ behaviors and underlying motivations contribute to moral delimmas that influence the plot and theme.” I believe this narrative could be used to teach this. The actions and behaviors of the main character, Lauren, at the end of this narrative contribute to her internal conflict of unfairly losing; furthermore, her external response directly influenced the development of the theme.

Showing, not telling My use of sensory language, such as “ The first half flies by like an owl in the night” and “She takes one dribble. Two dribbles. And goes up for the winning shot,” help the reader feel like they too are sitting on the sideline watching this game.

Use of internal and external dialogue I didn’t use any external dialogue in this text, which might have improved it. I do think the use of internal dialogue helps capture the internal struggle we were all feeling as a community that day, before, during, and after the game.

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Theme I definitely have an obvious theme that is stated several times throughout my narrative. It’s hinted at in the title, supported with a quote, and explicitly stated at the end of paragraph 7.

Point of View The point of view is powerful. Not only is it mine, but coming from someone that is a third party, yet still involved, makes this theme even more powerful. Learning how to lose, but learning it by watching others. This draws in a secondary theme: How our actions influence others.

Guided Questions: At what grade level is narrative writing explicitly taught?

Narrative writing should begin in kindergarten.

Students can develop knowledge of the basic elements of stories such as character, setting, and conflict.

What is the scope and sequence of narrative writing? For instance, at what grade level is internal dialogue taught? Theme? Point of View? How are we ensuring students are using these elements in their writing?

Topics like theme, plot development, conflict, and setting all begin in Kindergarten (Strand 4 of TEA TEKS). Each of these skills are built on each year. For example, in Kindergarten and First Grade, students just describe the setting. By Second Grade, they are

50

expected to describe the importance of the setting and in Third Grade, they are to explain the influence of the setting on the plot.

Students are expected to begin writing narratives in Kindergarten (K.11A) TEA doesn’t specify skills for the writing of a narrative other than “using genre characteristics and craft” (8.10A). I believe these skills develop as their understanding of the Strand 4 skills develop.

What are the expectations for student understanding of plot structure in their writing?

As students grow in their education, so should their understanding of plot structure. By third grade they are expected to use genre characteristics and craft in their writing of narratives. Their knowledge of plot development at that time is go analyze the sequence of events, conflict and the resolution; therefore, for a third grader, these would be plot elements that would be required to be included in the writing of their narrative.

Are teachers provided with mentor texts at each grade level to support narrative writing?

I’m not 100% sure that all grade levels are provided with mentor texts, because I do not have access to our elementary and high school curriculums; however, sixth through eighth grade is provided with them. We have used texts such as My Superpowers by Dan Greenburg and The Jacket

by Gary Soto to help support our students before they are expected to write a personal narrative. We use these to learn how to use internal and external responses in our writing as well as descriptive language.

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@2Wordstv 51 @mackeyspeaks

Utilizing Pickoffs in High School Baseball: Developing & Implementing a Valuable Defensive Strategy

BY TOm Alfieri - Head baseball coach san antonio churchill HS More often than not, high school baseball wins and losses comes down to one concept: get the ball in the glove. The team with the fewest errors generally ends up victorious. And although all programs have unique individual philosophies, drills, and training methods to acquire a strong defensive unit, they all have the same desire: to control the baseball. Controlling the ball is the key to minimizing opportunities for the opposition to score runs. More specifically, ball control leads to controlling base runners; and a defense with that ability can win a lot of ball games. For the past fifteen years, our programs have accomplished controlling runners by utilizing pickoffs, which are practiced and developed daily.

on all throws while practicing or playing in a game.

It’s impossible to handle a ball that is overthrown; however, an errant thrown ball in the dirt can be controlled with proper technique and practice. When emphasizing this idea persistently, the efficiency of a team’s defensive play increases.

The concept of ball control is simple, but every high school baseball coach is aware of its complexity.

A lot of time and effort accomplishing this ability for all high school programs via drills, routines, etc., is exhausted each season. Entire practices throughout the year are dedicated to “keeping the ball in front”, “getting the ball in the glove”, and making solid throws across the diamond.

