Merry Christmas everybody. I hope you all had a happy holiday season!
I want to share a video about two teammates that have to count on one another. It makes you think about how far people will go to be selfless and supportive to a teammate.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Making More Than Just Athletes
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I am thankful for my family, my children, my friends and for my players and the impact they left on me.
Part of building men for others is teaching our players to be accountable. I am not immune from that. I have to lead by example. I am not perfect and I make mistakes. One of the things I try to pass onto the players is we are all accountable for what we do or don't do in life. It is up to each of us to right a wrong when we can. Our society is very forgiving and I want to apologize for a mistake I made.
An omission was made on the night of the banquet. I handed out Academic Awards to three players and one name was mysteriously missing. Apparently, there was a clerical error and when a check on grades came to me, the list did not include players that did not have my 6th Period PE Class.
Jordan Robertson, #42, is one of our Safeties. He is enrolled in 6th Period ROTC. He is also a reporter for the school newspaper The Patriot Press. Apparently Jordan was carrying a 4.0 GPA and I did not recognize him at the banquet.
So to Jordan and his parents Diedra and Jack, I apologize for the mistake. I will be making a presentation during his ROTC Class.
To make up the difference, I want to share an article Jordan wrote in the Patriot Press back on September 30th. Enjoy.
Making More Than Just Athletes by Jordan Robertson, Staff Writer
Years spent watching countless hours of ESPN and an untold number of sports movies taught us that the football field is not an uncommon place to find a hero, but amidst the sweltering heat of Patrick Henry High School's artificial turf, there is a hero that defies all the usual personas. As a police officer, head coach LeRoy Dailey of the freshman football team knows how quickly life can end. He knows that in a split second, everything someone has worked towards for his or her entire life, whether it be an illustrious home, an exotic car, or even infamy amongst his or her peers can be become meaningless.
Coach Dailey stresses to each member of his team that no one is remembered for what kind of car they drove, or how many touchdowns scored, but what they made out of their lives.
Coach Dailey puts this best into perspective as he tells me: "Our success will not be measured in wins or losses this year. Our success will be measured 5 to 10 years after our young men graduate. The measure is what kind of loving son they become, what kind of loving husband and father they become and how productive a member of society the become."
After almost 19 years of coaching, Coach Dailey has found out what it takes to make it on and off the football field, and now he's using this knowledge to make more than just athletes.
Coach Dailey does not believe in handouts, nor does he reward players for merely showing up.
"We live in a society where everybody gets a trophy. Personal achievement, hard work and dedication is overlooked for receiving an award for just showing up. This is not a realistic view of the real world." says the freshman Coach, and when asked for his personal philosophy, he turns around slowly and proudly points to bold green letters inscribed across the back of every single Patrick Henry football shirt: COMPETE. Sure enough, nothing is taken for granted on the team and everyday, the competition for starting positions continually causes players to push their limits and become better.
"Our players need to show their coach during the individual and group periods of our practice that the can compete and earn that right to be on the field," says Dailey.
This doctrine has also gone a long way to build character in the team, when a player earns their playing time through hard work, or thier Patrick Henry decal on their helmet for leadership and perseverance, there is no malice, no trivial jealously, but instead a deep admiration and respect.
Through Coach Dailey's teachings, these football players have learned that with hard work, dedication, and some friendly competition, they can not only improve themselves as both athletes and men, but also those around them.
Respect and responsibility are two virtues that are so frequently and generically taught to, or even more so, thrust upon us, but when Coach Dailey implements these values, it is on a much different spectrum.
As young men who at some point in our lives will be joining the workplace, he finds it imperative to not only to reinforce the broad scale of values, but also in the small things that can lead to success down the road. It starts with the simplest of things, such as addressing all coaches as "Sir", then works it's way up to more important codes of conduct.
These more vital requirements usually involve the athlete taking responsibility for them. All the players who miss practice must inform the coaches themselves, and in all matters related to the field of play, it is too the player's job to confront the coaching staff.
"If there is a question about playing time, I want the player to talk to the individual coach and open a dialog on what needs to be done to get on the field. I want the players to be accountable for what needs to be done," remarks Dailey.
Taking responsibility for one's self and learning to give proper respect is one of the most crucial parts of the transition into high school and eventually the adult world.
Coach LeRoy Dailey has redefined a whole generation of student athlete here at Patrick Henry High School. He has taught competition, determination and perseverance while at the same time preaching the merits of respect, responsibility and above all love and commitment.
His only goal is to raise men, not for himself, not for the team, but for others. Coach Dailey wants each player to take what he has learned on the field and apply it to every aspect of life, so that not only may he succeed, but so that can nurture the success of others.
From now on, the life of each and every freshman football player is changed for the better due to the respect, responsibility and love of Coach Dailey that each player has learned to emulate. For every day hence forth, the athletes will be repeating the words of their beloved coach: "Thanks for the love,"
Part of building men for others is teaching our players to be accountable. I am not immune from that. I have to lead by example. I am not perfect and I make mistakes. One of the things I try to pass onto the players is we are all accountable for what we do or don't do in life. It is up to each of us to right a wrong when we can. Our society is very forgiving and I want to apologize for a mistake I made.
An omission was made on the night of the banquet. I handed out Academic Awards to three players and one name was mysteriously missing. Apparently, there was a clerical error and when a check on grades came to me, the list did not include players that did not have my 6th Period PE Class.
Jordan Robertson, #42, is one of our Safeties. He is enrolled in 6th Period ROTC. He is also a reporter for the school newspaper The Patriot Press. Apparently Jordan was carrying a 4.0 GPA and I did not recognize him at the banquet.
So to Jordan and his parents Diedra and Jack, I apologize for the mistake. I will be making a presentation during his ROTC Class.
To make up the difference, I want to share an article Jordan wrote in the Patriot Press back on September 30th. Enjoy.
Making More Than Just Athletes by Jordan Robertson, Staff Writer
Years spent watching countless hours of ESPN and an untold number of sports movies taught us that the football field is not an uncommon place to find a hero, but amidst the sweltering heat of Patrick Henry High School's artificial turf, there is a hero that defies all the usual personas. As a police officer, head coach LeRoy Dailey of the freshman football team knows how quickly life can end. He knows that in a split second, everything someone has worked towards for his or her entire life, whether it be an illustrious home, an exotic car, or even infamy amongst his or her peers can be become meaningless.
Coach Dailey stresses to each member of his team that no one is remembered for what kind of car they drove, or how many touchdowns scored, but what they made out of their lives.
Coach Dailey puts this best into perspective as he tells me: "Our success will not be measured in wins or losses this year. Our success will be measured 5 to 10 years after our young men graduate. The measure is what kind of loving son they become, what kind of loving husband and father they become and how productive a member of society the become."
After almost 19 years of coaching, Coach Dailey has found out what it takes to make it on and off the football field, and now he's using this knowledge to make more than just athletes.
Coach Dailey does not believe in handouts, nor does he reward players for merely showing up.
"We live in a society where everybody gets a trophy. Personal achievement, hard work and dedication is overlooked for receiving an award for just showing up. This is not a realistic view of the real world." says the freshman Coach, and when asked for his personal philosophy, he turns around slowly and proudly points to bold green letters inscribed across the back of every single Patrick Henry football shirt: COMPETE. Sure enough, nothing is taken for granted on the team and everyday, the competition for starting positions continually causes players to push their limits and become better.
"Our players need to show their coach during the individual and group periods of our practice that the can compete and earn that right to be on the field," says Dailey.
This doctrine has also gone a long way to build character in the team, when a player earns their playing time through hard work, or thier Patrick Henry decal on their helmet for leadership and perseverance, there is no malice, no trivial jealously, but instead a deep admiration and respect.
