Most had tears in their eyes and that’s a good thing. Tears meant they understood the finality of Wednesdays’ district basketball games ending. It also meant that the overall experience was truly impactful. The seniors lined up single file facing me. Behind me was the rest of the coaching staff and the underclassmen. One by one, I thanked each senior for his commitment tothe program. I shared one tidbit that I uniquely loved about them and finished with a final hug. The process was repeated with every team member. On this night it was a struggle to keep my composure. This was a special team.

Without a plan, without an analyzed approach, persistence alone is child’s play and leads to frustration. I have said for years that the greatest thing competitive sports can teach someone is how to self-evaluate and make plans for improvement.

One of the strangest phone calls I ever received as a head coach was from the father of a “Scout team” player. “Coach Glodich, this is Bobby’s dad. I am having some issues with my son and he just won’t listen or do anything I say. He thinks the world of you and will do anything for you. I was wondering if you would help me discipline him for some of his behavior. I want him to run laps on the track. I will be there to watch and monitor. If you tell him to run, he will. Of course, I would let him get water if needed.”

The old adage is “a picture is worth a thousand words(palabras)” and this snapshot has inspired me to pen some words to my buddy Luca who might read them years down the road.

It was a phrase we preached to our athletes from day one. We collectively as a group (coaches) do not like surprises.

We stressed that when you look a coach in the eye, and communicate in a mature adult way, respect will be gained on both sides.

In the summer of 2016, I experienced an interaction with an athlete that seemed like a punch in the gut initially but as time marched forward the interaction transitioned into a powerful story.

There is a cost associated with this dream. They say that if you throw something out into the atmosphere it has a greater chance of materializing so here it goes. The book, “A Run to the River” will become a best seller and be picked up to become a screen play. Sprinkle some “Disney Magic dust” on this and let it grow. Allow this dream to flourish in a kingdom where anything is possible. A Magic Kingdom!

The message was repeated every single time. The message was not meant to be disrespectful; it was not meant to discourage; but it clearly had a purpose.

As head coach, I made a calculated decision to start day one of every season with an impactful statement that would clarify the purpose of the Mariner football program’s mission. “Not one of you, let me repeat that, not one of you are going to make your livelihood as an adult playing professional football.

As I reflect back on my experiences with Marine City football, I recognize a common theme with almost every single coach on staff. We all had amazing dad’s and we would share one story after another when scouting or at a post-game celebration. The stories seemed to share a few components; accountability if you screwed up, expectations (spelled out early and often) and a relentless work ethic. “Modeling” they call it nowadays.

I have rarely sat in the stands of a high school football game in the last 35 years of my life and career, but on this night, I wanted to experience this high school football in its purest form. Kathy and I sat several rows up on the 40-yard line as Coach Bob took his traditional spot on the fence line near the 20-yard line. As I sat and became an observer, things jumped out and warmed my heart.

I had often heard the old adage, “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” But in working with my publishing team, I found out, to the contrary, readers do!

I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was entering into a dimension in my career that would layout a formula that repeated itself several times in my journey. The formula simply states, “Fear may be the first emotion you feel, when a growth opportunity presents itself. Then, your persistence in a specific direction and with urgency in mind can allow success to occur. Finally, along the way pain will be experienced, but that occurrence is necessary to adjust your path and keep it on target.”

It was a running joke for many during my coaching career. I would constantly say, “that’s going in the book.”