At Churchill, controlling baserunners is accomplished through another concept constantly reminded to our players, “limiting the damage.”

Team focus on this concept stresses the importance of being fundamentally sound on defense. It also provides them with direction and guidance to avoid the temptation of trying to do too much leading to errors and more runs scored. All of this is extremely important, but a quick way of managing baserunners is by picking a runner off, essentially ceasing the damage.

At San Antonio Churchill, we use a blend of concepts to enhance the importance of controlling the baseball, or as we say, “take care of the ball.”

In addition to all the conventional defensive drills a team utilizes, we also practice conceptually. One such concept repeated endlessly is to “miss down” 52

Controlling baserunners is the other result ball security can manufacture. This is where pickoffs come into the mix. The opposition will not move as free on the basepaths and their advances will be more vigilant when a team can handle the ball flawlessly. It becomes even more problematic for them when pickoffs are added to a teams’ defensive repertoire.

Utilizing our ability to pick off base runners is extremely effective. More specifically, “limiting the damage” is accentuated with runners on second OCTOBER 2023

base. Possessing an effective pickoff operation creates shorter leads at second which leads to fewer runs scored throughout a game and over the course of season.

In addition to “limiting the damage”, having the ability to end the inning without the pitcher throwing a pitch to a batter, with runners on base, can be game changing for both teams. The outcome will be both mentally and emotionally catalyzing, not to mention the reverberation on the scoreboard.

When a team understands they possess the ability to potentially pick off a baserunner and steal an out, their confidence level significantly increases in the moment. Confidence will also strengthen in the late innings and in tight games.

Finally, the last convincing factor to implement pickoffs is that it creates a more difficult situation for offenses to score runs. This is accomplished due to the shorter leads opposing team’s runners will take at second base. This may seem improbable, but after witnessing it, believing will follow. Baseball coaches are fully aware that this is a game of inches. Effective and solid pickoff utilization will provide a team with feet, not inches.

Three Positive Results of Implementing Pickoffs into Your Program 1. Controlling baserunners in general.

2. Record an out WITHOUT throwing a pitch to the batter - steal an out.

3. Offense scores fewer runs due to shorter leads at second base.

The skills and tools used while executing any type of pickoff should be practiced daily to fully benefit from it. In addition, possessing the ability to pick runners off bases when necessary will provide a team with confidence. This will be achieved through concentrated daily effort to perfecting all aspects of pickoffs and as it becomes just as important to the players as it is to the coaches. Thus, daily pickoff work by all players reiterates and drives home the standard you are creating for your program – “limit the damage,” and “take care of the ball.”

Below are two drills to begin the pickoff process.

This is executed every practice day. The daily amount of reps takes a maximum ten minutes once it has been fully implemented, and the newer it is to a program, the earlier in the season it should be established.

Drill #1- (Right Handed Pitchers) This is a continuation or wrap-up of arm development or warming up prior to throwing for the day’s workout. All players can do this, pitcher or not. Just depends on how it fits into your daily routine.

1. Players/Pitchers will make 10-15 throws from about 60 ft (63 ft 8 in from the center of the rubber to 1B).

2. Feet quickness and short arm action is the point of emphasis.

3. Feet separation when landing should equal the separation when beginning the 90° shift.

4. Pitchers should hold the ball up and release from the highest point they will use to make their pickoff throw (ball and glove already separated), rather OCTOBER 2023

53

than breaking hands when doing this drill.

5. 180° turns from about 67 ft should also be repped to simulate picks at 2nd base - same process as first base (Left handed pitchers included when working 2nd base picks).

Drill #2 Pitchers will line up near the mound with a line extending out towards the middle of the first baseline. 2 pitchers will be on the mound at a time. Firstbasemen and middle infielders are ideal but any person with a glove at first and second base will be fine. Daylight action and timing can also be implemented here.

This is when the entire team gets involved and absorbs the full effect of the importance of utilizing pickoffs creating a culture of “limiting the damage” and controlling baserunners.