Through Coach Dailey's teachings, these football players have learned that with hard work, dedication, and some friendly competition, they can not only improve themselves as both athletes and men, but also those around them.
Respect and responsibility are two virtues that are so frequently and generically taught to, or even more so, thrust upon us, but when Coach Dailey implements these values, it is on a much different spectrum.
As young men who at some point in our lives will be joining the workplace, he finds it imperative to not only to reinforce the broad scale of values, but also in the small things that can lead to success down the road. It starts with the simplest of things, such as addressing all coaches as "Sir", then works it's way up to more important codes of conduct.
These more vital requirements usually involve the athlete taking responsibility for them. All the players who miss practice must inform the coaches themselves, and in all matters related to the field of play, it is too the player's job to confront the coaching staff.
"If there is a question about playing time, I want the player to talk to the individual coach and open a dialog on what needs to be done to get on the field. I want the players to be accountable for what needs to be done," remarks Dailey.
Taking responsibility for one's self and learning to give proper respect is one of the most crucial parts of the transition into high school and eventually the adult world.
Coach LeRoy Dailey has redefined a whole generation of student athlete here at Patrick Henry High School. He has taught competition, determination and perseverance while at the same time preaching the merits of respect, responsibility and above all love and commitment.
His only goal is to raise men, not for himself, not for the team, but for others. Coach Dailey wants each player to take what he has learned on the field and apply it to every aspect of life, so that not only may he succeed, but so that can nurture the success of others.
From now on, the life of each and every freshman football player is changed for the better due to the respect, responsibility and love of Coach Dailey that each player has learned to emulate. For every day hence forth, the athletes will be repeating the words of their beloved coach: "Thanks for the love,"
Monday, November 23, 2009
No Tutoring this Saturday 11/28/09
Coach Pankow wanted to pass onto everybody that due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, there will be no tutoring session this Saturday 11/28/09.
Tutoring will resume on 12/5/09.
Tutoring will resume on 12/5/09.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Picking up Freshman Team Photos
There were some photo packages that were mixed up and had the wrong pictures with the some of the envelopes. I have fixed those mix-ups. Also, there were several players that did not come to the banquet to pick up their packages.
I will be on campus on Wednesday December 2nd to pass the photos out during 6th Period. I have photos for the following players:
Aguirre
Attias
Cabrera
Cordise
Derkatz
Dockery
Hernandez
Hersi
Jimenez
D. Jones
Luciano
Luz
Martin
Meda
Niles-Rodney
Ortiz
Romani
Sawyer
D. Taylor
Tombe
Vilsaint
Wassie
Zavala
I will be on campus on Wednesday December 2nd to pass the photos out during 6th Period. I have photos for the following players:
Aguirre
Attias
Cabrera
Cordise
Derkatz
Dockery
Hernandez
Hersi
Jimenez
D. Jones
Luciano
Luz
Martin
Meda
Niles-Rodney
Ortiz
Romani
Sawyer
D. Taylor
Tombe
Vilsaint
Wassie
Zavala
Friday, November 20, 2009
Photos from the Banquet
Annemarie Lococo-Mineo sent photos of the Banquet. My favorite is a photo of Patrick Swanner cutting his steak with a knife. So proper!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Freshman Coaching Staff
Some parents came up to me and commented it was nice to hear the background of each of the coaches. Here is what I shared with you at the banquet.
Fred Bushardt, Offensive Line
Coach Bushardt graduated from Chula Vista HS in 1967. He is an alumni from San Diego State University and began his career in television at KGTV in the early 70's. He went onto work as the News Director at KRON in San Francisco and he recently retired and came home to San Diego. Coach Bushardt has 2 years of coaching Pop Warner football and spent the 2007 and 2008 seasons working as the endzone cameraman and quality control at Hilltop HS with Coach Martinez and I on the Varsity. 'Uncle Fred' is also my brother-in-law.
Rick Pankow, Offensive Backs
Coach Rick Pankow graduated from Minot HS (pronounce "my-knot") in Minot North Dakota. He graduated in 1981 and played WR and DB on the 1980 North Dakota State Championship Team in Minot. Coach Pankow got into the logging business after high school. He did a brief stint in the military and later went to work for NASSCO Ship Building. Coach Pankow is currently the Ship Manager for the USS Boxer. Coach Pankow has 3 years of previous coaching in Pop Warner and this was his first year at the high school level.Andy Armenta, Defensive Backs
Coach Armenta graduated from Calexico HS in Calexico Ca. in 1980. He played football and was a WR and DB while at Calexico. Coach Armenta was selected Southern Section All CIF in 1979 as a WR. After graduating from Calexico HS, he went on to play football at Imperial Valley JC. He earned a scholarship to Hastings University in Nebraska where he was named as an All State WR. After graduating from Hastings, Coach Armenta returned home and began coaching at his Alma mater, Calexico HS. He became Calexico's Varsity Head Football in 1986 to 1988. He then became the Varsity Head Football Coach at Universidad CETYS High School Football Team from 1988 to 1990.
Nick Valaile, Linebackers and Defensive Line
Coach Nick Valaile graduated from Clairemont HS in 1983. He played OG on the 1981 San Diego Section CIF Championship Team as the Chieftans beat the Lincoln Hornets San Diego Stadium (Before it was Jack Murphy Stadium and before it was the 'Q') Coach Valaile went onto play 2 years at San Diego City College before joining the San Diego Police Department. (Coach Valaile and I have been partners on the SDPD for a total of 8 years). Coach Valaile began coaching football in 2002 as the Varsity and JV offensive line coach at The Bishop's School in La Jolla Ca. In 2003 and 2004, Coach Valaile became the JV Defensive Coordinator at Bishop's.
Final Notes After the Banquet
Again, I want to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart. I want to thank the players, the parents, family members, fans, our coaches, the Booster Club and my bosses Athletic Director Jack Lococo and Varsity Head Coach Mike Martinez.
I have been truly blessed to have been touched by such wonderful people and I thank God you all have crossed paths with me.
There are some final notes I want to pass onto everybody. It came up again at the banquet and I want to pass on what I consider to be my guide to coaching. The book I refer to is 'Season of Life' by Jeffery Marx.
In the book Season of Life, we learn the lessons I have been trying to pass onto our young men throughout the season. Loving one another, building men for others, false masculinity, reconnecting out hearts with our minds and building a community of men. It is an excellent guide to life and it has changed me as a man and it has changed the way I coach. Coach Martinez and I believe it is required reading for all our coaching staff at all levels and we will continue to "build men for others" on the JV and Varsity.
Mr. Kevin Kelly came up to the microphone and spoke on the behalf of the parents. I was touched and moved by his speech and I want to thank him for the things he said. He quoted a speech made by Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President and I want to share that with you:
"The Man In The Arena"
Speech at the Sorbonne
Paris, France
April 23, 1910
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his
place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Finally, as the room started to empty and everybody came up to take photos with me and the other coaches, some of the players left 'Thank You' cards for me at the podium. I didn't get a chance to read them until I got home later in the evening. I want to take a moment and share what they wrote to me and our staff:
"Faith, Family, School, Football"
"I have never, in my life, had a coach who was so dedicated to building men. You have taught me a lot this year about how to be a football player and how to be a man."
"Thank you for believing in me."
"Thank you for pushing me to play football and making it fun"
"Thank you. Since I met you, you have made me a different person. You have made me a man."
"Thank you for teaching me how to be a team player. I will always remember my Freshman year because of you all."
And finally, my favorite...
"At the start of the season, I was a whole different person. I started being somebody I wasn't. I was pleased with how good I was. But that's when it went downhill from there. After a game, you opened my eyes. You said, "When you go home, just look yourself in the mirror and tell me what you see. Do you see a premadonna or do you see a great football player and teammate?" And it made me realize I was becoming something I wasn't. You changed me into a better person and football player. Thank you"
I am sure there are many stories like that. This is my job and this is my love. Making men for others. These kids get it. I will always love them and I will still be around to support them and love them up.
I have been truly blessed to have been touched by such wonderful people and I thank God you all have crossed paths with me.
There are some final notes I want to pass onto everybody. It came up again at the banquet and I want to pass on what I consider to be my guide to coaching. The book I refer to is 'Season of Life' by Jeffery Marx.
In the book Season of Life, we learn the lessons I have been trying to pass onto our young men throughout the season. Loving one another, building men for others, false masculinity, reconnecting out hearts with our minds and building a community of men. It is an excellent guide to life and it has changed me as a man and it has changed the way I coach. Coach Martinez and I believe it is required reading for all our coaching staff at all levels and we will continue to "build men for others" on the JV and Varsity.
Mr. Kevin Kelly came up to the microphone and spoke on the behalf of the parents. I was touched and moved by his speech and I want to thank him for the things he said. He quoted a speech made by Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President and I want to share that with you:
"The Man In The Arena"
Speech at the Sorbonne
Paris, France
April 23, 1910
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his
place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Finally, as the room started to empty and everybody came up to take photos with me and the other coaches, some of the players left 'Thank You' cards for me at the podium. I didn't get a chance to read them until I got home later in the evening. I want to take a moment and share what they wrote to me and our staff:
"Faith, Family, School, Football"
"I have never, in my life, had a coach who was so dedicated to building men. You have taught me a lot this year about how to be a football player and how to be a man."
"Thank you for believing in me."
"Thank you for pushing me to play football and making it fun"
"Thank you. Since I met you, you have made me a different person. You have made me a man."
"Thank you for teaching me how to be a team player. I will always remember my Freshman year because of you all."
And finally, my favorite...
"At the start of the season, I was a whole different person. I started being somebody I wasn't. I was pleased with how good I was. But that's when it went downhill from there. After a game, you opened my eyes. You said, "When you go home, just look yourself in the mirror and tell me what you see. Do you see a premadonna or do you see a great football player and teammate?" And it made me realize I was becoming something I wasn't. You changed me into a better person and football player. Thank you"
I am sure there are many stories like that. This is my job and this is my love. Making men for others. These kids get it. I will always love them and I will still be around to support them and love them up.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tutoring to Continue After the Season
Coach Pankow, the Head of Player Development, will continue to offer tutoring for our players that need help with their studies and grades.
There has been a significant difference in the academic performance of the students that have attended our tutoring sessions on a regular basis. Patrick Swanner 'aced' a vocabulariy test and gives credit to his tutoring sessions earlier this year.
Tutoring will no longer be held at PHHS. Coach Pankow has volunteered his home to for the tutoring sessions for as long as freshman players need. I will be sending fliers home today explaining the turtoring for our players.
Coach Pankow's address is:
6301 Lake Athabaska Pl.
Sand Diego, 92119
Cell (619) 247-3742
There has been a significant difference in the academic performance of the students that have attended our tutoring sessions on a regular basis. Patrick Swanner 'aced' a vocabulariy test and gives credit to his tutoring sessions earlier this year.
Tutoring will no longer be held at PHHS. Coach Pankow has volunteered his home to for the tutoring sessions for as long as freshman players need. I will be sending fliers home today explaining the turtoring for our players.
Coach Pankow's address is:
6301 Lake Athabaska Pl.
Sand Diego, 92119
Cell (619) 247-3742
PHHS 6 Saints 16
We were scheduled to play the Saints Purple Team on Thursday. Instead, Saints suited both their Purple and Gold teams to play against the mighty Patriots. Dispite the overwhelming number of fresh players at the disposal of the Saints, they only managed to score two TD's and only one of those TD's on offense.
The Patriots played hard and never quit, but came up short against the Saints losing 16-6. But the scoreboard does not reflect the way I feel about our players. They were tough, scrappy and determined throughout the game. They never quit and they lived up to the creed we instilled to all the players from day one: Life is competition! And yesterday they competed to the very end.
Defense was outstanding! Sacks,interceptions, fumble recoveries kept us in the game. Saints did not have an answer to our different fronts, stunts and blitzes. The credit goes to Coach Valaile and Coach Armenta for making our defense a tough and solid unit. Their leadership is invaluable and it spreads out to the defensive players such as Kerry Grigsby, Austin Weaver, Tysheen Webster, Nick Pankow, Travonne Pollard, Justin Baird, Bobby Hammond, Arturo Najera, Arron Rocha, Loro Tombe, Tommy Tyler and Charles Lee.
On offense, we were inconsistent to say the least. Mental errors have killed our momentum all year and making mistakes against the Saints were costly. However, there were some highlights. Charles Lee caught a Nick Kelly pass and took 80 yards for a touchdown. Khalid Niles-Rodney ran tough up the middle and converted a 4th down play on a middle screen. And Nestor Gonzalez, behind the blocking of the "B" Offensive line ran for 30 yards to end the game.
The season end with a 5-5 record. Our players and coaches know we are better than the record indicates.
We are done now... I have done my job as a Freshman Head Coach. I have prepared our players not only to be JV Football players, but to compete for the Varsity next year. Though I will not be coaching them next year, I will remain close to them as always. I love my players and I wish them and all the parents and fans of our team the best of luck!
The Patriots played hard and never quit, but came up short against the Saints losing 16-6. But the scoreboard does not reflect the way I feel about our players. They were tough, scrappy and determined throughout the game. They never quit and they lived up to the creed we instilled to all the players from day one: Life is competition! And yesterday they competed to the very end.
Defense was outstanding! Sacks,interceptions, fumble recoveries kept us in the game. Saints did not have an answer to our different fronts, stunts and blitzes. The credit goes to Coach Valaile and Coach Armenta for making our defense a tough and solid unit. Their leadership is invaluable and it spreads out to the defensive players such as Kerry Grigsby, Austin Weaver, Tysheen Webster, Nick Pankow, Travonne Pollard, Justin Baird, Bobby Hammond, Arturo Najera, Arron Rocha, Loro Tombe, Tommy Tyler and Charles Lee.
On offense, we were inconsistent to say the least. Mental errors have killed our momentum all year and making mistakes against the Saints were costly. However, there were some highlights. Charles Lee caught a Nick Kelly pass and took 80 yards for a touchdown. Khalid Niles-Rodney ran tough up the middle and converted a 4th down play on a middle screen. And Nestor Gonzalez, behind the blocking of the "B" Offensive line ran for 30 yards to end the game.
The season end with a 5-5 record. Our players and coaches know we are better than the record indicates.
We are done now... I have done my job as a Freshman Head Coach. I have prepared our players not only to be JV Football players, but to compete for the Varsity next year. Though I will not be coaching them next year, I will remain close to them as always. I love my players and I wish them and all the parents and fans of our team the best of luck!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Information for the Freshman Football Banquet
This is information from Lisa Cantor of the PHHS Booster Club. I will be sending fliers home with the players on Monday 11/9/09. The fees for those of you that wish to attend will be due on Friday 11/13/09.
If you want me to send you a copy of the flier, please send me an e-mail at ldailey@pd.sandiego.gov
For everybody's information... This year and this year alone, I am inviting all the players to attend the banquet including the players that ended up being ineligible at the end of the year under one condition: Those ineligible players will not receive any letters, certificates or team awards. That is the price to pay for not being eligible.
I will be handing out team pictures to all the players at the banquet.
_____________________________________
Please join us for our annual Freshman Football Banquet
Where: Patrick Henry High School Cafeteria
6702 Wandermere Drive, San Diego, CA 92120
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m.
The cost is $10.00 for the football player & $15.00 per family member.
