December 08, 2004
Wednesday

All of the years and many good experiences I have had playing basketball and football in high school and college could not measure up to my first coaching experience. It is rewarding to see a child practice a technique you've taught and see them execute it. It is rewarding when the students you coach follow your leadership and make good decisions off the court and in the classroom. And of course, who doesn't love the preparations for the game and the feelings you feel in the locker room five minutes before the game. I must also mention the atmosphere in the hallways and of course the pep band. Man, I love to coach!

I make the job of being a coach sound easy, but then there is the other side of coaching. It is hard to see the disappoint on a child's face when you have to bench them for poor play, under-achieving grades, or a negative attitude. It is even tougher when you have to select a team and you have to choose one kid over another. What about the times when a coach applies for a job and is not picked? You put yourself and family out there for public criticism and yes, someone always has something to say. When you do make a mistake it becomes greatly magnified. Man, I love to coach.

Coaches, I take my hat off to all of you because I have been in your shoes. I try my best to support all of you because the support given is deserved by the student-athletes. The kids are what truly matters.

Kevin Johnson
Ketchikan, AK - USA

 

Write a Letter -------Read Letters

E-mail the Editor

Sitnews
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska