Ohio HS Statewide Football and Boys Basketball Scoreboa

scoreslogo-1

OIAAA & OASSA Members:

 

Earlier this school year we announced a new business partnership between the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA), the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association(OIAAA) and JJHuddle.com. The partnership provides value statewide and enhances the coverage of Ohio high school athletics by providing real-time/quarterly scores for all varsity football (and boys basketball) games.

 

The OASSA, OIAAA and JJHuddle have coordinated the collection, reporting and presentation of scores, and as a result of the parternership JJHuddle has already made the first of several scheduled significant financial contributions to both non-profit associations.

 

Moving forward we need continued support and participation in the program with the football regular season ending, playoffs starting and basketball beginning.

 

What Is Required

Each school is required to assign an individual as that school’s “QuarterSpondent.” That person (staff, parent, statistician, etc.) will be the designated score reporter and will update scores at all varsity football and/or boys basketball games after each quarter. Data entry will include only numeric scores – no commentary, posts or stats are allowed or required.

 

Please proceed to get a commitment from one person at your school to fulfill this capacity for boys basketball.  Instruct this person to register as a Quarterspondent using the link in item #2 below.

 

Please proceed to remind your Football Quarterspondent to fulfill this capacity until the season is over (either regular or post).

 

Fulfilling these obligations are very important to the success of the project.

 

QuarterSpondents must:

1. Have a smartphone with browser (internet) capability

*Note: All reporting will be done through the mobile device’s browser so there will be no texting or calling fees.

 

2. Go to the following link and fill out all required fields http://www.jjhuddle.com/sr/

*Note: QS information (Name, Email, School) will be used to contact QS for score purposes only (no posting of comments will be available) The information will never be shared or used for other purposes.

 

JJHuddle will supply both the OASSA and OIAAA with continued reports indicating what schools have a QuarterSpondent in place and which ones do not.

 

Schools/Scores Pages

The reports submitted by each school’s quarterspondent will populate both that School’s District-Specific App/Homepage and the the Main Statewide Scores Page.

 

Thank you for your prompt and continued action in this matter.

 

Your efforts directly benefit the OIAAA, the OASSA and high school sports fans across Ohio.

 

OASSA

Ken Baker, Executive Director

 

OIAAA

Bruce Brown, Executive Director

O.I.A.A.A. Executive Committee October 2013 Meeting Minutes

 

Minutes – Executive Committee Meeting

 October 20, 2013

 

State Conference Planning Committee:

·         The Planning Committee led by Tim Erickson (President Elect) and members of the Northeast District State Conference Committee (Kent Smith and Greg Cooper) met from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to discuss the details of the 2013 OIAAA Athletic Directors Conference.

·         The Conference will be held on November 17-19, 2013 at the Easton Hilton.

Called to Order:

·         The meeting was called to order by Matt Shomper (President) at 10:25 a.m.

 

 

 

Attendance: X = at meeting

Executive Director:                               __x__      Bruce Brown (Northeast)        District Rep. Central(VM):                   ___x__    Steve Conley

Past President / Program Chair(VM):__x__      Tom Farbizo (East)                 District Rep. East(VM):                        ______    Don Spinell

President(VM):                                      __x__      Matt Shomper (Southwest)     District Rep. Northeast(VM):               ___x__    Rob Eckenrode

President Elect(VM):                            __x__      Tim Erickson (Northwest)        District Rep. Northwest(VM):               ______   Susie Felver

Secretary (VM):                                     __x__      Paul Powers (Northeast)         District Rep. Southwest(VM):             ___x___ Tim Cook

Treasurer:                                              __x___    Randy King (Central)              District Rep. Southeast(VM):              ___x__    Bo Arnett

LTI / Newsletter Chair:                         __x___    Glen Gillespie (Northwest)                      

Awards Chair:                                       __x__      Bill Schumacher (Northeast)

Exhibit Chair:                                        __x__      Phil Poggi (Southwest)

Website Chair:                                      _____      Erich Frombach (Northeast)                                                                                                                                                                                  

 OHSAA:                 ____        Dr. Ross                OHSAA:                  ____        Jerry Snodgrass      OASSA:                  ____X__ Ken Baker                                                                                                                                              

 

1. Action Items

A. Additions to the Agenda:

·         none

B. Approval of Agenda:

·         A motion was made by Tom Farbizo (Past President) and seconded by Tim Cook (Southwest) to approve the agenda. The motion passed 8-0.

