There is a great saying out there “You bring your own weather with you.”
I first heard heard this back in the 90’s while coaching in Detroit. A coach who I have mentioned many times used it throughout the ’94 season. Frank Gansz did more than coach – he truly educated the player – not only about football, but life as well.
I have stolen “You bring your own weather” from my late friend and utilize it constantly.
When he used this phrase he was obviously referring to how handle yourself and the attitude you bring with you on and off the field. (Heck it’s the attitude you bring anywhere!) He tried to get us all to see that as individuals we can control that how we feel about ourselves can truly effect the entire team.
Obviously without getting too much into philosophy this is extremely important when you are coaching. How do we help the troops to improve – not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well.
It is imperative to have mental toughness and confidence in your own abilities when it comes to everything you do. But in our business it is our job to infuse this into the troops in reference to football.
So the “weather” that we bring with us as coaches directly effects how players will act as well. I know that the staff really is excited about our team. We can see the daily improvement – when this is reflected in the win column – well who knows. But every day we get a little bit better.
Just watching the video of yesterdays practice (Tuesday) the difference in individual players is clear. We have worked hard and it really jumps out at you when you watch the guys at work.
It is imperative in our world that we are positive. This doesn’t mean that you don’t correct and get after your players when they make errors. No….you always fix what is wrong because it is a commitment we have made to them.
We are in the improvement business. So, in search of excellence we need to put the players in uncomfortable positions. Obviously there will be errors made – there are a lot of moving parts and playing football happens over a large area.
But, as a coach it is important how you address the mistake. You never attack the person – you attack the problems. Never make it personal. If we don’t address the errors we are actually letting the individual down – not to mention the team.
We have all strived and excelled at various points in our lives – other times we have failed. How you handle those highs and lows molds who you are – basically it develops your attitude. Your “weather.”
How you choose to present yourself is completely up to you. Do you want to look at the positives and build upon them – or do you continue to stumble around concentrating on failures and missed opportunities?
As a coach it is our commitment to the troops to get them to develop the positive side of the equation. To continually improve and build the confidence of the troops. To influence the “weather” as it were.
Then there is this thing called “Grit”
HOP ON THAT TREADMILL!
The players we have are reselient – for the most part they are quick to volunteer and are willing participants. Every Monday we start up the old treadmill and get back on it.
Early morning meetings….weight training……practice. .
In the meetings we learn from are mistakes – correct them and move on. Hit the weight room and maintain physical strength. Practice everyday and improve overall techniques and skills.
Oh yeah and that is just for the football end of it. Well then there is the thing called school they have to worry about as well. The guys actually do have to go to class, listen to lectures, write papers, study and take tests. Being a college athlete is not for the faint of heart!
A typical day might find a player up and about before 6:30 preparing for the day with the actual end of the day as practice winds down around 6:30 in the evening. (Remember then there is that schoolwork thing that has to be taken care of after they eat dinner.)
No doubt that this is a long a strenuous day for most of our guys. But they press on every day looking to improve and find a way to win.
But, the guys are serious about the team and are eager to improve. With this attitude permiating the group we will soon begin to see some real progress. We have a lot to look forward to down the road.
This group has the work ethic and tenacity to develop into a championship team. I have said this throughout the season – it is a great bunch to be around. It is easy to coach this team because of their attitude and also because they take care of each other. It is impressive how they interact with each other.
We started with a smaller group than normal and have lost some of our number along the way. Some losses are attributed to our many injuries. Our injured players remain a vital part of Greyhound football and are a big part of our future. We need them to rehab and prepare to get back on the field for us.
There are those that decided to leave the program for various reasons – well that is fine. We just close ranks and move onward. Everyone has to follow the path that they see as the best for them. There are never any hard feelings.
But the team members who remain have never wavered in their commitment and they continue on stronger than ever. These men are the core of Greyhound football. Those who have the dedication, the talent, the energy, the effort, the grit and yeah the proper “weather” to carry on.
GO HOUNDS!