1. Pitcher #1 toes the rubber and reps two picks to 2nd base - SS covers, then 2B.

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2. The first throw is in the separated position (ball up out of the glove at highest point . The second throw is a “full pick” where the pitcher stresses short feet/hip shift and ball position reproducing the previously separated first throw.

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3. Pitcher #2 will simultaneously pick off to first base - two picks, first throw in the separated position, second one is a full pick.

Each pitcher will make 2 throws to each base and the line moves a couple times through.

Firstbasemen and middle infielders that are pitchers should jump in the line accordingly.

This is also a good time to work on keeping the ball in front on errant throws to bases for the fielders. Timing and distances middle infielders should be worked on as well.

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(In short, there is so much that can be implemented in these two drills alone, especially Drill #2. Too much to discuss here. If there are any questions or if more details are desired do not hesitate to reach out.)

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OCTOBER 2023

OCTOBER 2023

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ATHLETES & ADHD

By Cynthia A. Austin, PhD, ABPP Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most studied childhood disorders.

Descriptions of ADHD date back to the 1790s with early versions of diagnosis since 19021. And despite its increased visibility in today’s media, there are still plenty of misunderstandings about how ADHD can impact children, adolescents, and adults in their day to day lives. Sports are a common outlet for youth with ADHD and it is important for coaches and parents to learn how to best support these athletes.

What is ADHD? The official terminology around ADHD has changed over time. According to the most recent DSM-52 there are 3 official types of ADHD: Hyperactive/Impulsive, Inattentive, and Combined. The ADHD -Inattentive type was previously referred to as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and you may still hear that term. However, most youth with ADHD have symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive categories.

The most common hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include moving or talking excessively, difficulty waiting or taking turns, interrupting others/blurting out, fidgeting, and trouble remaining seated. Inattentive symptoms include difficulty focusing for long periods of time, easily distracted, forgetful and loses things, avoids tasks with sustained mental effort, and ‘careless’ mistakes. Any child can have moments of impulsivity or inattention – what distinguishes a diagnosis of ADHD is that these symptoms are persistent and negatively affect the child’s daily functioning at home and school.

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ADHD is diagnosed in about 11% of children in the United States. We also know that ADHD runs in families, where a parent with ADHD has about a 50% chance of passing it to their child. Those diagnosed with ADHD are at higher risk for other difficulties, with up to 45% having learning disorders (i.e., dyslexia/reading or math). Children with ADHD are also at higher risk for anxiety or depression (15-20%) and conduct issues. For more in-depth summaries of research and common myths surrounding ADHD, I recommend visiting CHADD. org3

ADHD and the Brain ADHD has been extensively researched with thousands of studies4 including the brain-based differences that underly these symptoms5. In working with families and schools, I have found two principles that can help parents and coaches better understand ADHD. 1) Attention is typically an automatic process in the brain and 2) Executive Functioning becomes more noticeable over time.

What do I mean by attention being ‘automatic’?

Your brain is constantly filtering all the visual, auditory, and sensation data you are receiving and most of this occurs below your awareness. That is why you don’t feel your clothes, hear the ticking of the clock, or the whir of the fan (until I bring it to your attention). It all becomes background that your brain ignores when you are concentrating. Except, children with ADHD have a harder time blocking out these distractions. They may hear every paper rustle, pen drop, etc. in the classroom.

A common scenario is youth with ADHD say they need OCTOBER 2023

the TV or music on to study. I find they are using the TV/ music as a white noise ‘blanket’ to cover over the other environmental stimuli that would otherwise grab their attention.

The other part of attention is directing it towards a specific activity. Think of your attention like a spotlight that you can shine. You can purposely hold that spotlight in one direction and then move it towards something else once finished. But now imagine that your spotlight flickers, the beam is less bright, jumps all over, or even gets stuck. For youth with ADHD, just holding attention steady can take extra ‘brain power’ because, for them, the cognitive processes that underly focused attention are not automatic. What does help their spotlight?

Interest and novelty! This is the classic complaint of “they can pay attention if they are interested”. Yes, they can! We all pay better attention when we are interested or engaged in a topic. However, most of us can still focus our spotlight on things we find boring…this is much harder and not ‘automatic’ for those with ADHD. Executive Functioning is perhaps the most important concept to understand how ADHD affects daily life.

