The “Get to” Phase

Two of my favorite performing arts people. Left David Uhrig and right Jay McCollouch

I found myself in a very familiar place. It was a place typically visited only once a year, maybe twice. Nothing was new, nothing was spectacular, but on this day, I sensed a difference. A small deviation in perspective led to a cascade of meaningful thoughts. A view that stimulated doubts. A view which caused second guessing. A view that led to a monumental shift in my life’s roadmap. Yep, I was simply cleaning out the gutters on a Saturday afternoon late in the fall of 2010 and my life was about to change.

The plan was simple and for the most part set in stone. Following the 2011 football season I would retire from coaching football. 25 straight seasons as an offensive coordinator equals a very nice career. My twins (Gunnar and Gabbi) would graduate from Marine City HS in the spring of 2012 and I would hitch a ride on their college tour.

The football program was well established at Marine City. Coach Bob Staskiewicz and athletic director Jerry Warkentien created a huge momentum wave. Tony Scarcelli followed Coach Bob and brought the school its very 1st state championship in 2007. He was set to retire as his son Anthony would graduate after the 2011 season. We were an ego-less staff that loved coaching, competition and the camaraderie.

Option one, take easy street and ride out the remaining years as a teacher walking out of the building at 2:30. Option two, accept a challenge and try to bring another dimension to a program that was one of the best in the area, and maybe in the state.

Option two would not go away on that fall day as I cleaned the gutters. “You will regret not giving it a ride,” echoed a little voice in my head. As I began to envision myself as the next head coach, fear started to creep in. That’s when I knew I had to do it. Every single one of my proud moments in life started with a flush of fear.

Regardless of what profession we tackle, I believe a sequence of “Phases” occur as we gain experience. New hires go through an “Expected to” phase. For me it was coaching added to my teaching responsibilities. It was made very clear in the interview process; you are expected to coach and teach if you are hired.

Seven years into my career, the family was started, and we moved into the district. I entered a “Want to” phase of my career. I wanted to continue to help build a program my son could experience when he entered high school. A program that instilled discipline, work ethic and team building. I never had visions of grander for my son, I only wanted him to experience a football program he could be proud of. That vision was met as my son played well in the 2011 state championship game, only to fall to a talented Zeeland West squad.

With no children left to flourish in the program, and with no expectations from the administration, I floated into my final phase at MCHS. The “Get to” phase. It was my favorite phase and I truly believe I learned more about myself in that final phase than from all previous years. The essence of my core values drove the car in that final phase and I am a better man for that experience. I would share with my closest friends, “I get to be head football coach, and I take that very seriously.”

Fast forward to June 28th, 2025, when I received a message from one of my favorite peers at Marine City High School. English teacher/ Drama program director Jay McColloch reached out to me. Jay and I have a special relationship because I had a front row seat to the evolution of one of Marine City’s finest educators. He may be the most sincere man I have ever met. He oozes positivity in both his classroom and on the stage. His energy is contagious and his message never varies. Be purposeful in your actions and bring the best out of yourself and others around you. Make family the center of all your decisions.

Jay asked, “As your kids moved out of the school, did that affect your drive and passion to remain at MC? To continue coaching?” His family has been a main stay in the hallways of this small school for years. One by one they excelled on the stage and in the classroom. They were morally solid and represented the McColloch family and MCHS in the brightest of light. They were just great kids, a huge compliment to Jay and his wife Amber.

My short answer to Jay, “it sure did!” My long answer sits in the philosophical phone book and needs self-reflection for clarity. For me it was the love of coaching. I could not see myself teaching without coaching. The connection I would build with students, in my eyes would be weakened. Saying hello to smiling marching band members right before a big game was a joy I never saw coming.

So, my friend, Jay McColloch, it is time for you to clean gutters. Climb that ladder and take a look at your house and find your “Get to.” Cherish those moments when you “get to” make memories in your absolute favorite passion. I hope you find as much satisfaction as I did in your flight.

PS. Make sure you don’t fall off that ladder like I did, knocking the wind out of my body. Only to be followed a week later by a visit from a man representing “Gutter Guards. (Set up by wife Kathy). Good luck brother.