A Coach's view: Part 1

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From the viewpoint of a long time youth football coach, working at the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl is quite an eye-opener. From the first arrivals on Sunday until today's second day of practices, there’ve been non-stop activities and events, fun things for the athletes to see and do.

While these things are all nice, they are not necessarily what the All-American Bowl is about.  It's about high school football.  80+ of the best high school football players are here in South Florida to "strut their stuff" before a national television audience this Friday night.

This is a culmination of many, many years of hard work for these young men.  Two things have stood out in my mind so far.  First, these guys are BIG.  I mean really big.  Many tipping the scales at over 300 pounds! A big difference from what I am used to.  My linemen might weigh 140 pounds!  More importantly is their attitude towards the game.  Respectful, that's the word.  I met a linebacker from Georgia last night.  All he could talk about was his dream of playing collegiate football, and how hard he has worked since he was 7 years old to get there.  Now he is on the verge of fulfilling his dream.  I'll check back on him as Bowl Week continues.

To the many 8-14 year old aspiring football players, you can accomplish your dreams if you dedicate yourself to the game, learn from your coaches, and respect the game and those who have come before you.  Really that can apply to anyone in any walk of life.  It might not be a coach but someone who’s been doing something a lot longer than you or has more experience.  Maybe it’s your boss or the wizened lifer.  I’m going to bring that attitude back to my youth team next season.

You should, too.