I haven’t written in a couple of weeks— been busy writing my book! I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was encouraged to write my memoirs. A 22-year career as HC at Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, VA has produced a lot of stories about some great players and some even greater times.
This past weekend I enjoyed renewing friendships with players from my other HC experience. I came out of retirement (my friends will tease me and say that it was the second time that I came out of retirement!) to take the head coaching job at nearby Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in Suffolk, VA in 2011. It was 5 wonderful years. Yesterday, one of those players got married. I was honored to have been asked to be the Officiant for the occasion. Yes, in my spare time between retiring and coaching again… I studied to be a pastor. In 2014, I was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When Tim and Madison asked if I would be their minister for the wedding celebration, I immediately said yes!
The groom is a former NSA player. His Best Man is a former NSA player. And two of his Groomsmen are former NSA players. It was grrrrrrrrreat to be able to spend time with those guys. They are all now in their mid 20’s and doing well in their professional careers. To be there for Tim’s wedding meant the world to me.
Riding home today, I remarked to my wife, “That is what coaching is all about.”
She replied, “what do you mean?”
“Just seeing those guys and how well they’re doing brings a smile to my face. That they were glad to see me and spend time just sharing stories of our football seasons together makes all of the work involved worth it,” I explained. She just nodded and smiled. My girl is the consummate “coach’s wife!” She knows me better than I know myself.
The moral of the story for you younger coaches out there? Enjoy the time you have with your guys. Make a positive impression on them. They will truly always remember it. Whether it’s 5, 10 or 25 years from now when you see them again, they’re going to talk about things that happened off the field as much (or more) than the games. Build relationships that last a lifetime.