C. Approval of Minutes:

·         A motion was made by Tom Farbizo (Past President) and seconded by Bo Arnett (Southeast) to approve the minutes from the 8/18/13 Executive Committee meeting. The motion passed 8-0.

D. Approval of Financial Report:

·         A motion was made by Tom Farbizo (Past President) and seconded by Steve Conley (Central) to approve the financial report as of 10/21/13. The balance as of 10/21/13 was Checking $9,338.16 and Savings $70,434.96. The motion passed 8-0.

o    Note: The OIAAA Audit Committee will meet on November 16, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

2. Information Items

A. Membership Report:

·          Randy King (Treasurer) gave an update on membership numbers. As of 10/20/13 we have 307 members.

·          Randy King (Treasurer) showed us the new OIAAA membership cards for the 2013 – 2014 membership year.

B. OASSA Report:

·         Ken Baker updated us on the current issues regarding education in Ohio.

C. OHSAA Report:

·         Bruce Brown (OIAAA Rep. to OHSAA) and Tim Cook (OHSAA Board member) gave us an update on agenda items from the  OHSAA October meeting.

D.  NIAAA Report:

·         Matt Shomper (President) asked for delegates for the National Conference. The delegates will be Bruce Brown, Tim Erickson, Paul Powers, Matt Shomper and TBD.

·         A discussion was held regarding financial support for an OIAAA member when on the NIAAA board.

·         A discussion was held about the OHSAA plans for a a breakfast at the NIAAA National Conference in Anaheim for Ohio attendees.

 

 

E.  Conference Report:

·         Tim Erickson gave us an update from the State Conference planning committee.

F.  Website:

·         No Report.

G.  Awards Report:

·         Bill Schumacher (Awards Chair) led a discussion on National and State Awards.

·         Bill Schumacher (Awards Chair) reviewed the agenda for the 2013 State Conference Awards Luncheon.

·         Bill Schumacher (Awards Chair) asked about awards for past board members and committee chairs.

H.  Leadership Training Report:

·         Glen Gillespie (LTI / Newsletter Chair) led a discussion about the following items:

o    25 people currently signed up for LTI classes at the State Conferences

§  Shared the name of the class instructor for each class

o     New LTI 790 Class

I.  Newsletter E-Zine Report:

·         Glen Gillespie (Newsletter Chair) reported the following information regarding the OIAAA Newsletter:

o    Conference Newsletter will be coming out Friday, October 25, 2013.

J.  Executive Directors Report:

·         Bruce Brown (Executive Director) led a discussion regarding the following items:

o    Business Partnerships

o    New Corporate sponsorships

o    OASAA Conference Exhibit

 

3. New Business Items

A. Hilton Contract:

·         Discussed the 2014 Hilton Contract for the State Conference. OIAAA will look into trying to get more rooms under the group block rate.

B. OIAAA Gear:

·         Paul Powers (Secretary) made a motion and seconded by Matt Shomper (President) that each OIAAA Executive Board member and OIAAA Chairs receive two (2) apparel items each year for the State OIAAA conference. Motion passed 6-0.

C. OIAAA Pens and Pencils:

·         Tim Erickson (President Elect) made a motion and seconded by Bo Arnett (Southeast) that the OIAAA share the expense with the NEOIAAA for the purchase of pens and pencils to be used for promotional items. Motion passed 6-0.

