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Post by coachjm on Jul 9, 2020 20:49:52 GMT -6
I don't know Bonine or his history..... However to say any State Association is working to keep sports alive simply to keep their job is very short sighted. These decisions and impact of them have a huge ripple effect on many many people, our leaders are keenly aware of this. I don't think it is necessarily short sighted. There job is to facilitate the HS sports in the state. If they are not fully 100% committed to working towards that, then there is no need for the administrative staff. That doesn't mean that their commitment is nefarious or suggesting that they would enact inappropriate measures just to get a paycheck. I agree with all of the above. Very well put. I do have some issues with the general public's interpretation of the two scenarios. Maybe I am just a curmudgeon, but I get frustrated when I see someone say "There are ways to do this 'safely'" Because no, there are not. There are no absolutes here. There are ways to reduce the risk, but not make things "safe". I think that perspective is important in making the decisions you mention. I appreciate you giving my thoughts consideration..... I do believe "Safe" is something we all strive for that can't fully be attained! Therefor your goal of having more safety is something I agree with and hope we can attain!
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Post by coachjm on Jul 9, 2020 20:45:18 GMT -6
good points J. People way smarter than me will make the decision and I/our program/community etc. will have to life with it for the time being. My thought as coaches is what CAN we do for our student-athletes during this time? What can we teach them about how to handle a terrible situation? How can we educate our student-athletes on how they can help the situation? How can we continue developing our program whether we play in 2020 or not? How can we continue to help instill values for those kids that come from at-risk homes that rely on coaches and teachers for that guidance? And before someone jumps down my throat saying "I'm a ball coach not someones parent", For those of you who have been allowed to conduct workouts, how has your attendance been? I'm not saying this to brag but ours has been over 95%, talking to several other area coaches, they are all at or over 90%, mainly because the kids want to be out of the house and belong to something again. So whether you like it or not, your program is a mode of influence on the young people you are responsible. Anyway, in the meantime, I am looking forward to the next workout session because it could be our last, or just 1 of many more to come, but all I know is that no sport season is safe right now and we are just a couple bad days away from being "locked down" again. Brilliant! You have it figured out! Keep Rolling!
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Post by coachjm on Jul 9, 2020 4:42:00 GMT -6
Of course Bonine and the rest of the LHSAA Administration is 100% committed to safe return. Without sports, their jobs are gone. It should be an interesting fall, as the gaps in logic that have taken place over the last 100 or so days will be highlighted. I just don't see how one can say that it is a best practice to stand 6 feet part in lines, or in stores, or in restaurants, or in waiting rooms, or in classrooms etc, but can line up face to face separated by only a neutral zone. Not to mention only separated by face masks when blocking/tackling, multi-player close quarters breathing in piles etc. Pithy is right that SOMEONE will indeed get sick, but I am concerned because I don't think the correct discussion is being had. At least not in the right way. It is reductive to just say "at risk need to isolate, the rest of us go live our lives" because the at risk population can't feasibly just be isolated from society. While they may not be the one to go to a game, or restaurant, or the store...all the others "just living their lives" are interacting with SOMEONE that "at risk" person is going to come in contact with. So that makes it much more complex than just "isolate the at risk, have players sign waivers etc" argument I see on social media. I don't know Bonine or his history..... However to say any State Association is working to keep sports alive simply to keep their job is very short sighted. These decisions and impact of them have a huge ripple effect on many many people, our leaders are keenly aware of this. There are 2 arguments and like me, like our politicians, like our scientific community no one on this board has the answer to which one is right. Argument 1: This virus like many will be with us for a long long time, it is in our best interest to mitigate the risks to delay this the best we can so that therapies and eventually a vaccine (hopefully) can be developed to minimize the loss of life to it. However, eventually herd immunity will need to occur in which will require many to either get the disease or a vaccine. If we find out that it does not have long term immunity then also unlikely a vaccination the exposure that our bodies have will ultimately save lives through time. Additionally, our at risk population should isolate themselves as much as possibility and intensely mitigate as they can remain safe by doing these recommendations strictly. If this is the truth (note I have no idea and nobody else does either) then our folks with the strongest levels of immunity absolutely should continue on with life mitigation when possible should be taken in consideration because we don't want anyone sick but playing football, basketball, or going to a funeral or eating at a restaurant (with 6 feet social distancing) carries the same risk (that is what the charts say). Lets mitigate when we can lets play ball... Life must go on! Argument 2: This virus is having an impact like none other prior, people are dying and the virus is passing. Although it would be ideal to isolate our high risk population the reality of this virus is their are so many asymptomatic people that unintentionally they will get the at risk population ill. Any activity that increases risk of spread of the virus should not occur until we are post pandemic, the greatest minds in the world are all working on a vaccine and they believe that they will have one by the end of the year. Lets take a season off or move it to another time after a vaccine is developed to ensure that we can keep everyone safe. Ultimately, we should maximize our mitigation at all times as this will reduce transmission and in turn save lives we all need to do our part and not playing football seems like a small sacrifice to ensure our world is a safer place as the long term consequences for us sitting out one fall season is far less then someone losing their life. I have been very neutral on this as I really and truly don't believe our world knows the correct answer, myself included! With that stated, my opinion is now leaning to argument 1, based purely on my reading and research on the virus itself and my current belief that this can't be eradicated and we will need to live with it we should be doing everything to protect our at risk population but also while realizing that we can still visit and see this population by using mitigation tactics. The virus is repository and with the proper safeguards spread can be prevented. With all this stated I don't envy the role that any director of any association or college league commissioner is in. They will inevitably make a decision that will side one way or the other and tick all the people who strongly believe the other way off. The best thing we can do is support these people in what ever decision they do and educate and work with our teams and community to mitigate better. So many of our communities are no longer mitigating at all and if we can help educate our athletes alone on this I believe we would at lease reduce transmission rates playing football or not. If I was a betting man, I'd put all my money on us not playing in the fall! As a world we tend to error on the "safe side" my only worry is that ignores the consequences that we will all deal with that we probably are unaware of at this time.
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Post by coachjm on Jul 8, 2020 19:52:45 GMT -6
Main points are the following...
1. The plan remains to play in fall 2. There is a commitment to ensure we have 3 traditional sport seasons no matter what even if we have to get creative. 3. The situation is fluid
What the small colleges WHAC, MIAA, and GLIAC do and the neighboring states Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio decide will impact on our direction.
Expect a plan by the end of this month....
Lets hope the number go down (they certainly aren't trending that way!)
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Really?
Jun 26, 2020 4:28:30 GMT -6
Post by coachjm on Jun 26, 2020 4:28:30 GMT -6
I am saying that the people who went through medical school and spent their careers in virology and epidemiology are the ones saying 70% infections to start realizing herd immunity, as opposed to your opinion on the subject. timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/covid-19-herd-immunity-may-be-achieved-at-43-say-experts/photostory/76625045.cmsHere is an article that states herd immunity may be achieved at a lower rate. I'm not an expert but I do appreciate Bobgoodman because although he may not have the credentials of Dr. Fauci he does have greater knowledge them me on the topic. Also I appreciate the other thoughts and opposing views on this board as ultimately, there are very important decisions that will be made by many individuals. To make the decision to play football during a pandemic could lead to further outbreak and additional death. It could also be a minimal risk with a mostly low risk population. In addition to this their may be spread in this low risk population that helps us get closer to herd immunity which if a vaccine becomes available allows us to utilize the majority of the doses on high risk and high exposure populations that likely will be vaccinated prior to our low risk population does(this will happen no matter what). Certainly not the only option and being in a state (Michigan) who has had the most restrictive stay at home orders in the Country and us still having an uptick in cases it does make me believe that the mitigation methods we are utilizing will NOT have a long term benefit only prolong the time it takes for us reach herd immunity (after a vaccine) and in turn potentially cause more death as it will yield more time for our most vulnerable to be exposed to the disease. I also believe that many people including our most vulnerable only have so much tolerance for the self isolation which not only adds to other health issues but also leads this population to greater exposure as they are fed up. Bobgoodmans views have altered my perspective on this topic.... Originally, my view was, I don't know, lets not make any decisions on this until August as things have changed so much month to month... Now I'm leaning with his perspective... Certainly someone else could make some very sound arguments that get me to lean the other way. However, no matter my view it likely will have zero impact on the final decisions for football in the fall and I'm thankful for that because it isn't an easy decision as their are risks for any final outcome.