Executive functioning is not about ‘how smart’ you are, but rather ‘how you get things done’. It is the dayto-day planning, organization, starting, and finishing of tasks. Executive functioning difficulties, such as time management, become more noticeable in teens because we expect more organizational independence as kids grow. Instead of a single teacher, they have 7 teachers in middle and high school all with different expectations, ways of posting assignments, grades, etc.

Developing executive functioning skills is the primary brain developmental goal of adolescence. And when these skills lag behind, as is common in ADHD, there can be significant frustration for the teen, parent, and teachers/coaches. These are the kids who need a planner the most, but either forget to write assignments down or forget to check it. Learning explicit executive functioning strategies are key for teens and adults with ADHD.

Sports can also have an important role in teaching self-discipline, teamwork, and emotional regulation.

Youth with ADHD may react quickly (impulsively) to emotions. Their frustration tolerance for themselves or teammates may be low, and learning to manage emotions and sportsmanship is an important opportunity. Youth with ADHD often struggle with classroom demands and sports can be an essential area where their creativity and enthusiasm can be rewarded.

ADHD on the Field 1. Getting to the field is half the battle. The realworld effects of short-term memory/forgetfulness associated with ADHD is that remembering their water bottle, equipment, the right jersey and showing up on time can be the hardest part.

•

Teach teens to have spares in their locker or bag. Start each season with ‘bag checks’ to make checking and double-checking equipment a standard routine.

•

Utilize checklists and alarms on phones – there are lots of ways for technology to help!

•

Bonus points (or fewer wind sprints) for those who show up early. Those with ADHD need a concrete, immediate incentive to boost their engagement. Long-term rewards (e.g. ice cream party at end of season) don’t have the immediacy to change daily behaviors.

•

Focus on rewarding and building strategies for time management and preparedness for those with ADHD. Avoid using sports as a penalty and support athletes with time for study halls to maintain grades and eligibility.

2. Keep it short and sweet. Younger athletes in particular will struggle to focus on long explanations or instructions during the huddle. They may rush to be first in line, but then have forgotten the drill instructions.

•

Keep the overall structure of practice the same, while changing out drills. For example, check-in, drill, break, drill, scrimmage.

•

Give immediate feedback (within 1 to 2 minutes).

If you wait until the end of the session, they will have likely forgotten what you are talking about.

•

Create key phrases or slogans to reinforce skills.

Quick reminders that can be issued in the middle of practice or games (e.g., eye on the ball).

•

Repetition is needed; these athletes often remember the beginning/end and miss the middle. Younger kids need 1-2 pieces of

Role of Sports in ADHD Sports and physical activity are often essential parts of treating ADHD. Previous studies have shown that moderate to vigorous exercise has shown positive effects on symptoms, particularly motor coordination.6 Youth with ADHD are often drawn towards ‘hands on’ activities and sports can capture their attention.

Although exercise will not cure the underlying ADHD, it can lessen symptoms. In addition to helping ‘burn energy’ for those with hyperactive symptoms, cardiovascular exercise improves blood flow to the brain for overall brain health.

OCTOBER 2023

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information at a time. Older kids stick with 2-3.

•

Rotate stations to help build repetition while reducing boredom.

•

Give younger kids a ‘job’ such as getting water bottles, collecting cones, your clipboard, etc.

This gives them a quick break and you an opportunity to praise.

great you want to help your teammate, but right now I need everyone quiet and listening to instructions”.

Given the rates of ADHD in childhood, chances are that almost every team of 20 kids will have 1 or 2 athletes with ADHD. Not so long ago, people thought that kids would ‘outgrow’ ADHD into adulthood. Now we know that the hyperactive symptoms typically decrease with maturity, but executive functioning weaknesses often persist.

Adults working with youth need the understanding that ADHD goes beyond the stereotypical childhood impulsivity/hyperactivity. ADHD can affect mood, behavior, learning, and social skills. These youth also bring important strengths typically as enthusiastic, humorous, creative, ‘out of the box’ thinkers. As a coach or parent, I encourage you to explore additional resources and tools to help support these athletes who benefit so much from sports participation.