D.  State Pins:

·         Paul Powers (Secretary) will look into the cost of purchasing OIAAA State pins. He will bring a report to the November OIAAA Conference.

D.  Technology for OIAAA Treasurer:

·         Randy King (Treasurer) will bring a recommendation back to the OIAAA Executive Board as to the technology upgrades that are necessary for him to complete OIAAA business.

4. Discussion Items

          A. No Items

 

B.  District Reports:

            1. Central (Steve Conley)

o   No report

2. Northwest (Susie Felver)

o   Had a good Fall Conference

3. Northeast (Rob Eckenrode)

o   Please send Door Prize money to NEOIAAA

4. East (Don Spinell)

o   No report

5. Southeast (Bo Arnett)

o   No Report

6. Southwest (Tim Cook)

o   Fall Conference: November 3, 2013

 

4. Adjournment

A.  Next Meeting:

·         Sunday, January 26, 2014

o    The meeting will be held at the OHSAA Offices

o    The Conference Planning Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m.

o    The Executive Committee will meet at 10:00 a.m.

 B.  Move to Adjourn:

·         A motion was made by Tim Erickson (President Elect) and seconded by Bo Arnett (Southeast) to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 6-0.

o    The meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m.

C.  Upcoming Dates of Note:

Future Meeting Dates:   

·         Sunday, January 26, 2014      10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, March 16, 2014         10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, May 18, 2014            10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, August 17, 2014        10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, October 19, 2014      10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, November 16, 2014  9:00 a.m.                 Hilton Easton

·         Sunday, January 25, 2015      10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, March 15, 2015         10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, May 17, 2015            10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

 

NIAAA Section 2 Meeting Dates:

·         June 19 – 22, 2014                 Host State: Delaware

·         June 18 – 21, 2015                 Host State: Kentucky

·         June 16 – 18, 2016                 Host State: Maryland

·         June 15 – 17, 2017                 Host State: Ohio

·         June 14 – 16,  2018                Host State: Pennsylvania

·         June 13 – 15,  2019                Host State: Virginia 

·         June, TBD, 2020                     Host State: West Virgina        

Future OIAAA Conference Dates:

·         November 16-18, 2014           Host Northwest       Site Hilton Easton

·         November 15-17, 2015           Host East                 Site

·         November 13-15, 2016           Host Southeast        Site

·         November 12-14, 2017           Host Central            Site

 

Future NIAAA Conference Dates:

·         December 12-16, 2014           Place       National Harbor, Maryland

·         December 11-15, 2015           Place       Orlando, Florida

·         December 9-15, 2016             Place       Nashville, Tennessee

 

O.I.A.A.A. Executive Committee August 2013 Meeting Minutes

Minutes – Executive Committee Meeting

August 18, 2013

 

State Conference Planning Committee:

·         The Planning Committee led by Tim Erickson (President Elect) and members of the Northeast District State Conference Committee (Kent Smith and Greg Cooper) met from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to discuss the details of the 2013 OIAAA Athletic Directors Conference.

·         The Conference will be held on November 17-19, 2013 at the Easton Hilton.

Called to Order:

·         The meeting was called to order by Matt Shomper (President) at 10:00 a.m.

 

 

 

Attendance:

Executive Director:                               __x__      Bruce Brown (Northeast)        District Rep. Central(VM):                   ___x__    Steve Conley

Past President / Program Chair(VM):__x__      Tom Farbizo (East)                 District Rep. East(VM):                        ___x__    Don Spinell

President(VM):                                      __x__      Matt Shomper (Southwest)     District Rep. Northeast(VM):               ___x__    Paul Moses

President Elect(VM):                            __x__      Tim Erickson (Northwest)        District Rep. Northwest(VM):               ___x___   Susie Felver

Secretary (VM):                                     __x__      Paul Powers (Northeast)         District Rep. Southwest(VM):             ___x___ Tim Cook

Treasurer:                                              __x___    Randy King (Central)              District Rep. Southeast(VM):              ___x__    Bo Arnett