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Post by coachjm on Jun 24, 2020 7:58:55 GMT -6
I don't see that point of view here. I see that HEAVILY reading local fan forums, where those topics devolve into a "No Masks by God, Feedom, 'Merica, we need football damn the snowflakes" posts. Not here. Here I see people taking logical looks and asking questions/making comments about the realities of the situation. Maybe I'm just blending the two in my head then. I'm just very alarmed that so many people are being so selfish. I agree with the above poster that this has been a great discussion with a variety of perspectives.... IMO it is ok for some to believe that we should not have sports or other activities that they deem are high risk (football included) I also believe it is ok for some to believe that the risk of not having sports or other activities (football included) may have greater consequences to people and society then the virus. I'm not choosing a side but certainly not assuming that one side is "too soft" or the other side is "uncaring for other humans and selfish" The reality is none of us know what the "RIGHT" thing to do is, heck the medical experts seemingly don't know at this time, if there was a simplistic solution (well known working vaccine readily available) we would all do it however, there isn't and won't be anytime soon. States, Political Leaders, and individual people will make these decisions on a day to day basis and it will continue to change. In future decades we will be able to look back and decide which ones were the correct ones and which ones had a negative impact. Until then, I'm going to sit back and take in information and hold off judgement regardless of what others opinions are.
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Post by coachjm on May 7, 2020 6:11:57 GMT -6
Several years ago I had two boys who had both indicated that their parents didn't want them to play, one of which was a short overweight boy who was really friendly with everyone and the other was a stern athletic boy who was a talented athlete and played basketball and baseball and had the frame to be a TE. The short boy I talked to about footbll about once a month, the athletic boy I mentioned it twice about a year apart and that was it.
The short overweight boy came out as a Sophomore, worked hard in the weight room changed his body around and started 28 consecutive games at G in his Junior and Senior year and was eventually 1st team all league, the other young man never played football.
Upon graduation, the father of the boy who didn't play walked up to me and said he appreciated that I didn't keep "bugging" his boy on playing and respecting their wishes as parents. He talked about the boy and I relationship and how positive it was in his mind because of this.
within a minute the mother of the other boy came over and thanked me for talking her and her boy into playing and the impact it had on him and developing a healthier habits, a strong work ethic, and his overall self esteem.
The point of the story, the key is knowing the audience and don't base it on what they can do for you (talent) but what you can do for them (life impact through participation).
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Post by coachjm on May 2, 2020 4:54:46 GMT -6
Hi guys, I just got hired to be the head coach for a new comprehensive high school opening in Fall 2021. One of the great things about being in so early is I get to help with all the equipment purchasing. I have a pretty solid list of equipment that I've generated over time, but I was wondering what pieces of equipment some of you have come to find essential. Or anything that you've found yourself going "I can't believe I forgot to order ____." Don't worry, footballs and mouth guards are on the list. Cost is of course an issue, but I'd rather spend good money on something that'll get daily/regular use if it's needed. Thanks for any suggestions. Here would be my need list quantity varies by the size of school of course. (i'll base on a 9-12 program with 50-60 participants) Football: 25-30 Hand Shields 8 Tall bags 20 Agile Bags (we did by some from BSN a couple years ago that can be used as a hand shield and agile bag pretty sweet) 100 cones half markers Sled (we prefer the Crowther 2 man pan sled) Trap Chute Blaster Jugs Machine 20 Rubber balls for Jugs 40 Footballs (this is very expensive but I can't imagine go into a season without old kick balls) 30 Pinnies to pull over shoulder pads or helmet condoms 2 DL rush hoops Tech Needs: Laptop Hudl Hudl Sideline Two Camera's for filming Ipads for Hudl Sideline/if you can get it a sideline TV for Hudl Sideline A drone for practice filming (I'm done with EZ cameras although you would need it for game, Drones are cheaper and way easier) Weightroom Needs Combo racks if you can get them if now 4 squat racks, 4 Bench Presses, and 4 Platforms Dumbbell Rack Weight up to 110 6-8 Foam Plyoboxes 50 Jump Ropes 2 Speed Ladders Plenty of weight and weight trees ensure you have 300 or more pounds for each of the 12 stations 2 or 3 glute ham machines 4 areas for dips 4 areas for pull-ups 1 Leg Press 1 Leg Curl 4 Trap Bars 20 Straight bars 50 Bands 2 Lat Pulls
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Post by coachjm on Apr 14, 2020 16:41:13 GMT -6
Thank you for chiming in. I tend to over-analyze things anyway so when I hear about someone having "a plan" and then I hear their plan I think "Duh." I don't mean that in a derogatory sense by any means. I just think assuming a leadership position necessitates a plan. How else can someone lead if they do not know where they're going? On another note, how detailed do you think a plan should be? I've seen some that are executive level strategic planning documents while others are bullet-point generalizations? I tend to lean somewhere in the middle. In other words, for the HC the plan should be strategic planning document-esque to keep him on schedule, while what is presented for public consumption is more bullet-point generalization. As detailed as needed for the leadership and coaches to execute the plan! This varies greatly from person to person and staff to staff.
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Post by coachjm on Apr 14, 2020 4:22:15 GMT -6
Hey coaches, I hear the phrase “He has a plan” frequently. It is used used when a new head coach first comes into a program. As I understand coaching, a plan involves some, if not all, of the following elements: 1) Strength & Conditioning Program 2) Systematic teaching progression of O, D, and ST 3) Relationship building with student-athletes, parents, school personnel, community, booster club, etc. 4) Staff assembling with role and responsibilities 5) Youth program involvement/development Most things not listed would fall under one of those category headers. My questions are: Am I missing something? Is “the plan” some esoterical and mythical construct that only the initiated understand? Or is “the plan” a simple, straightforward process of good work? Lastly, is it strange for a new head coach to not have a plan? Thanks in advance. That is a pretty good list we have always broken our plan like this. 1. Culture- Positive environment that people want to be part of, coach/player/booster 2. Strength and Conditioning Program 3. Scheme, being sound and consistent in O, D, and ST 4. Staff infrastructure building a crew of like minded men that compliment each other. 5. Recruitment, this ties to our youth programs and what not, build a relationship and sure the infrastructure encourages and grows participation and enough participants when the kids get to your program. 6. Future planning and retention, helping players move to next step phase in life college football, job connections, ect and building deep and strong relationships which encourages them to stay in the program. These go hand in hand in my opinion. To take a little different perspective as chi I think relationships with those folks in your number 3 is huge. However, to his point they aren't always positive (especially if your losing) so be kind, be helpful to others and in the end they will be a lot better then if you are trying to control or manipulate those). Likewise with 5 I think the relationship with the youth programs is really important but it isn't about them running your schemes or you leading them specifically in anyone direction it is a matter of you just showing appreciation for their time and be willing to support and help them if they want it. I have found building good relationships with the coaches has built stronger relationships with dads in my HS program later (they tend to be the same guys).
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Post by coachjm on Apr 1, 2020 4:19:24 GMT -6
We are scrambling to find an opponent for week 2 next year and might have to travel from MD to Ohio (280 miles). If you have done this before can you help me with the following questions: 1. It is roughly a 4.5 hour trip, did you do day of the game? Usually we play Friday nights. 2. When you came back after the game did you stay the night somewhere or just travel over night? 3. What came up as an obstacle that you did not see going in? 4. Would you do it again or would you have just taken a bye week? Any other insight or experience is appreciated. First.... This stinks IMO, I love HS Football to able to compete against our neighbor and kids knowing other kids. After a couple stints of Coaching small college football this is my #1 reason for preferring HS Football is I loathe the trips. It just seems silly to travel that far to play a game. I certainly understand you likely don't have another choice.... 1. At that distance I would absolutely go the day of the game, you could play either Friday or Saturday IMO with that amount of travel some of that may need to be dictated by your administration. 2. We would never stay after a game, when we did stay over night on trips it was always the night prior, driving late after a game is good everyone falls asleep (likely you as well) and your home before you know it. In general if you can avoid staying the night do it, the cost is significant but also with all the temptations that exist for teenage boys in our world today the responsibility of their overnight supervision is something I would prefer to leave with their parents in this day and age. 3. There were some minor rules differences that we didn't expect and interpertation and how games are called are certainly different. Also you will likely have every bounce and call go against you so expect this. 4. I believe we should try and give the kids an opportunity to play if we can so I would play vs. a bye week but that is a philosophical thing. If possible I would schedule a local goliath prior to a long out of state travel game.