Please fill out the attached flyer and return to Lisa Cantor
**By Friday, November 13th
Copies of the flyer will be available from Coach Dailey.
No reservations or payments will be accepted after November 13th.
Hope you can make it!
Remember to check the web site for any changes or updates!
www.phhsfootballboosters.com
Please make checks payable to: “Patrick Henry Football”
If you want me to send you a copy of the flier, please send me an e-mail at ldailey@pd.sandiego.gov
For everybody's information... This year and this year alone, I am inviting all the players to attend the banquet including the players that ended up being ineligible at the end of the year under one condition: Those ineligible players will not receive any letters, certificates or team awards. That is the price to pay for not being eligible.
I will be handing out team pictures to all the players at the banquet.
_____________________________________
Please join us for our annual Freshman Football Banquet
Where: Patrick Henry High School Cafeteria
6702 Wandermere Drive, San Diego, CA 92120
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m.
The cost is $10.00 for the football player & $15.00 per family member.
Please fill out the attached flyer and return to Lisa Cantor
**By Friday, November 13th
Copies of the flyer will be available from Coach Dailey.
No reservations or payments will be accepted after November 13th.
Hope you can make it!
Remember to check the web site for any changes or updates!
www.phhsfootballboosters.com
Please make checks payable to: “Patrick Henry Football”
Sunday, November 8, 2009
PHHS 12 Lincoln 21
The Patriots went down to the 'Hive' to play the Hornets of Lincoln High School. The start of the game was one of the most surreal football experiences I have ever had in any football game I have been to. The Patriots kicked off and unfortunately, our kicker kicked the ball to the middle of the field (We practiced kicking to the sidelines to prevent a long return all week in practice).
Well, as luck would have it, the Lincoln returner took the ball 90 yards in the most quiet peaceful sounding touchdown I have ever heard. It was so quiet, I didn't even hear the runner as he ran right by me. Lincoln took a 7-0 lead with only 14 seconds that ran off the clock.
The Patriots defense kept us in the game all day. We had 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries of defense. The defensive line play (Kerry Grigsby, Austin Weaver, Tysheen Weaver and Nick Pankow) was outstanding creating 4 sacks and pressuring the Lincoln QB into making bad throws.
The Patriot defense recovered a loose ball on the Lincoln 10 yard line and put the offense in position to scored with a 10 yard pass from Nick Kelly to Nathan Sovanny. A bad snap on the PAT prevented a tie.
Lincoln scored twice more making the score 21-6 going into the 4th quarter.
Lincoln's defense kept the Patriot offense in check for most of the game. The Patriots scored on a 20 yard pass to Charles Lee with 1:23 left in the game. An onside kick attempt failed and the final score was Hornets 21, Patriots 12.
Well, as luck would have it, the Lincoln returner took the ball 90 yards in the most quiet peaceful sounding touchdown I have ever heard. It was so quiet, I didn't even hear the runner as he ran right by me. Lincoln took a 7-0 lead with only 14 seconds that ran off the clock.
The Patriots defense kept us in the game all day. We had 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries of defense. The defensive line play (Kerry Grigsby, Austin Weaver, Tysheen Weaver and Nick Pankow) was outstanding creating 4 sacks and pressuring the Lincoln QB into making bad throws.
The Patriot defense recovered a loose ball on the Lincoln 10 yard line and put the offense in position to scored with a 10 yard pass from Nick Kelly to Nathan Sovanny. A bad snap on the PAT prevented a tie.
Lincoln scored twice more making the score 21-6 going into the 4th quarter.
Lincoln's defense kept the Patriot offense in check for most of the game. The Patriots scored on a 20 yard pass to Charles Lee with 1:23 left in the game. An onside kick attempt failed and the final score was Hornets 21, Patriots 12.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Building Men for Others (Part 2)
I graduated from Patrick Henry in 1980. I was a football player and started as a junior and senior during my time at Henry. I was voted as one of the team captains my senior year. I knew a lot of people and we had a large senior class (around 1,400 students in our class alone). Even though I was a 'jock', I made an effort to be kind and outgoing to most all the students I would come in contact with. I eventually was voted "Most Outgoing" by my classmates.
Ten years later, I went to a class reunion and female classmate of mine came up to me. I didn't recognize her and to be honest, I don't remember her name to this day. But she said something to me that I remember today.
She thanked me for being nice to her. Apparently, she was shy and a 'late bloomer' in life. Not too many people came spoke to her outside of her small circle of friends. But for the captain of the football team to come up and say hi and engage in small talk meant the world to her at the time.
We all meet people on a daily basis. You never know when you touch somebody in a manner that changes their life or their perception of you. All of us can make a difference in the life of another person.
A movie titled "The Blind Slide" is based on a book written by Michael Lewis by the same name. It is based on the true story about Michael Oher, the left offensive tackle first round draft choice of the Baltimore Ravens. I will let the following videos speak for themselves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyoDhKWBPpA&feature=related
The movie to due to open in November. Here is a look at the trailer for "The Blind Side".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orTr6YwDqtM&feature=related
I will be giving our players an assignment this week. Go out and talk to somebody at school that sits in the back of class by themselves. Just go up and say 'hi'. It could make and difference in that person's day and it will make our players feel a sense of accomplishment in making a difference in somebody's day.
This is the reason I coach football. It's not the X's and O's. It's making a difference in somebody's life that counts.
Ten years later, I went to a class reunion and female classmate of mine came up to me. I didn't recognize her and to be honest, I don't remember her name to this day. But she said something to me that I remember today.
She thanked me for being nice to her. Apparently, she was shy and a 'late bloomer' in life. Not too many people came spoke to her outside of her small circle of friends. But for the captain of the football team to come up and say hi and engage in small talk meant the world to her at the time.
We all meet people on a daily basis. You never know when you touch somebody in a manner that changes their life or their perception of you. All of us can make a difference in the life of another person.
A movie titled "The Blind Slide" is based on a book written by Michael Lewis by the same name. It is based on the true story about Michael Oher, the left offensive tackle first round draft choice of the Baltimore Ravens. I will let the following videos speak for themselves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyoDhKWBPpA&feature=related
The movie to due to open in November. Here is a look at the trailer for "The Blind Side".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orTr6YwDqtM&feature=related
I will be giving our players an assignment this week. Go out and talk to somebody at school that sits in the back of class by themselves. Just go up and say 'hi'. It could make and difference in that person's day and it will make our players feel a sense of accomplishment in making a difference in somebody's day.
This is the reason I coach football. It's not the X's and O's. It's making a difference in somebody's life that counts.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tutoring Session this Saturday 10/31/09
We will be holding another tutoring session tomorrow (Saturday 10/31/09) in room 500 starting at 8:30 am in the morning. Subjects will include Physics, Algebra I and II, English and I will offer to help out in Spanish I. The tutoring session will end at 10:30. This is a voluntary session and any member of the Freshmen Football team is invited to attend if they need help. We will continue to hold tutoring sessions through the football season.
Warning: This is a invitation for those who are serious about getting help in their studies. If anyone is creating a disturbance or not taking this session serious, they will be asked to leave.
Warning: This is a invitation for those who are serious about getting help in their studies. If anyone is creating a disturbance or not taking this session serious, they will be asked to leave.
PHHS 7 Cathedral Catholic 10
The Patriots played in a tight defensive battle at Cathedral Catholic HS and came up short losing to the Dons 10-7.
The defense turned the Dons away three times in the red zone including an interception by Arturo Najera at the 2 yard line. By halftime, the Patriots and the Dons were tied at 0-0.
The offense came out with the wind at their back in the 3rd quarter. QB Nick Kelly got the Patriots down to the 10 yard line with a long pass to Brady Esterbrooks. Two plays later, Kelly hit Nathan Sovanny for a pass where he made a great move on a defender to score a TD.