3. Competition and games are key. One of the stereotypes of ADHD (particularly boys) is these kids are sensation seeking. They love going loud and fast.

But once we understand that their hyperactivity is due to under-stimulation of neurotransmitters, then their drive to seek out novelty and adrenaline inducing activities makes more sense.

•

The kid who struggles to be on time and remember instructions may suddenly ‘lock in’ attention during the competition/intensity of a game. This is their time to shine!

•

Long stretches of sitting on the bench will lose younger kids. Give them a job, stretching, something to keep hands busy and mentally engaged.

•

Ignore minor fidgeting if they are otherwise on task. They may also talk, hum, sing, or bounce their leg/knee when sitting without realizing it.

Pockets can be great for keeping a small fidget object they can touch during downtimes to help focus.

•

Avoid long lines for drills – if you don’t give them something to do, they will find it!

•

Create low-stakes games/competition during practice. A short term, immediate goal will boost interest and engagement to help them move through the boring parts.

4. Monitor mood and social skills. Children with ADHD can also miss social cues from peers. At times they may come on ‘too strong’ or go ‘too far’ with jokes.

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•

Frustration tolerance may be low. Teach athletes when to take a break and cool off.

•

Create a key word or special signal they are taking something ‘too far’.

•

Deep breathing and mindfulness activities can help all athletes with focus, but particularly those with ADHD.

•

Redirect to positive activities. Ask ‘what is our goal right now?’ if they get off task or distracted.

•

The phrase ‘right thing, wrong time’ can also help them refocus. For example, “I think it is

Resources: ●

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/index.html

●

https://chadd.org/ - Kids and Adults

●

Taking Charge of ADHD by Barkley

●

Smart but Scattered by Dawson and Guare (Book series, YouTube, and Website on Executive Skills)

●

Late, Lost, and Unprepared by Cooper-Kahn & Dietzel

References: Lange, K. W., Reichl, S., Lange, K. M., Tucha, L., & Tucha, O. (2010). The history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, 2(4), 241–255. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-010-0045-8 1

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5) 2013, 5th ed; American Psychiatric Association 2

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD): https://chadd.org/about-adhd/mythsand-misunderstandings/ 3

Barkley, Russell A. (2015). History of ADHD. In R. A. Barkley (Ed.), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment, 4th ed. (pp. 356–390). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

4

Matthews, Marguerite et al. (2013). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 16:235–266.

5

Vysniake R, Verburgh L, Oosterlaan J, Molendijk ML (2016).

The effects of physical exercise on functional outcomes in the treatment of ADHD: A meta-analysis. Journal of Attention Disorders. DOI: 10.1177/1087054715627489 6

OCTOBER 2023

There Is more Than One Way To be Great.

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It’s that simple.

Find your future in the Army National Guard.

Visit NATIONALGUARD.com/education.

OCTOBER 2023

59

thsca Super Elite Teams and Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Coach of the Year It's time to start nominating for

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: SPORT

NOMINATIONS OPEN

NOMINATIONS CLOSE

Team Tennis

18-Oct

2-Nov 2-Nov

Water Polo*

18-Oct

Cross Country*

25-Oct

9-Nov

Volleyball

6-Nov

30-Nov

Football

4-Dec

4-Jan

Wrestling*

12-Feb

29-Feb

Swim/Dive*

12-Feb

29-Feb

Girls Basketball

19-Feb

7-Mar

Boys Basketball

26-Feb

14-Mar

Soccer*

1-Apr

18-Apr

Golf*

11-Apr

10-May

Track & Field*

22-Apr

9-May 21-May

Tennis*

6-May

Softball

1-May

6-Jun

Baseball

8-May

13-Jun

* Indicates nomination window applies for both boys and girls teams in that particular sport.

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OCTOBER 2023

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:

Award Requirements:

Nomination Process:

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).