LTI / Newsletter Chair:                         __x___    Glen Gillespie (Northwest)                      

Awards Chair:                                       __x__      Bill Schumacher (Northeast)

Exhibit Chair:                                        __x__      Phil Poggi (Southwest)

Website Chair:                                      __x_        Erich Frombach (Northeast)                                                                                                                                                                                  

 OHSAA:                 ____        Dr. Ross                OHSAA:                  ____        Jerry Snodgrass      OASSA:                  ____        Jim Harbuck                                                                                                                                           


1. Action Items

A. Additions to the Agenda:

·         none

B. Approval of Agenda:

·         A motion was made by Tom Farbizo (Past President) and seconded by Tim Cook (Southwest) to approve the agenda. The motion passed 10-0.

C. Approval of Minutes:

·         A motion was made by Tim Erickson (President Elect) and seconded by Susie Felver (Northwest) to approve the minutes from the 5/19/13 Executive Committee meeting. The motion passed 10-0.

D. Approval of Financial Report:

·         A motion was made by Tom Farbizo (Past President) and seconded by Bo Arnet (Southeast) to approve the financial report as of 8/18/13. The balance as of 8/18/13 was Checking $9,335.31 and Savings $47,237.73.The motion passed 10-0.

E. Budget 2013 – 2014:

·         A motion was made by Paul Powers (Secretary) and seconded by Steve Conley (Central)  to approve the 2013 – 2014 Budget.

F. NIAAA Certification Chair :

·         A motion was made by Paul Powers (Secretary) and seconded by Tim Erickson (President Elect) to create the position of Certification Chair for the NIAAA. The motion passed 10-0.

·         A motion was made by Tom Farbizio (Past President) to approve Paul Moses as the NIAAA Certification Chair for the OIAAA. The motion passed 10-0.

G. Audit Committe :

·                    A motion was made by Steve Conley (Central) and seconded by Don Spinell (East) to approve an Audit Committee for the OIAAA. The motion passed 10-0.

·         The Audit Committee will consist of the President, Secretary, Treasurer and two District Representatives.

H. Bylaws:

·         A motion was made by Tim Cook (Southwest) and seconded by Bo Arnett (Southeast) to approve the additions and deletions to the OIAAA Bylaws. The OIAAA membership will vote on the by-law changes at the 2013 OIAAA State Conference. The motion passed 10-0.

 

 

2. Information Items

A. Membership Report:

·          Randy King (Treasurer)  gave a update on membership numbers

·         A motion was made by Tom Farbizio (Past President) and seconded by Tim Cook (Southwest) to purchase membership cards for OIAAA members.  Motion passed 10-0.

·         There was a discussion about our NIAAA membership goal.

·         It was noted that the OIAAA has increased their NIAAA membership by 10%

B. OASSA Report:

·         No report, Dave Axner will be the new Director of OASSA.

C. OHSAA Report:

·         Bruce Brown (OIAAA Rep. to OHSAA) and Tim Cook (OHSAA Board member) gave us an update on OHSAA issues.

D.  NIAAA Report:

·         Matt Shomper (President) gave us an update on NIAAA issues.

E.  Conference Report:

·         Each Committee person gave a update on their portion of the State Conference.

F.  Website:

·         Erich Frombach (Website Chair) gave us some updates on the OIAAA Website.

G.  Awards Report:

·         Bill Schumacher led a discussion on National and State Awards. It was decided that all the award proposals would be tabled until the October meeting.

H.  Leadership Training Report:

·         Glen Gillespie (LTI / Newsletter Chair) led a discussion about the following items:

o    2013 State Conference Classes

 

 

 

 

 

I.  Newsletter E-Zine Report:

·         Glen Gillespie (Newsletter Chair) reported the following information regarding the OIAAA Newsletter:

o    Asked each District for their Newsletter report

J.  Executive Directors Report:

·         Bruce Brown (Executive Director) led a discussion regarding the following items:

o    OIAAA Vendor Social on Saturday before the conference.