Unfortunately, mistakes and penalties on offense and special teams kept putting the Dons in great field position. The Dons score 10 points in the 4th quarter snatching the victory away from the Patriots with a 22 yard field goal with 17 seconds left in the game.
The players never quit. They played hard and were competitive throughout the game. I told the players I love after the game. I was proud of the effort they gave.
I also want to thank the fans, parents and grandparents for your support and encouragement throughout the game. We can hear you out on the field and it means a lot to the players and the coaches that you are supportive of the team. I am very proud to coach for such a positive group as you. Thank you very much!
Next week we go the 'Hive' and take on the Hornets of Lincoln High School.
The defense turned the Dons away three times in the red zone including an interception by Arturo Najera at the 2 yard line. By halftime, the Patriots and the Dons were tied at 0-0.
The offense came out with the wind at their back in the 3rd quarter. QB Nick Kelly got the Patriots down to the 10 yard line with a long pass to Brady Esterbrooks. Two plays later, Kelly hit Nathan Sovanny for a pass where he made a great move on a defender to score a TD.
Unfortunately, mistakes and penalties on offense and special teams kept putting the Dons in great field position. The Dons score 10 points in the 4th quarter snatching the victory away from the Patriots with a 22 yard field goal with 17 seconds left in the game.
The players never quit. They played hard and were competitive throughout the game. I told the players I love after the game. I was proud of the effort they gave.
I also want to thank the fans, parents and grandparents for your support and encouragement throughout the game. We can hear you out on the field and it means a lot to the players and the coaches that you are supportive of the team. I am very proud to coach for such a positive group as you. Thank you very much!
Next week we go the 'Hive' and take on the Hornets of Lincoln High School.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Freshman Football Banquet
Mark your calender folks! Tuesday November 17th at 6:30 pm in the Cafetorium (sounds like an oxymoron to me) at PHHS.
The Booster Club is looking to set prices (tentatively) at $10 per player and $15 per guest. We will review the season, hand out team photos, hand out certificates and end of the season awards. I will be sending fliers home to you within the next week. I will also be collecting the banquet money once the prices are set in stone.
It is hard to believe we have been together since late June and that the season is almost over.
On a side note, ineligible Freshmen players are invited to attend the banquet. I do not want to exclude players that worked throughout the season. But due to their ineligibility, they will not receive a certificate of participation. That is the real world. Not everybody gets a trophy.
The Booster Club is looking to set prices (tentatively) at $10 per player and $15 per guest. We will review the season, hand out team photos, hand out certificates and end of the season awards. I will be sending fliers home to you within the next week. I will also be collecting the banquet money once the prices are set in stone.
It is hard to believe we have been together since late June and that the season is almost over.
On a side note, ineligible Freshmen players are invited to attend the banquet. I do not want to exclude players that worked throughout the season. But due to their ineligibility, they will not receive a certificate of participation. That is the real world. Not everybody gets a trophy.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Calling in Sick
I work in the Training Division of the San Diego Police Department. I assist in in the development in young officer that are coming onto the Department and eventually, becoming independent officers that patrol the streets of America's Finest City.
But I have noted a trend amongst a handful of the younger officers that are coming on the Department. When they are sick, they don't bother calling in to tell their Field Training Officer or Sergeant that they are sick and not coming to work. Instead, they just don't show up to work. Furthermore, a mother called the Academy to tell the Training Officers her son wasn't coming into the Academy because her adult son was sick.
Excuse me? What did you just say???
I have given all our players my phone number (starting back in summer camp) with instructions to call me in the event they were going to miss practice. My e-mail address also has been passed out. I know the flu is going around and that there are a lot of players out sick. But I had 11 players that didn't show to practice on Monday and 8 of them didn't even bother calling me to say they were sick.
It is still the responsibility for the player to call me and let me know they are not coming to practice. I can appreciate parents looking out for their sons. Parents are required to call the school to notify for their students absence with the attendance office. But I want the players to call me none-the-less to tell me they are going to miss practice.
I have 4 kids of my own so I know how it feels to be a parent. But what I want is for the player to learn to be responsible for themselves. Be accountable. Don't grow up to be one of the poor saps I listed above.
But I have noted a trend amongst a handful of the younger officers that are coming on the Department. When they are sick, they don't bother calling in to tell their Field Training Officer or Sergeant that they are sick and not coming to work. Instead, they just don't show up to work. Furthermore, a mother called the Academy to tell the Training Officers her son wasn't coming into the Academy because her adult son was sick.
Excuse me? What did you just say???
I have given all our players my phone number (starting back in summer camp) with instructions to call me in the event they were going to miss practice. My e-mail address also has been passed out. I know the flu is going around and that there are a lot of players out sick. But I had 11 players that didn't show to practice on Monday and 8 of them didn't even bother calling me to say they were sick.
It is still the responsibility for the player to call me and let me know they are not coming to practice. I can appreciate parents looking out for their sons. Parents are required to call the school to notify for their students absence with the attendance office. But I want the players to call me none-the-less to tell me they are going to miss practice.
I have 4 kids of my own so I know how it feels to be a parent. But what I want is for the player to learn to be responsible for themselves. Be accountable. Don't grow up to be one of the poor saps I listed above.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Where do Ineligible Players Report?
If a player is ineligible and he has 6th Period PE with me, he is still required to check in with me at the beginning of 6th Period when I take roll. They are still part of the team. They just cannot suit up for games or practice. After the 6th Period bell rings, they are feel to go home and leave practice with the rest of the school.
I need all the jerseys, pads, helmets, pants and girdles from all the players that are ineligible. I will be collecting the gear on Monday and Tuesday this week.
I still will be setting up tutoring on Saturdays and all players are welcome to attend for the remainder of the season.
Also, all players, including the ineligible players, will be welcomed to attend the Freshmen Football Banquet at the end of the year.
I need all the jerseys, pads, helmets, pants and girdles from all the players that are ineligible. I will be collecting the gear on Monday and Tuesday this week.
I still will be setting up tutoring on Saturdays and all players are welcome to attend for the remainder of the season.
Also, all players, including the ineligible players, will be welcomed to attend the Freshmen Football Banquet at the end of the year.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Grades and Eligibility
I just got off the phone with my boss, Coach Martinez. Eight of our players did not make grades and they will be cut from the team. This warning has been in the making for several weeks now.
I will be meeting with the ineligible players today and I will be securing their gear. Please understand, if their GPA shows as being below a 2.0, they will be cut. Period. The end.
I cannot change grades. I cannot hand in late assignments. If your son has issues pertaining to their grades, then he has to take it up with the teacher or the counselors. I cannot help in the event you wish to appeal the process. I gave all my players an "A" for football and "E" in citizenship.
The core values we teach our players are: 1) Faith 2) Family 3) School 4) Football in that order. They are young men and they are the ones responsible for their grades.
I will be meeting with the ineligible players today and I will be securing their gear. Please understand, if their GPA shows as being below a 2.0, they will be cut. Period. The end.
I cannot change grades. I cannot hand in late assignments. If your son has issues pertaining to their grades, then he has to take it up with the teacher or the counselors. I cannot help in the event you wish to appeal the process. I gave all my players an "A" for football and "E" in citizenship.
The core values we teach our players are: 1) Faith 2) Family 3) School 4) Football in that order. They are young men and they are the ones responsible for their grades.
PHHS 26 Scripps Ranch 0
The Patriots ended their two game losing skid by beating the Falcons of Scripps Ranch HS 26-0. Offense was balanced with a good passing and running attack. QB play is much improved from the beginning of the year. The offensive line, consisting of Alex Giles, Lee Lawson, Ryan Thun, Maverick Robertson, Patrick Swanner, Kevin McKinney and Louis Olmedo re-established themselves with a fine performance in the running game and the downfield blocking. Their performance led to two rushing touchdowns. WR Charles Lee caught a TD pass.
