In my 20+ years in high school athletics, this is without question, the toughest time to be a High School Coach. With so many outlets (Select Sports, Skill Coaches, Social Media, etc) there are that many more opinions about how people should do their job. There isn’t a more scrutinized job for less money than what a High School Coach is expected to do and deal with every day. And it’s not going to get any better. They have to manage grades, personalities, fundraising, booster clubs, parents, camps, budgets, and personalities more than most full time jobs do. My advice to all of you, is fight the fight, because it’s worth it! You are the only ones in the arena, not the naysayers in the bleachers.. As I sit in the stands night after night, it’s becoming a sad experience listening just how easy people think these jobs are. At the same time it’s inspiring because it’s makes guys like me want to continue finding ways to give our coaches what they need when they need it. Most of the time, that’s just love and support! I am so damn thankful for our coaches and what they do every single day. I see you in the film room when others are in bed, I talk to you when times are tough and expectations are high, and I see you with your arms around our kids even when the parents are convinced you don’t care. You know who you are, and what you’re about. I remind you to remind yourself to coach for one reason: Love. Love for what you do, love for the kids, love for the process, and love for the lessons. While it’s harder now than ever to realize it, you are changing lives and making the world a better place… Even when others won’t take the time to realize that is what you are doing! One big wall in my office, has a passage on it, and it’s there for a reason. It is posted below…