 

3. Discussion Items

A.  NIAAA Section 2:

·         Matt Shomper (President) gave a update on NIAAA Section 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O I A A A __Logo(Ohio)RGB.jpgPage 5                                                                     Minutes, Executive Committee Mtg.

8/18/13

C.  District Reports:

            1. Central (Steve Conley)

o   9/18/13 Fall Meeting

2. Northwest (Susie Felver)

o   Fall Conference, Wednesday, September 25, 2013

3. Northeast (Paul Moses)

o   Held new AD’s workshop in August

4. East (Don Spinell)

o   none

5. Southeast (Bo Arnett)

o   No report

6. Southwest (Tim Cook)

o   Working on new Web site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O I A A A __Logo(Ohio)RGB.jpgPage 6                                                                     Minutes, Executive Committee Mtg.

8/18/13

 

4. Adjournment

A.  Next Meeting:

·         Sunday, October 20, 2013

o    The meeting will be held at the OHSAA Offices

o    The Conference Planning Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m.

o    The Executive Committee will meet at 10:00 a.m.

 B.  Move to Adjourn:

·         A motion was made by Tim Cook (Southwest) and seconded by Susie Felver (Northwest) to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 10-0.

o    The meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.

C.  Upcoming Dates of Note:

Future Meeting Dates:   

·         Sunday, October 20, 2013      10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, November 17, 2013  9:00 a.m.                 Hilton Easton          

·         Sunday, January 26, 2014      10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, March 16, 2014         10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, May 18, 2014            10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, August 17, 2014        10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, October 19, 2014      10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, November 16, 2014  9:00 a.m.                 Hilton Easton

·         Sunday, January 25, 2015      10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, March 15, 2015         10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

·         Sunday, May 17, 2015            10:00 a.m.               OHSAA Offices        Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

 

 

 

 

O I A A A __Logo(Ohio)RGB.jpgPage 7                                                                     Minutes, Executive Committee Mtg.

8/18/13

 

NIAAA Section 2 Meeting Dates:

·         June 19 – 22, 2014                 Host State: Delaware

·         June 18 – 21, 2015                 Host State: Kentucky

·         June 16 – 18, 2016                 Host State: Maryland

·         June 15 – 17, 2017                 Host State: Ohio

·         June 14 – 16,  2018                Host State: Pennsylvania

·         June 13 – 15,  2019                Host State: Virginia 

·         June, TBD, 2020                     Host State: West Virgina        

Future OIAAA Conference Dates:

·         November 17-19, 2013           Host Northeast        Site: Hilton Easton

·         November 16-18, 2014           Host Northwest       Site Hilton Easton

·         November 15-17, 2015           Host East                 Site

·         November 13-15, 2016           Host Southeast        Site

·         November 12-14, 2017           Host Central            Site

 

Future NIAAA Conference Dates:

·         December 13-17, 2013           Place       Anaheim, California

·         December 12-16, 2014           Place       National Harbor, Maryland

·         December 11-15, 2015           Place       Orlando, Florida

·         December 9-15, 2016             Place       Nashville, Tennessee

 

Ask Dr. Ross and OHSAA Attorney Steve Craig…Email Your Question for the OIAAA Conference

Dr. Dan Ross and Mr. Steve Craig of the Ohio High School Athletic Association will be making individual presentations at our 2013 state conference in November.  They have each requested that OIAAA members provide input as to the specific areas they can address in their presentations.
               Please submit a specific topic you would like to have addressed by Dr. Ross or Mr. Craig.  Deadline for submission of topics is NOVEMBER 2nd.  The most popular requests will be shared with both speakers.
 
Examples of questions/topics:
 
·       There is continual discussion about what a new Competitive Balance plan might be.  Could you speak to what factors are being considered for such a plan?
 
·       Are we seeing more Concussion litigation with schools occurring?  What are suggestions to schools to minimize legal risks related to concussion management?
 