SPORT

NOMINATIONS OPEN

NOMINATIONS CLOSE

Team Tennis

18-Oct

2-Nov 2-Nov

Water Polo*

18-Oct

Cross Country*

25-Oct

9-Nov

Volleyball

6-Nov

30-Nov

Football

4-Dec

4-Jan

Wrestling*

12-Feb

29-Feb

Swim/Dive*

12-Feb

29-Feb

Girls Basketball

19-Feb

7-Mar

Boys Basketball

14-Mar

26-Mar

Soccer*

1-Apr

18-Apr

Golf*

11-Apr

10-May

Track & Field*

22-Apr

9-May 21-May

Tennis*

6-May

Softball

1-May

6-Jun

Baseball

8-May

13-Jun

* Indicates nomination window applies for both boys and girls teams in that particular sport.

OCTOBER 2023

61

building culture through relationships & accountability By jacob dawson, amarillo hs

Culture is a word that is thrown around a lot in sports. It’s something that most programs strive to build. It takes time, energy and intentionality every single day. Tons of programs preach about it, but very few do what it takes to build it. There are some misconceptions about what culture is. Before I dive into building culture, I think it’s important to clear up what it is. I’ll start with what culture is not.

Culture is not winning a bunch of games. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do believe that when you build a strong culture, winning takes care of itself.

I do believe success stems from a positive culture.

However, I do believe there’s a misconception that just because you win a lot of games you must have a solid culture. That’s not necessarily true. In fact, usually when you’re starting to build a solid culture from scratch, you may have to sacrifice some wins in the short term. You have to trust that, over time as your culture becomes established, the winning will come. Second, having a constant influx of players every year from different schools doesn’t necessarily mean one has a solid culture either. People think that if a school wins a lot, 62

and people transfer in every year to be a part of that success, that they must have a great culture.

That’s not necessarily true. Do I think that building a solid culture and having success can cause people to want to come and be a part of your program?

Absolutely. But that’s not always a direct reflection of a good culture. There’s plenty of programs that draw people in due to success, only to find out that it isn’t what they thought it’d be. Culture isn’t always reflected on the scoreboard or record. Now, there’s more to this but for the sake of time, let’s briefly explain what culture actually is.

True culture consists of strong relationships and high accountability. True culture is process driven, not outcome driven. True culture is focused on the long term success and wellbeing of its members over the momentary success of the now. True culture lasts. Culture never graduates. It’s simply passed down from one class to the next. It starts as being preached, implemented, and led by the coach. Then it becomes preached, implemented, and led by the players. I was once told by a wise man, “In the beginning you fight for the culture.

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Then, eventually, culture fights for you.” Culture is easy to identify if you’re looking in the right places.

You can tell a tree by its fruit. A good tree bears good fruit. A bad tree bears bad fruit. This is not to say that kids won’t make mistakes. But generally you can tell if a program has good culture by how the players act outside of the court or field. Players are a reflection of the culture you build and generally speaking, good cultures create good men/women.

Young men and women leave programs with a solid culture better than when they arrived. And that is the ultimate goal for a program, right? To create high-integrity and high-character men and women ready for the next step in life?

So how do we build it? I am going to make an attempt to simplify that answer into two steps.

But please, do not mistake simple for easy. These two steps are building relationships and high accountability. Now I would say to approach the beginning of building a culture, I first would pursue the first of these two (building relationships).

However, building relationships cannot come at the expense of high accountability. In an ideal world, you would have time to get in and form those relationships before you have to lay the hammer of accountability. We don’t live in an ideal world, and sometimes you have to initiate that accountability right away. That’s fine. Do it. It’s important.

Say we have time to come in and build those relationships. You must take advantage of this time and opportunity. This is huge. Players have to know that you care about them. They have to know that you care about them beyond the floor or field. They have to know that you care and appreciate them

more than just what they can do for you in the sport. If they know this, they’ll be more receptive to the accountability that will inevitably come later. In fact, these players will welcome it and run through a brick wall for you in the process. The best way I have found to build these relationships is through constant conversation. They’re out there shooting before practice? Go talk to them about their day.