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Post by coachjm on Mar 26, 2020 5:28:49 GMT -6
Take a deep breath and 'step back'--don't mean to offend anyone but its ONLY high school football I'm gonna take a different perspective on this.... First, I am fully aware that what our kids do over the next month, 2 months, or even 3 months will have zero impact on our season. Heck everyone is dealing with the same issues! However, we met prior to the social distancing recommendations as a staff and said what can we do if this continues all summer. We came up with some communication tools that frankly are just good practice for when we are in season. Additionally, I have a 13 and 15 year old boy at home (I still have to work most days) and I am working to ensure they still have a schedule and day built around some structures. Part of that was me putting them through workouts and I thought if this is good for my boys why wouldn't I provide it for my football boys. So this week we pushed out on our communication a changing work out for each day of the week, I encourage them to tweet it so I can give them positive affirmation we likely have 15-20 boys participating maybe more as several of my boys (especially the younger ones) aren't on social media (which I don't want to encourage).... IMO this has been a very positive thing, I don't think it will lead us to winning more games, or an advantage... I do think it allows us to connect, stay active, and have a community of encouragement. Which frankly is a big deal at this time. Heck at this point I'm not sure we will be having a 2020 season and even if that were cancelled tomorrow I would still be doing this type of thing for our boys.
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Post by coachjm on Mar 21, 2020 6:38:38 GMT -6
The levels of layers to most NFL offenses is far from what we can do at the HS level and in most college levels. Also due to this most are not overly systemic which I think does benefit you at the HS level... However, when I watch and break down the film I'm looking at specific concepts that we run and aiming points, angles, and reactions in an effort for us to teach better. For example, on a power play, I'm gonna look at double team aiming points power pull path, timing and relationship of back and pulling guard, QB action after the mesh, backside blocking and techniques.... There is a lot that can be learned in the detail of this stuff IMO.
As a anecdotal view, a guy I coached with had spent some time with Gruden many years ago he said they would run concept and plays in week 16 that they had never repped or hadn't called since the first game. Ultimately, it was a matter of their language allowed them to do this and their players knew the language..... With the limited time we have and the level of passion most HS kids have for the game I know we could never get to that level of instruction.
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Post by coachjm on Feb 22, 2020 5:34:05 GMT -6
Build genuine caring relationships with the players. I know many can attest to this however, I do think due to the diversity of people and personalities on our staff we have many different people that connect in many different ways. Additionally, the entire staff are people who care more about developing people then developing players or just shear winning (IE very little ego amongst our staff).
Build the herd... We do a lot of intentional thing to try and draw interest and retain participation at all ages.
Consistent lifting, the majority of our players lift weights for 6 years which obviously has a big impact on development.
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CEO HC
Feb 1, 2020 6:46:59 GMT -6
Post by coachjm on Feb 1, 2020 6:46:59 GMT -6
The big thing I have seen with this model when it doesn't work well....
The Head Coach gives full autonomy to coordinators.... Team loses a couple games or struggles... The Head Coach steps back in because the buck stops with him and slowly takes away the autonomy or takes it all away... The coordinator feels betrayed not being given the time to try and fix the challenges....
If you give the autonomy which I think is great if you have the right people you have to let them do their job. If you get to the point where you don't believe in them it is time to remove them completely from the program as it will never work again if you strip their power...
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Post by coachjm on Jan 23, 2020 20:28:36 GMT -6
Run a offense that attracts more lineman like the T, single wing or double wing.... Well of course I'm joking but I do get a kick out of how that is something we often talk about with skill kids...