Please send your questions/topics to Bruce Brown (link below) by November 2nd.  The most requested questions/topics will be referred to Dr. Ross and Mr. Craig prior to their respective conference presentations:

New Hotel Information for the OIAAA Conference: Rooms available at Residence Inn

 

All block rooms at the Hilton are spoken for at this point.  There are now 15 rooms on hold for OIAAA attendees on Sunday, November 16th  and Monday, November 17th  at the Residence Inn here at Easton.  It is only a block away from our hotel and our shuttle can run to and from the properties.  They will honor the group rate of $155.  Mary Kimene is the contact at the hotel: 614-416-4066.  Indicate you are reserving for the OIAAA State Conference at the Hilton

 

Residence Inn Columbus Easton

 

 

 

3999 Easton Loop West · Columbus, Ohio 43219

 

The Motz Group and OIAAA Partner to Assure Quality Synthetic Turf Sporting Fields to Ohio-based Schools

TMG New Logo 2013 FINAL

 

Cincinnati, Ohio: October 8, 2013 – Ohio’s leading provider of high-performance synthetic turf systems, The Motz Group (TMG) is pleased to announce a three-year partnership agreement with the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrator’s Association (OIAAA). 

 

Since forming in 1956, the OIAAA has continued to be an advocate for member schools by promoting values of interscholastic athletics combined with providing school-based athletic directors with professional development and guidance. OIAAA’s partnership with TMG will provide athletic directors with a synthetic turf vendor who has been fully vetted to provide product excellence and quality customer service.  

 

“We have the utmost respect for the OIAAA’s core values, and feel they align perfectly with ours. The organization’s focus on delivering education and professional guidance to athletic directors is what sets them apart. The Motz Group is privileged to stand beside OIAAA and actively contribute to their overall mission,” shared Zach Burns, TMG President.

 

“Our organization strives to partner with providers who deliver consistent quality-infused products, blended with a comprehensive service model. TMG’s approach to complete lifecycle management showcases the long-term commitment they make to their customers and the belief they have in their synthetic turf systems. We hold our membership in the highest regard and only partner with companies we feel are game changers, to which TMG is one,” said Bruce Brown, OIAAA Executive Director.

 

About the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association

The Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA) supports and helps in the professional development of over 1,500 Ohio middle school and high school athletic administrators. Formed as an association for over 50 years, the OIAAA provides multiple training and networking opportunities for member schools.

 

About The Motz Group

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, The Motz Group (TMG) has been building fields and building trust for over 35 years. The Company specializes in synthetic turf, sports field design, construction, removal, replacement, and management. With each field, TMG delivers products for optimal field performance, safety, and durability. To learn more, visit www.themotzgroup.com.

 


Success Through Caring

 

Success Through Caring

By John McCarthy

John McCarthy is a former college basketball coach, Athletic Director and Director of two national collegiate basketball events. Today, he is a sports entrepreneur and travels the country giving the Lessons of the Legends presentation to coaches of all sports at all levels. To learn more about John McCarthy and/or the Lessons of the Legends, please visit www.johncmccarthyjr.com. To contact John McCarthy, please e-mail him at johncmccarthyjr@gmail.com.

Over my career in collegiate athletics, I’ve been intrigued with highly successful coaches. I’m talking about ultra successful coaches that have sustained success on and off of the playing fields for long periods of time. I’m very interested in what we can learn from these highly successful coaches, and I’m interested in learning how coaches can significantly enhance their own programs and their own lives by applying such lessons.

With these thoughts in mind, I began to identify and study multiple coaches in great detail. The result has become a detailed presentation and a booklet. With the popularity of the presentation, I am in the process of turning the Lessons of the Legends into a book and DVD.

As such, I wanted to write this article to focus on one aspect of my research. Please note, and this is important, that this is just one part of a presentation that is typically two-and-a-half to three hours, so this is clearly just one of the many lessons that we can learn from highly successful coaches.