They’re getting extra work in after practice? Ask them how class went. Talk to them about something that isn’t their sport. See them in the hallway? Stop and talk to them. When we make conversation with our players outside of the realm of sport, about things other than that sport, it shows them (I think this happens subconsciously) that we care about their lives outside of what they can do for us on the court or field. The next thing that we can do to build relationships, that does pertain to our sport, is finding ways to encourage. As coaches we are always focused on what we need to do better, and that’s important. But at the same time, we need to be actively looking for opportunities to praise when we can. There’s always something to work on and those things will be pointed out. When they are, they’ll be better received if the player has been told plenty of good things prior. This is why building relationships and letting the kids know you care is so important; because you cannot waiver when accountability is needed. That is a constant (I’ll elaborate on this more in a second). Therefore, it’s easier to be received when there is a relationship that’s been built. I’m a bit old school when it comes to coaching. I have a tendency to coach kids hard.

That can lend itself to problems if I don’t have a relationship with the players. The last thing we need is our players thinking we are just nagging at them all the time. Building a relationship helps solve this problem.

Another reason relationships are important for your culture is they help the culture last. I said it earlier, true culture lasts. When you build relationships with your players and you have a solid culture, you’ll notice that you will always have a relationship with them. You’ll receive texts from an old player congratulating you on a win. You’ll have old players come watch games. You’ll have old players text you good luck before big games. You’ll

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have old players keep up with (and even travel to) your playoff runs. Players who come from a program with a solid culture will always want to be a part of your program. They’ll find ways to do just that. More so, they’ll become successful in what they pursue after they leave your program. They’ll be good husbands, good wives, good students, good employees, etc. This is what I mean when I said, you will be able to tell a tree by its fruit.

The second part of building a solid culture is accountability. Accountability is the backbone of culture. To build a solid culture, your players must know the standard and uphold the standard. This is accomplished in two ways. First it’s accomplished by clearly communicating what the standard is. What are your expectations? What are your ‘do’s’? What are your ‘don’ts’? What do we stand for? What are our values? If you have a solid culture, your players should be able to answer this in some form or fashion. We cannot hold our players accountable if they don’t even know what the standards are.

These need to be communicated clearly and often, especially if you’re attempting to build a culture from scratch. Clear communication is key. The second way to accomplish this is upholding the standard.

Our players, once they know the standard, must live up to it. We can preach these things all we want, but what are our players doing? Are they living it out?

Most of the time, this will not be accomplished on their own. Here’s where accountability comes in.

When our players fall short of our expectations, we must hold them accountable. There must be some form of consequence. This is with every standard we have. If you have an expectation that your team hustles from drill to drill in practice, and they don’t, you must address it. The first time it may just be verbally addressed. However, after that, there must be consequences. If you have expectations for off-court or off-field behavior and they aren’t being met, you must address it. As a leader of your program, it’s not what you preach; it’s what you tolerate. We can preach the right things all day long but eventually we are going to have to prove ourselves to our players. Are we men/women of our word? Are these standards truly important?

If they are, we will hold our players accountable when they fall short. Otherwise, the standards aren’t truly important to us.

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The interesting thing about this is, your players are always watching. They’re watching and they’re forming opinions. They can often read coaches pretty well. They know if we truly are men/women of our word. Therefore, it’s imperative that we are consistent with our accountability. If I don’t hold a kid to the same standard as the others because he’s more talented, his parents donate a lot of money, mom and dad are president of the booster club, etc., those other players see that. Worse, when they see that, you lose them. You lose their respect.

You lose their commitment. You lose their trust. As a coach, you build trust with your players through consistency. You build a ton of trust and gain a ton of respect with your players when they know you hold everyone to the same standard.

But here’s where it gets tricky: This is where a lot of coaches fall off. It’s a battle. It’s a battle that many coaches aren’t willing to fight. Most coaches don’t want to lose that talented kid. Most coaches don’t want to deal with those phone calls. Most coaches don’t want to sit in on those meetings with parents.

That’s also why most coaches envy programs that they see with a solid culture. Everyone wants to have a solid culture. Everyone wants the product.

No one wants the process. Don’t be most coaches.

It can be a grueling process at times. It’s a fight. It won’t last forever. Remember, at first you fight for the culture and eventually the culture, fights for you.

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