My belief is the following.... 1. Good lineman aren't the big kids roaming the halls, good lineman are highly competitive, tenacious young men who need a physical outlet that have enough size. This ties into my belief that different positions on the line require a different skill set and you have to know what you want out of each and train boys who possess some of those qualities, although some size is a necessity, I have found intellect, work ethic, desire to please is vastly superior. (Note I believe toughness can be trained if you have a strong work ethic and desire to please although certainly some have it innately) 2. The nature of the position generally draws boys that aren't necessarily seeking attention, however, all the boys need this at this age. Build strong bonds (or have your OL coach do this) with this crew of guys, have them for meals, spend time getting to know their goals and build a relationship which all potential candidates. 3. Know what you truly need, we NEVER (regardless the size of school that we have been at) have a full two deep, most years we have 7 game ready players a few times we have had 8 ultimately, we don't believe we have the time to train more then this to be game ready. 4. Connecting to 3 ensure you always replace your graduates, we are always looking 2 or 3 years out so that we know we lose a couple to graduation we have a boy that is near varsity ready that will be replacing him. If we have a good Senior tackle likely our best JV lineman will be a tackle or we will have our next best underclassman on the varsity start at another position but also train him as a backup to have him game ready the next year. 5. Build a culture, we had a lineman this year build our "Pancake Platoon" you earn your way into this group they have a flag they have placed over our squat rack and have "Pancake Platoon" T-Shirts it is meaningful and purposeful... 6. Teach them up, lineman can be developed with enough fundamental work, ensure you have a great teaching progression and drill progression and work it hard with enthusiasm. If they can't remember where to go on your plays you have too many plays in..... Seemingly every year I put too many in the first week I'm unhappy with execution and we start cutting them out and get better and at some point then we are able to add a couple more back in when we reach mastery level.
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Post by coachjm on Jan 6, 2020 18:39:11 GMT -6
Pay to participate is $210 for as many sports you want to play in, $35 of that covers a student pass allowing athletes to attend all of their peers athletic events.
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Post by coachjm on Jan 1, 2020 8:20:18 GMT -6
I have found his material engaging and thought provoking.... I would recommend it.
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Post by coachjm on Jan 1, 2020 7:49:39 GMT -6
I agree with the above, have your meeting go over basic expectations and get rolling....
I would add in the initial be highly inclusive, try to draw as much interest as possible, and have incentive base off-season program vs. consequence based.
First job is to build the herd! Ultimately, you don't want to run off potential players in a first impression... Let them get to know you and you them.
Ideally, they leave your expectation meeting inspired excited about the new coach and starting to work for next season.
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Post by coachjm on Dec 20, 2019 5:42:15 GMT -6
I have a little different view on this....
1. I signed out of HS with a Division 2 school as a young 18 year old it was a big deal to me "to sign" looking back I see it as pretty silly but it was. I had 2 offers and 1 opportunity at one of the academies so I wasn't heavily recruited outside of D3 ball.
2. I then transferred to a D3 school that I should have gone to out of high school, it was a better location for me, I had a bunch of friends there, and it always felt like home, not sure but maybe if I could have "signed" back 25 years ago I would have made this decision. Additionally, my cost ended up being the same after I got academic scholarships at this school as it was the D2 school.
3. I work with students now (all students) on college and career planning I believe whatever decision a kid makes college, community college, workforce, military ect. should be celebrated they have completed a major phase in their life and are moving on to a different phase with new challenges. All of them need an "offer" of some type for this as there is not any opportunity that is provided without someone granting it including D3 Football Teams.
I love D3 Football and the philosophy, like HS ball it is mostly still a pure form of football where guys play for the love of the game. I have several guys playing right now and I am proud of how they compete and work just like all programs. The value of the fraternity of being a football player at the D3 institution also carries on well beyond graduation. If more folks people have this opportunity due to getting "offers" or "signing parties" i'm all for it.