On defense, Coach Valaile and Coach Armenta made several personnel changes and they paid off big. Kerry Grisby was moved to DT, Travonne Pollard was moved to LB and Loro Tombe was moved to to FS. All those moves paid big dividends with Grisby making a sack, Pollard flying to the ball leading the team in tackles and Tombe made an interception. CB Robert Luciano intercepted a pass and returned it for a 50 yard "pick 6".
Special teams had a couple of hiccups, but for the most part, played a good game. We replaced the Gunners with WR's Charles Tyler and Charles Lee and we pinned SRHS deep in their end of the field.
We wore Pink to bring attention to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I want to thank Janice Swanner and her mother for providing Pink socks to our players. It was a worthy cause and a good lesson for our young men in the building of their future.
On a final note, Anthony Murdock was an honorary captain for yesterday's game. The players were happy to see him and he was received with open arms.
On defense, Coach Valaile and Coach Armenta made several personnel changes and they paid off big. Kerry Grisby was moved to DT, Travonne Pollard was moved to LB and Loro Tombe was moved to to FS. All those moves paid big dividends with Grisby making a sack, Pollard flying to the ball leading the team in tackles and Tombe made an interception. CB Robert Luciano intercepted a pass and returned it for a 50 yard "pick 6".
Special teams had a couple of hiccups, but for the most part, played a good game. We replaced the Gunners with WR's Charles Tyler and Charles Lee and we pinned SRHS deep in their end of the field.
We wore Pink to bring attention to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I want to thank Janice Swanner and her mother for providing Pink socks to our players. It was a worthy cause and a good lesson for our young men in the building of their future.
On a final note, Anthony Murdock was an honorary captain for yesterday's game. The players were happy to see him and he was received with open arms.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Pink Socks for NBCAM Game vs. Scripps Ranch
One of our linemen, Patrick Swanner, lost his grandmother to breast cancer. To honor her memory, Patrick and his family have taken steps to support and educate people about National Breast Cancer Awareness.
Janice Swanner, Patrick's mother, has volunteered to buy socks for all the active players for tomorrow's game vs. Scripps Ranch. She and several players will be meeting at her mother's house at 4:30 this afternoon to have a "Pink Dye" party.
They will meet and dye socks for the players in tomorrow's game. I know it is short notice, but anyone who wants to help out, be it donations to offset the cost of the socks or help with the dye party, please feel free to give Janice a call at (619) 846-4292.
The "Pink Dye" party will be at 7230 Decanture Cove. (Off Parkridge no the north side of Navajo Rd.)
Janice Swanner, Patrick's mother, has volunteered to buy socks for all the active players for tomorrow's game vs. Scripps Ranch. She and several players will be meeting at her mother's house at 4:30 this afternoon to have a "Pink Dye" party.
They will meet and dye socks for the players in tomorrow's game. I know it is short notice, but anyone who wants to help out, be it donations to offset the cost of the socks or help with the dye party, please feel free to give Janice a call at (619) 846-4292.
The "Pink Dye" party will be at 7230 Decanture Cove. (Off Parkridge no the north side of Navajo Rd.)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
You see it on TV in the NFL and MLB. Professional players wearing Pink gear to recognize and support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
We all know somebody that has been stricken with cancer. A former partner of my had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer a few years back. Another co-worker of mine just had a mastectomy two weeks ago
Several parents and players have asked if it would be possible to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing Pink for our last home game against Scripps Ranch. I think it's a great idea, not because it looks cool, but that it provokes our players to think about the civic ramifications of taking on a cause.
Wearing Pink because 'they do it on TV' is not good enough. I will talk to the players and explain why we are bringing attention to the cause of recognizing breast cancer. I am proud that our young men are willing to take on a cause. But I want to engage some thought behind taking the cause by opening a dialog with them on why it is important to recognize and support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
So, for our last home game this Thursday against Scripps Ranch, I will allow our players to wear Pink gear for the game. Buying Pink gear is optional and is not required. I am going to buy several rolls of Pink athletic tape for those that can't afford to buy gear. I will tape their wrists with the Pink tape. I also encourage our fans to wear Pink also this Thursday.
Here is the National Breast Cancer Awareness web site: http://www.nbcam.org/help_promote_nbcam.cfm
We all know somebody that has been stricken with cancer. A former partner of my had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer a few years back. Another co-worker of mine just had a mastectomy two weeks ago
Several parents and players have asked if it would be possible to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing Pink for our last home game against Scripps Ranch. I think it's a great idea, not because it looks cool, but that it provokes our players to think about the civic ramifications of taking on a cause.
Wearing Pink because 'they do it on TV' is not good enough. I will talk to the players and explain why we are bringing attention to the cause of recognizing breast cancer. I am proud that our young men are willing to take on a cause. But I want to engage some thought behind taking the cause by opening a dialog with them on why it is important to recognize and support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
So, for our last home game this Thursday against Scripps Ranch, I will allow our players to wear Pink gear for the game. Buying Pink gear is optional and is not required. I am going to buy several rolls of Pink athletic tape for those that can't afford to buy gear. I will tape their wrists with the Pink tape. I also encourage our fans to wear Pink also this Thursday.
Here is the National Breast Cancer Awareness web site: http://www.nbcam.org/help_promote_nbcam.cfm
Friday, October 16, 2009
PHHS 14 Mira Mesa 40
Yesterday's game was an eye opening experience for the Patriots as they got their first taste of Eastern League football against the Marauders of Mira Mesa. The Marauders dominated the game beating our Patriots 40-14.
To say we have some work to fix some of our leaks is an understatement. But there were several bright spots worth mentioning. First, our quarterback play has improved immensely. Austin Hester, Nick Kelly and Kyle Connor managed the offense and for the most part, handled the blitz pressure of Mira Mesa.
We finally had the chance to use our Wide Receivers and we had good plays from Dimitri Jones, Charles Lee, Johnny Aguirre and Charles Tyler. David Ringgold ran well from the FB position.
Defense had a tough time. But the one thing I am proud of is that none of our players quit. They played hard and competed to the very end. That is all I can ask out of our players. I tell them all the time, in life you have to compete. That is all I want from them. Compete! And they did.
I just watched the film of our game and I could hear the audio of our fans during the taping of the game. I want to thank all of you parents, families and friends that attended the game yesterday. You folks were great and positive and I cannot thank you all enough for your support! You parents rock!
To say we have some work to fix some of our leaks is an understatement. But there were several bright spots worth mentioning. First, our quarterback play has improved immensely. Austin Hester, Nick Kelly and Kyle Connor managed the offense and for the most part, handled the blitz pressure of Mira Mesa.
We finally had the chance to use our Wide Receivers and we had good plays from Dimitri Jones, Charles Lee, Johnny Aguirre and Charles Tyler. David Ringgold ran well from the FB position.
Defense had a tough time. But the one thing I am proud of is that none of our players quit. They played hard and competed to the very end. That is all I can ask out of our players. I tell them all the time, in life you have to compete. That is all I want from them. Compete! And they did.
I just watched the film of our game and I could hear the audio of our fans during the taping of the game. I want to thank all of you parents, families and friends that attended the game yesterday. You folks were great and positive and I cannot thank you all enough for your support! You parents rock!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Parent Behavior at Bonita Game
I'm sure by now, most of you have heard there was an incident involving several parents that were in an altercation after the game at Bonita Vista last Thursday. It is a black eye that we as a program had to deal with since last week.
My Chain of Command, starting with Vice Principal Jim Good, Athletic Director Jack Lococo and Varsity Head Coach Mike Martinez have all looked into the matter and have determined a course of action against one of the parents involved. The discipline action is between my bosses and the above mentioned parent. That parent has written me a letter of apology and has deep remorse for their actions after the game. Suffice it to say, the matter has been handled and is now closed.
