Sure we lost a hard and tough game last Saturday in Collegeville against Ursinus. They were just a little bit better than us on that day.
But, we are still on an upward trajectory…who knows if we played the Bears again in a few weeks. It might have a very different result.
It’s easy to be frustrated at 2-2. But we don’t have the luxury of feeling bad – we need to move on. Our mind set has to always be geared to finding ways to move forward regardless of the outcome of a game we play.
But, let’s keep things in perspective, there are some really good teams we have to play. Hopkins, yeah I would say they are pretty good (nine straight Centennial championships) – Ursinus (leading defense in our conference) obviously they have some really good guys as well!
Guess what, there are even more to come – including this weekend against Gettysburg in Bethlehem.
The most important component of the entire operation is our players (your sons, wards, relatives and friends) and we know that they are bothered by losing. We have to guide them through the ups and downs of a season. Because that is a guarantee – there will be peaks and valleys.
So one job we have as coaches is to help them understand as much about the game as we can. From the playing of the actual contest, to the preparation and eventually to the correct response to winning and losing.
Players always must be confident in themselves….also they must learn to have trust in their teammates and coaches. Knowing everything that is done within our program is to help develop them in all areas.
Winning and losing – that is part of our game. The reason we play at Moravian is for the competition – the chance to win… No guarantees are ever made – but we want to win – everything we do is to achieve that result. ….but whatever the result is – we must learn to deal with those emotions.
One of the most important things we can do as coaches, parents friends etc. is to instill confidence in our “troops.” As coaches we will never give up on our guys and I am sure it is the same for our extended families.
Positive reinforcement and praise is so key to the development of our young people. They need to hear it from all of us….I can promise you they always hear it from the coaching staff. These coaches are outstanding and positive young men (I don’t include my old ass in that group of “young” men by the way!)
Our responsibility to the guys we coach is to put the team in a position to win. To prepare them to play successfully each Saturday that a game is scheduled.
Winning is what we always work towards. In those efforts we try our best to be upfront and honest with players. That is not easy in this day and age of participation awards and politically correctness (is that a word??? correctness).
For example not everyone is going to be the star, not everyone will play and not everyone makes the travel roster. But, that is reality and it isn’t easy. But, it is part of what we do – sometimes decisions aren’t easy and many times they can be tough and painful for the players involved.
But, it is part of sport at this level….. So, it is part of what we do. It is our obligation to the team to put the best players on the field. Sometimes these decisions aren’t embraced by everyone. But, we have to make these hard choices and move forward.
At the same time it is also our obligation to help everyone see there role and continue to improve. It isn’t always easy….but the team has to come first. Feelings have to be sacrificed and egos may be bruised at times. But team comes first and it always will.
GO HOUNDS!