The Football Coach’s Words

“A coach will impact more young people in one year than the average person will do in an entire lifetime.” (Billy Graham)

Click here to listen to the 2-minute version of this article on the “Success is a Choice” podcast network.

My small Michigan high school had a great deal of success on both the gridiron and the hard courts.

Jonesville High School had some really good athletes that played both sports but we also had two great head coaches … Bill Dunn in basketball and Greg Morrison in football.

Because my mother wouldn’t allow me to play football … why mom why?!?😀 … I was one of the few players on my high school basketball team that didn’t also play football.

During my sophomore year of basketball, I remember Coach Morrison complimenting me about the way I played basketball.

He liked my aggression and my style. He said I played basketball like a football player.

At least I think that was a compliment.

But anyway, I remember the way that he made me feel.

Sure, he might have wanted me to play football, but he never pressured me. He just complimented me and made me feel good. The end result wasn’t persuading my mom to let me play football but it did help me become a better basketball player.

It inspired me. It made me want to keep playing hard, running, pressing, diving on the floor for loose balls, or doing whatever the team needed.

Our sports teams at Jonesville had talent but we also had a lot of heart and blue-collar work ethic.

The football coach got the most out of his players, but he also was able to motivate me who didn’t play high school football to give more. I wasn’t even playing for him, but I didn’t want to let him down.

These small interactions between Coach Morrison and I may have been inconsequential or even forgettable to him but they meant a lot to this teenager.

Most of us have some sort of position, status, or the opportunity to offer a kind word, a compliment, or even an encouraging high-five to somebody.

We don’t have to change a life but rather just add something to someone’s life.

Be the reason someone smiles today. Help someone get through the day a little easier.

Let someone know that they matter. Show others an example of kindness.

It doesn’t have to be much, but it can mean the world to someone else.

 

Jamy Bechler is the author of four books including The Captain and The Bus Trip, host of the Success is a Choice Podcast, professional speaker, and trains organizations on creating championship cultures. He previously spent 20 years as a college basketball coach and administrator.  The Leadership Playbook is Bechler’s online program that helps athletes become better teammates and more positive leaders while strengthening a team’s culture. As a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, Bechler has worked with businesses and teams, including the NBA. Follow him on Twitter at @CoachBechler. To connect with him via email or find out about his services, please contact speaking@CoachBechler.com. You can also subscribe to his insights on success and leadership by clicking here.