I have been doing this coaching thing for 34 seasons now, so you would think that I would be getting tired of the routine and time commitments that coaching at this level (8A) requires. I will admit that there are days that I flat-out do not feel like going to practice, and there are early mornings before practice that I lay in bed wondering why I am doing all this when I could be going fishing instead. My knees hurt, and my bones ache. I always have a headache from being out in the sun so long. Once I step into our facility my wonders disappear. I realize that being around the players, and being around the coaches is the very reason I am still coaching after all these years. Someday when I retire all together, I will probably be hanging around the football field somewhere soaking in the medicine that keeps me going. Football is my life, and football is my passion. I was born to do this.
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Vero Beach: 44 Dr Krop: 0
Pre-Game pic of the stands
Ryan Jankowski working with Bobby in warmups
Last night we defeated Miami Dr. Krop (44-0) in a hard fought game played the Citrus Bowl. Our kids dominated the opponent from the beginning, and we scored on offense, defense, and special teams. We had a 44-0 lead heading into halftime; consequently, we had two ten minute quarters and a running clock the entire second half. We had a chance to rest our starters for most of the game, and we also got a chance to play all of our players who are little further down the depth chart. Games like this blowout are difficult for any team involved. I have been on both sides of a blowout win, and take it from me, the winning team has considerably more fun than the losing team.
Surprisingly, we had a pretty good week at practice. The weather left us alone for the most part, and we got in some pretty good work. I have been focusing on getting my kids better each week. You really can't teach each a good athlete how to run. By now, his natural athletic ability has taken over. What you can do is teach the fundamentals and try to get them perfect. Everything from his stance in the backfield, the way he carries the ball, and his body language comes into scrutiny. Fact is that I cannot see his vision on the field....I cannot see what he sees in the field of battle. However, if I can teach him the fundamentals, and teach him where the holes are supposed to be, then his natural athleticism will take over. Also, in our offensive system, ball catching ability is a must. This may or may-not be a challenge for any coach. Luckily, most skill kids can catch a ball.....as long as they can see the ball coming. This year we have a player who wears vision goggles. Bobby can catch anything when he has then on; however, if he forgets to bring them, it is always an adventure. I have learned to never take anything for granted.
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This was my house this morning as I left for work. The Turnover Cape was in my garage airing out after being soaked by sweat and water from last night's game. The lineman-of-the-week belt is resting on my cedar chest awaiting the results of this week's winner. My wife Marty will check the cape for any damage, and repair it if necessary. She will add the belt winner's name to the belt once we find out the results. So, as you can see, Vero Beach Football is never far away at my house.
Later
GZ
Good stuff!!!! It is a labor of love! I feel your pain.
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