The following is a reminder to all parents and players of Patrick Henry Football and the CIF Contract they all signed:
A. Comply with the six pillars and 16 Principles of the Pursuing Victory with Honor program.
B. Be courteous at all times with school officials, opponents, game officials, and spectators.
C. Exercise self-control.
D. Know all rules of the contest of CIF State and the CIFSDS and agree to follow the rules.
E. Show respect for self, players, officials, coaches, and spectators.
F. Refrain from the use of foul and/or abusive language at all times.
G. Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.
As the Head Coach of the Freshman Football team, I assume the responsibility of the actions and behavior of all players, coaches, parents and spectators of the Freshman Football Team. Failure to follow the above listed rules will result in:
Athlete: Ineligibility for participation in CIF-San Diego Section athletics.
Coach: Restricted from coaching in CIF-San Diego Section contests.
Parent: Prohibition/Removal from attendance at CIF or CIFSDS event.
I will enforce these rules. I expect all my parents to comply. I do not want anymore incidents detracting from the focus of this team. I am trying to build men for others. I need the help of all parents to lead by example and to follow the rules listed above.
My Chain of Command, starting with Vice Principal Jim Good, Athletic Director Jack Lococo and Varsity Head Coach Mike Martinez have all looked into the matter and have determined a course of action against one of the parents involved. The discipline action is between my bosses and the above mentioned parent. That parent has written me a letter of apology and has deep remorse for their actions after the game. Suffice it to say, the matter has been handled and is now closed.
The following is a reminder to all parents and players of Patrick Henry Football and the CIF Contract they all signed:
A. Comply with the six pillars and 16 Principles of the Pursuing Victory with Honor program.
B. Be courteous at all times with school officials, opponents, game officials, and spectators.
C. Exercise self-control.
D. Know all rules of the contest of CIF State and the CIFSDS and agree to follow the rules.
E. Show respect for self, players, officials, coaches, and spectators.
F. Refrain from the use of foul and/or abusive language at all times.
G. Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.
As the Head Coach of the Freshman Football team, I assume the responsibility of the actions and behavior of all players, coaches, parents and spectators of the Freshman Football Team. Failure to follow the above listed rules will result in:
Athlete: Ineligibility for participation in CIF-San Diego Section athletics.
Coach: Restricted from coaching in CIF-San Diego Section contests.
Parent: Prohibition/Removal from attendance at CIF or CIFSDS event.
I will enforce these rules. I expect all my parents to comply. I do not want anymore incidents detracting from the focus of this team. I am trying to build men for others. I need the help of all parents to lead by example and to follow the rules listed above.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
False Masculinity Part 2 and Anthony Murdock
We live in a society where men aren't allowed to show their emotions in public. It's against the "Man-law" to show emotion and compassion. It is frowned upon if a man sheds tears during a emotionally trying times or in times of great joy and jubilation. I do not subscribe to that line of thinking.
We all have been raised and nurtured by our parents and have been taught lessons of love. We are all "mama's boys" in one way or another. (Why do you see athletes saying "Hi mom!" when they are on TV?) Our mothers take care of us when we are sick, they cook for us, they help us with homework, they get us to our games and practices and teach us compassion.
But somewhere in the timeline of life, society has passed it onto men that it is not cool to show compassion or even worse, you are weak if you shed a tear. We play football and we have to be macho-men and tough it out. Society asks us to disconnect our heart from our mind.
I am teaching our players the opposite. Please understand, I do not advocate the whiny temper tantrum outbursts type of crying. I still expect our players to be mentally and physically tough. What I am saying is that in times where emotions touch your heart, don't turn that emotion off. It is part of your make-up as a person and a man.
I am a very emotional person. I am compassionate about what I do with my life, with my family and at my work. The Freshman Head Coach at Hilltop, Mike Sweet, is a former assistant of mine. He calls me Dick Vermeil (former NFL coach of the Eagles, Rams and Chiefs) because I get very emotional when I talk to my players. I admit it. When it comes to matters of the heart, my voice cracks, tears well up and I cry. It is part of my make-up as a person. It doesn't make me any less of a man.
I let our players know it's OK to feel these emotions. It's OK to feel matters of the heart. It's OK to show compassion. These are not signs of weakness in a man. Instead, these are signs of strength from within. We are teaching our players to love one another. Our goals for our players are long term. What kind of son will he be? What kind of loving husband and father will he be? Will he be a productive member in society? I lead by example and our players see it all first hand.
Yesterday, about 30 players and parents got together to visit Anthony Murdoch at his home to present him with the poster we made and signed. But before we left to go to the Murdock home, I gave our players a lesson about connecting the heart and mind. I spoke to them about emotions and compassion and they all listened closely to what I was preaching to them. They all looked me in the eye as I explained to them about 'False Masculinity' and tears welled up in my eyes as I became emotional about Anthony.
We loaded up the cars with players and headed to the Murdock home. We met Anthony's father, Rob Murdock outside the home. We formulated a plan to surprise Anthony. All he knew was that some of the coaches were going to stop by and see him. He had no idea players and parents were going to be there.
Coaches Pankow, Bushardt, Armenta and I went into the house to see Anthony. His face lit up and I could see he was happy to see us. We spoke about how he was doing and we spoke about the pain he was in.
About a minute into our conversation, our players got together in the Murdock front yard and began clapping to begin the "Patriot jumping jacks". I opened the front door and Anthony could see out into the front yard where his team was. The look on his face was priceless. First was shock, followed by surprise ending tears of joy.
It was a very emotional presentation and all that were present were touched. It was a small token of our appreciation for all that Anthony has to go through. Rob Murdock wanted to thank all the coaches, players and parents for coming by. He was touched by our concern for his son.
I want to thank all the parents that helped out in transportation to Anthony's house. I also want to thank Annemarie Lococo-Mineo taking photos of the visit and her brother Nick Lococo for posting them on the web for us. I have attached the web site below for you all to see the photos.
http://gallery.me.com/nicklococophoto#100064
We all have been raised and nurtured by our parents and have been taught lessons of love. We are all "mama's boys" in one way or another. (Why do you see athletes saying "Hi mom!" when they are on TV?) Our mothers take care of us when we are sick, they cook for us, they help us with homework, they get us to our games and practices and teach us compassion.
But somewhere in the timeline of life, society has passed it onto men that it is not cool to show compassion or even worse, you are weak if you shed a tear. We play football and we have to be macho-men and tough it out. Society asks us to disconnect our heart from our mind.
I am teaching our players the opposite. Please understand, I do not advocate the whiny temper tantrum outbursts type of crying. I still expect our players to be mentally and physically tough. What I am saying is that in times where emotions touch your heart, don't turn that emotion off. It is part of your make-up as a person and a man.
I am a very emotional person. I am compassionate about what I do with my life, with my family and at my work. The Freshman Head Coach at Hilltop, Mike Sweet, is a former assistant of mine. He calls me Dick Vermeil (former NFL coach of the Eagles, Rams and Chiefs) because I get very emotional when I talk to my players. I admit it. When it comes to matters of the heart, my voice cracks, tears well up and I cry. It is part of my make-up as a person. It doesn't make me any less of a man.
I let our players know it's OK to feel these emotions. It's OK to feel matters of the heart. It's OK to show compassion. These are not signs of weakness in a man. Instead, these are signs of strength from within. We are teaching our players to love one another. Our goals for our players are long term. What kind of son will he be? What kind of loving husband and father will he be? Will he be a productive member in society? I lead by example and our players see it all first hand.