The coaches that I have studied in great detail – and others that I have studied on the surface – have taken great care to create a caring and loving environment within their team. I remind you that I have spent a great deal of time researching some of the greatest “winners” in sports in this country, and yes, a real key to sustaining successful programs is the ability to create this special environment within their teams.

Remember the old saying from former President Theodore Roosevelt, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”? This is particularly true within athletics.

In order for coaches to build trust, and build a community where players play their hearts out, they must care. Care about the game. Care about their team. Care about teammates and coaches. The great programs are the ones in which every single member of the team – and coaches – sincerely care about each other.

Mike Harrity, Associate Athletic Director at Notre Dame, spent a great deal of time researching such characteristics of highly successful coaches, which resulted in an excellent book titled, Coaching Wisdom. Chapter One of the book is aptly titled, “Creating a Caring Environment”. Harrity wrote, “In nearly every interview I conducted, many of whom have earned numerous championships at the highest level, it was apparent that they care deeply about their athletes…..caring about your athletes is arguably the most important thing that you can do as a coach…..and it may just win you a championship.”

Sue Enquist, the legendary former UCLA softball coach, said, “It was about kids getting to know each other outside of the ball field, because that does help to make a stronger team…..if we have a team that loves each other, we are at a huge advantage.”

In the book, When the Game Stands Tall, author Neil Hayes writes about legendary DeLaSalle High School football Coach Bob Ladouceur, …. “the key component to his success is the most basic of human emotions – love.” Patrick Walsh, who formerly played for Coach Ladouceur before becoming a Head Coach himself (Serra High in San Mateo), said, “Lad creates an environment where you can cry in front of your friends and tell them you love them. What do they do at the end of chapel service? They hug. Do you know how hard it is to get high school kids to do that? It wasn’t until my first chapel service at Serra that I learned that love is the key to everything they do.”

When players know that you really care about them – genuinely care about them as human beings – then they will pour their hearts out competing for the team. Remember the word that Coach John Wooden’s considered his favorite – and most powerful – in the English language? LOVE. His players would do whatever he asked of them, with all of their effort, mentally and physically, because they knew that he genuinely cared about them.

Said Ed Ehlers, who played for Coach Wooden at South Bend High School: “People ask me, ‘What was so great about Coach Wooden?’ And as I look back, yes, he was a great coach. He gave great pep talks and great practices. But that’s not what I remember. What I remember is him as a person. He was so much more than a coach. Coach Wooden was such an example of sincerity and honesty that I wanted to be like him. We weren’t just players to him. We were people he cared about. He got within you. And you believed in him……If he told you to run through that wall, you’d do it because you believed in him.”

Most college football fans know about legendary Nebraska Football Coach Tom Osborne, yet it was the players who knew how much he cared about them as human beings. Says former Nebraska player Jim Pillen, “Coach Osborne showed me that he cared about me and valued me. After that day, I’d run through a brick wall for him.” Coach Osborne led the Cornhuskers to three National Championships within four years with players that played their hearts out, in part because they knew that their coach cared about them as people.

In Indianapolis, football Coach Tony Dungy took great care to build genuine relationships with his players. Former Colt Don Davis noticed. “You played hard for him because you didn’t want to let him down. There was correction, you were held accountable, which you have to have on the football field, but at the same time you were treated like a man, and he had an ability to connect with athletes from that perspective. And I think because of that, he cared. He knew my wife’s name. He would ask how my day was going. I think that was his gift. His ability to connect, and because you knew he cared about you as a man, it makes you want to play for him all the more.”

As a Coach, you have a tremendous opportunity to be a force for good. You have the ability to impact the hearts and minds of young people. As legendary high school football coach, Bob Ladouceur, said, “I don’t know of another person in America that has a more important job in America than me.” Please remember the importance and value of the coaching platform. With that, I leave you with this important thought from Carl Buechner: “They may forget what you said. But they will never forget how you made them feel.”