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Post by coachjm on Dec 8, 2019 7:19:13 GMT -6
Yes we did do this at Siena Heights University in 2011, we were a first year NAIA program of all Freshman we had a mishmash schedule of existing other 4 year programs, two games with another upstart, and some JV teams. Our offensive coordinator was Jeff Hancock and he thought it would be worth trying to get more of our freshman on the field. Plus he was a big believer in the spread offense and thought a unit of the Double Wing would be a great change up. Jeff called the spread plays and I called the double wing stuff It worked well we had a very successful season. It met the objective of playing more guys as well. We had wholesale exchanges of 11 guys sometimes in subsequent plays.... The negative was a rivalry did ensue between the two units and sometimes it was difficult to get in a flow. We did have a huge upset win against Kentucky Wesleyan that was an existing D2 school that I'm certain this system and the double wing in general was a big key to. After that season I took a head coaching position at a local HS and it was determined that they were not going to continue with this method. It was a heck of a lot of fun and perfect for the objectives we had that season however, I would not likely do it again if given the option. Coachjm how did you practice this? We’re the units separate during practice? Thanks During practice when we were in indy or group drills we had 3 areas of the field the defense the offense and the X Unit (that was our double wing groups name)... This was a challenge because we had a full field of practice space and really not enough space for a 3rd group of practice.
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Post by coachjm on Dec 7, 2019 15:54:45 GMT -6
One of the coaches on this board, (Maybe coachjm?) was at a college that platooned like this. Had a spread base offense Then they had a group that came in and ran DW. Separate group of kids. I read an article about it at one point. So to apply to small high school ball, you have your normal 2 way starters. Then you train a group to come in and run their small set of plays. Maybe same exact offense, maybe a change up offense. Even if they can string together a few plays they are helping you. Yes we did do this at Siena Heights University in 2011, we were a first year NAIA program of all Freshman we had a mishmash schedule of existing other 4 year programs, two games with another upstart, and some JV teams. Our offensive coordinator was Jeff Hancock and he thought it would be worth trying to get more of our freshman on the field. Plus he was a big believer in the spread offense and thought a unit of the Double Wing would be a great change up. Jeff called the spread plays and I called the double wing stuff It worked well we had a very successful season. It met the objective of playing more guys as well. We had wholesale exchanges of 11 guys sometimes in subsequent plays.... The negative was a rivalry did ensue between the two units and sometimes it was difficult to get in a flow. We did have a huge upset win against Kentucky Wesleyan that was an existing D2 school that I'm certain this system and the double wing in general was a big key to. After that season I took a head coaching position at a local HS and it was determined that they were not going to continue with this method. It was a heck of a lot of fun and perfect for the objectives we had that season however, I would not likely do it again if given the option.
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Post by coachjm on Nov 25, 2019 19:23:03 GMT -6
Well, after 20 years I'm heading to my first big dance! More than anything I wanted to thank all you guys that have helped me out along the way. Everything I've had my hands on that has been good has come from a post, email, or phone call from guys on this site. To those of you who frequent deep post season runs here are a couple question. #1 Is it always this exhausting?? You would think that ridding high on an undefeated season it would be a cake walk but that has not been the case. I am physically and emotionally exhausted even though I try to stay in pretty good shape. #2 What have you done to make this last week special? We want to keep things as normal as possible but is there anything you've done to make this week memorable? With Thanksgiving coming up, I'm doubting we will be doing a team dinner this week. #3 Were you able to stop and smell the roses? Everyone keeps reminding me to take time to breath it all in. I'm usually pretty good about that kind of stuff when it comes to life events but football has been different. It seems like once we head up to the locker room from the field game night, my mind is already scrambling to our next opponent. Thanks again fellas, and good luck to all of you still grinding this week! Yes it is exhausting, we made 3 deep trips in a row (semi, runner up, and champ) and I remember at the end of the runner up year being out of juice.... With that said the following year it didn't seem as hard, I do think the more deep runs you have it does become a little less cumbersome. Not sure we will get back to they point again but if we do I know I'm more conditioned to it due to the prior experience. 2. Keep everything normal, you are preparing for a football game nothing more nothing less.... Everyone around you will be making it in to the biggest event in the world you have to prepare like it is another friday in the fall. 3. Yep twice, first time in the finals I saw my boys running around ford field and I remember stopping and feeling grateful for this moment. Second time there was a pause before the national anthem and we were all looking towards our stands in which the american flag was seeing this sea of Navy and yellow supporters there to cheer us on was one of those moments of wow we have come a long way in our time here thoughts.... Finally, walking off after we one it I run into my father who coached for 40 years who said enjoy this no many people get to have these moments..... With that said no a couple years later the memories and images that come up from those years are all pretty special there is plenty of time to smell the roses after you get the W!
