WHY ARE YOU IN THIS?
Blog Posting #17, October 29, 2008
WHY ARE YOU IN THIS?
For college coaches, practice has already been underway for two weeks; for high school coaches, it’s about to start. Every year at this time, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the question, “Why am I doing this?” And you must require an answer from yourself. I advise you to take your time in doing so. Really think about it deeply before you respond.
Coach Wooden has often said, “The second most important position in life is teaching.” He then goes on to explain parenting is first. Why is teaching so high on the list? John Steinbeck gives us a hint,
“I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.”
George Bernard Shaw adds more understanding,
“To me the sole hope of human salvation lies in teaching.”
Why are you in this? Are you motivated by the thank you notes you receive after the season? Are you motivated by the kind words players, assistant coaches, and parents say at the end-of-season pizza award banquet? Are you motivated by what the press says about how much you have done with so little? Are you motivated by trophies? If so, you’re in it for the wrong reasons.
Think about your players. Take a minute to look at the press guide, one of last year’s game programs, or anything that contains pictures of the boys or girls you’ll be coaching this year. Look carefully at those faces and remember everything you know about them. First thank the Lord for what He’s given you. Then, keep looking at those pictures until you are completely convinced, it’s not about the praise, press, or plaques; it’s about those lives.
Now go and teach them the skills and teamwork of the sport but, in doing so, provide an example of how an adult should be. Be an example that will lead them to be tomorrow’s politicians, physicians, bankers, realtors, and yes, teachers. Each day, walk carefully so they won’t see the base in you. Each day, feel the pain of the one that was not blessed with a lot of talent. Each day, encourage them. Each day, treat each one with the respect they deserve as human beings that have as much right to be here are you, and are the future of our country and world. Each day, be very careful what you do with any praise that may come your way. Teaching is not about you; it’s all about those future citizens. This is true.
Lee Iacocca wrote,
“In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less.”
Practice will start soon. As you poor your soul into those young men and women; cry when they struggle; feel the pain of the challenges they have off the court; and lose yourself in the glory of assisted discovery, awakening the joy of gaining knowledge, and watching teens become adults; remember you are the second most important and valuable person in the world. You are a teacher. But this realization is your only compensation, this side of the grave.
Why are you in this?
I know that I am it for those that have given to me throughout my life in hopes of giving a small part of it back. Every day I have this incredible opportunity to teach this great game I first think of Mom, Dad, Stevens, Hutchins, Leist, Burg, Martin, McNeal, McNeil, Reichert, Elliott, Bean, Muro, Beitzel, Dixon, Price, O'Hare, Rainey, Yonkee, Morgan, Bowser, Trent, Scovic, Mengerink, Stager, Robertson, Casey, Gallimore, Nater, and Wooden. All of these men have played a role in helping me realize my dream to teach young men every day at practice the fundamentals of the game. Practice is where it all happens, an open laboratory for all to witness. 2 weeks! I can't wait! Where are my 3X5's?! Thanks Swen.
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Whether coaching or teaching you've got to be in it for the inspiration you can bring to that young man or woman. You may be the only one that has ever taken the time to actually listen to and watch that child learn a new skill. Through patience and a strong work ethic, that child will come to trust and respect you. Then he will start to listen and to learn. When the light bulb goes off, and he really "gets it," watch out! Now there's no stopping his growth. That is your exchange. It's worth more than anything else I can think of. I like Dan Rather's thoughts on this too:
"The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth." ~Dan Rather
Great topic Coach Swen!
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