redefining​​CHAMPION
Coaching Philosophy, Program Vision, Personal Calling
Three priorities influence my professional philosophy.
First, I am a Christian. Who I am is inherently linked to my personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Many experiences have influenced my journey, but this singular fact centers my life both personally and professionally. This relationship infiltrates every aspect of who I am, what I do and how I do it.
Second, I am a husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. Boundaries of family are not drawn by bloodlines. In fact, I believe no boundaries exist. Community is imperative; each and every individual within the community is important. Every person is created to fulfill his own unique purpose. Members of the community learn from and teach one another. Their lives impact me and allow me to have an impact; these relationships help us discover our identities.
Third, I am a teacher and coach. Discovering a passion for football at an early age ignited a spark in me that has yet to be extinguished. What began as playing a game has evolved into a calling. Since I can remember, my academic and professional endeavors have focused on these pursuits. Along the way, I have been blessed and encouraged by administrators, teachers and coaches who have further shaped my desire to work in education.
Using these God-given talents and interests to articulate His mission is of primary importance. This is where my personal statement collides with my professional philosophy.
The field of higher education is the perfect place to sharpen one’s faith in God. It provides a safe environment in which to challenge preconceived notions and encourage the continuing search for truth. Because of changing societal norms it is vitally important to challenge students and train them to discern and articulate truth to an unbelieving world.
My goal is to create champions on and off the field using football to introduce student athletes to and strengthen their relationships with God. Subsequently, I hope to encourage academic and athletic successes and create well-rounded young men of faith who are servant leaders and life-long learners.
Because I have found that a win-loss record does not define the champion; conversely, the champion defines the win-loss record, I have developed a coaching philosophy that emphasizes the characteristics of a champion, including but not limited to establishing and maintaining appropriate priorities, modeling integrity, developing a positive mental attitude, and remaining determined.
As noted above, three priorities shape my philosophy: faith, family and football. Maintaining these priorities keeps me grounded, by reminding me Whose I am. It is imperative I teach student-athletes to define and maintain their own priorities, and that I emphasize faith as the foundation that aligns other, often competing, priorities.
I must be an example on and off the field. Many players need someone to look up to, and, as their coach, I must be an option for them. In addition, I must surround myself with people who are positive role models and minister to those who are not, again modeling Christ-like behavior.
Remaining positive is essential. Attitude is contagious; it spreads quickly. A negative attitude is like a disease that eats away at its victim, eventually killing him and infecting the entire team. Positive attitudes spread as quickly but have the opposite effect, actually breathing life into an otherwise bleak situation.
Instilling drive in and motivating athletes keeps me going. I believe expecting the best makes one continually strive to improve. However, perfection is impossible, and although one may be happy with his performance, he should never be satisfied. To that end, I would never ask anything of a player or staff member that I would be unwilling to do myself.