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Post by coachjm on Nov 19, 2019 19:33:56 GMT -6
Not sure what Arizona football looks like during the regular season but maybe it's just a playoff thing with a lot of high scoring teams in the brackets? We only allowed an average of 12 points a game during the regular season and now as we head into the semi's, we've given up an average of 21 points a game. Keep averaging 22+ and my guess is things will keep going well! Congrats!
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Post by coachjm on Aug 8, 2019 8:28:28 GMT -6
Those of you who have left coaching... what is a good profession to go into when you have been in education all your life and don't really know much about anything else and don't have any good connections? How can hard working, common sense person start over in something else? Jobs that involve interpersonal communication and presentation.... I have seen many former teachers excel in professions that utilized their ability to present and connect! Ultimately, everyday in education we practice these skills which is a skill that carries in many other more lucrative career paths, sales, consultation, training ect.... Otherwise your major area may have pathways tied, for example if you are a math teacher there are many fields (auditing, finance, ect) that you may have to do some additional training for but you likely have many needed skills fairly refined.
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Post by coachjm on Jul 31, 2019 6:14:55 GMT -6
I am 41 and heading into my 20th year of Coaching and 17th as a Head Coach so I think I qualify as being in the middle of my career life. I have thought of changing career paths 1 or 2 times in the last 20 years and the motive has been based on more lucrative career opportunities. Each time the passion of working for kids and the realization that my family has our basic needs met financially has led me to not make the move.
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Post by coachjm on Jul 29, 2019 5:28:47 GMT -6
Start with a basic 2 point athletic position ie stance.... Teach them basic alignment prinicipals IE what a gap is, there are 5 that can't catch a pass the last guy on the LOS can catch a pass, levels of defense the concept of contain vs staying inside out on the ball ect...... Go through a basic blocking teaching progression Go through a basic tackling teaching progression Teach center/QB exchange of your liking while throwing passing lines of a couple base routes, hitch, slant, fade
That is where I would start...
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Post by coachjm on Jul 20, 2019 14:52:40 GMT -6
My answer.....
I think we have a great group of boys to work with, we have a lot to work on to be competitive in the ____ (name your league)____ as it is going to be very very tough this year....
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Post by coachjm on Jul 20, 2019 9:00:02 GMT -6
Any space theoretically would add additional velocity, additionally with more horizontal space you would have to play with more vertical space to ensure angles to cut off players.... I disagree, again asking you to envision the violence of your open field tackling drills compared to the violence of a hit from an oklahoma, or eye opener or whatever one calls the a drill where a ball carrier runs through a small defined area (two bags) and the defender "meets him in the hole". Increasing the horizontal space DECREASES the "certainty" (I can't think of a better term) of where the offense is going and therefore slows the closing speed of the defender right? Although I agree with your example, my anecdotal example would be a receiver getting hit coming over the middle or a safety flying up in the box with a big hit in comparison to a gator roll tackle by a DL.... Looks we have differing opinions that really can't be answered unless significant changes or significant research that has not been done (to my knowledge) on the CFL which even that would be tough to do a comparison as their players aren't the same with any other league.
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Post by coachjm on Jul 20, 2019 8:24:37 GMT -6
Wouldn't that apply if you only increase vertical space as in the kick off example you mentioned. Lots of vertical space as players run down the field but they are still bound by 53 1/2 yards. Picture your open field tackling drills. I don't think those are high impact collisions, but rather a lot grab on and hope for the best type of tackles right? I would also add in our state there are many many more educational opportunities then there were 15 years ago that do not provide opportunities to participate in athletics. There are many Virtual Programs, Middle Colleges, Small Charter entities, and a growing home school population although some of these have athletics many don't and even more do not sponsor football. Prior to these existing students had to attend their local public school or pay to attend a area private school.
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