Yesterday, about 30 players and parents got together to visit Anthony Murdoch at his home to present him with the poster we made and signed. But before we left to go to the Murdock home, I gave our players a lesson about connecting the heart and mind. I spoke to them about emotions and compassion and they all listened closely to what I was preaching to them. They all looked me in the eye as I explained to them about 'False Masculinity' and tears welled up in my eyes as I became emotional about Anthony.
We loaded up the cars with players and headed to the Murdock home. We met Anthony's father, Rob Murdock outside the home. We formulated a plan to surprise Anthony. All he knew was that some of the coaches were going to stop by and see him. He had no idea players and parents were going to be there.
Coaches Pankow, Bushardt, Armenta and I went into the house to see Anthony. His face lit up and I could see he was happy to see us. We spoke about how he was doing and we spoke about the pain he was in.
About a minute into our conversation, our players got together in the Murdock front yard and began clapping to begin the "Patriot jumping jacks". I opened the front door and Anthony could see out into the front yard where his team was. The look on his face was priceless. First was shock, followed by surprise ending tears of joy.
It was a very emotional presentation and all that were present were touched. It was a small token of our appreciation for all that Anthony has to go through. Rob Murdock wanted to thank all the coaches, players and parents for coming by. He was touched by our concern for his son.
I want to thank all the parents that helped out in transportation to Anthony's house. I also want to thank Annemarie Lococo-Mineo taking photos of the visit and her brother Nick Lococo for posting them on the web for us. I have attached the web site below for you all to see the photos.
http://gallery.me.com/nicklococophoto#100064
Friday, October 9, 2009
PHHS 0 Bonita Vista 16
The Barons of Bonita Vista beat our Patriots 16-0 yesterday. It was a hard hitting defensive game and a valuable learning experience for our young men. I could see it in the players eyes after the game that the loss weighed heavily on them and they cared about their performance.
Our defense was on the field for a long time and the Barons wore them down physically. Other than the offense giving the Barons a short field for them to score a TD, the defense played a "bend but don't break" style between the 20s and tightened up in the red zone.
Robert Hammond and Tucker Caddy played outstanding and had great games from the linebacker positions.
Offense was anemic to say the least. The adjustments I made during the game were not good enough and it limited Coach Pankow's play list and his ability to call plays. We had mental mistakes and the bottom line was I did not have the offense as prepared as they should be.
Just so we are clear, it is my responsibility to prepare the team and I came up short this week against Bonita Vista. We will fix the problem and we will be ready for the mighty Marauders for Mira Mesa High School.
Our defense was on the field for a long time and the Barons wore them down physically. Other than the offense giving the Barons a short field for them to score a TD, the defense played a "bend but don't break" style between the 20s and tightened up in the red zone.
Robert Hammond and Tucker Caddy played outstanding and had great games from the linebacker positions.
Offense was anemic to say the least. The adjustments I made during the game were not good enough and it limited Coach Pankow's play list and his ability to call plays. We had mental mistakes and the bottom line was I did not have the offense as prepared as they should be.
Just so we are clear, it is my responsibility to prepare the team and I came up short this week against Bonita Vista. We will fix the problem and we will be ready for the mighty Marauders for Mira Mesa High School.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tutoring Session Available This Saturday
Coach Pankow has taken the lead and has organized a group of upper class men (and women) at PHHS to assist students and offer tutoring. (As Coach Armenta would say, "I guess that makes Coach Pankow the Head of Player Personnel and Development")
We will be holding a tutoring session this coming Saturday (10/7/09) in room 500 starting at 8:30 am in the morning. Subjects will include Physics, Algebra I and II, English and I will offer to help out in Spanish I. (Yes, I do speak Spanish) The tutoring session will end at 10:30.
This is a voluntary session and any member of the Freshmen Football team is invited to attend if they need help. We want to help as many players as we can before the next progress report.
Warning: This is a invitation for those who are serious about getting help in their studies. If anyone is creating a disturbance or not taking this session serious, they will be asked to leave.
We will be holding a tutoring session this coming Saturday (10/7/09) in room 500 starting at 8:30 am in the morning. Subjects will include Physics, Algebra I and II, English and I will offer to help out in Spanish I. (Yes, I do speak Spanish) The tutoring session will end at 10:30.
This is a voluntary session and any member of the Freshmen Football team is invited to attend if they need help. We want to help as many players as we can before the next progress report.
Warning: This is a invitation for those who are serious about getting help in their studies. If anyone is creating a disturbance or not taking this session serious, they will be asked to leave.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Follow-up on Anthony Murdock
Anthony Murdock was the running back that injured his knee against Hilltop a couple of weeks ago. The preliminary diagnosis was that he broke his leg (right tibia) and that he tore his ACL.
I have spoken to the players and I told them the severity of the injury. I told the players about the injury and some have taken the news very hard. I asked them to keep Anthony in their thoughts and prayers.
Well today was his surgery and the doctors found it was worse than they thought. Not only was the ACL torn, but the MCL was also torn. A segment from the top of the tibia broke off the bone that was the size of a large coin. The doctors had a hard time resetting the bone and a gap was left between the fragment and the tibia.
The doctor told Anthony's father, Rob Murdoch, recovery is going to take a long time. In all my years involved in sports, both as a player and as a coach, I have never seen an injury like this.
Thanks to Nick Lococo, our team photographer, I found a neat photo of Anthony scoring a touchdown against Hilltop before he got injured. I took a copy of it to Kinkos and had made into a poster with a border all around the edge. Today, I had all the players sign the poster and I returned it to Kinkos to have the poster laminated. The players all took pride in signing the poster for Anthony.
Rob called me and I asked if we as a team could stop by to visit Anthony and present the poster in the hopes it would lift his spirits. He said yes and that it was a great idea. I am planning to go the Murdock home this coming Saturday (10/10/09) and I might need help with transportation.
The Murdocks live on Crawford St. in Allied Gardens and I am thinking of meeting at PHHS at 10:30 am. We will stop by for a brief visit and then return back to PHHS. If you are able to help out with transportation, please call me on my cell or e-mail me at ldailey@pd.sandiego.gov.
I don't have a head count at this time. But as soon as I find out, I will let you all know. Thanks and please keep Anthony and his family in your prayers.
I have spoken to the players and I told them the severity of the injury. I told the players about the injury and some have taken the news very hard. I asked them to keep Anthony in their thoughts and prayers.
Well today was his surgery and the doctors found it was worse than they thought. Not only was the ACL torn, but the MCL was also torn. A segment from the top of the tibia broke off the bone that was the size of a large coin. The doctors had a hard time resetting the bone and a gap was left between the fragment and the tibia.
The doctor told Anthony's father, Rob Murdoch, recovery is going to take a long time. In all my years involved in sports, both as a player and as a coach, I have never seen an injury like this.
Thanks to Nick Lococo, our team photographer, I found a neat photo of Anthony scoring a touchdown against Hilltop before he got injured. I took a copy of it to Kinkos and had made into a poster with a border all around the edge. Today, I had all the players sign the poster and I returned it to Kinkos to have the poster laminated. The players all took pride in signing the poster for Anthony.
Rob called me and I asked if we as a team could stop by to visit Anthony and present the poster in the hopes it would lift his spirits. He said yes and that it was a great idea. I am planning to go the Murdock home this coming Saturday (10/10/09) and I might need help with transportation.
The Murdocks live on Crawford St. in Allied Gardens and I am thinking of meeting at PHHS at 10:30 am. We will stop by for a brief visit and then return back to PHHS. If you are able to help out with transportation, please call me on my cell or e-mail me at ldailey@pd.sandiego.gov.
I don't have a head count at this time. But as soon as I find out, I will let you all know. Thanks and please keep Anthony and his family in your prayers.
Coaching Parents Up (Part 2)
My Blog 'Coaching Up Parents' (10/5) apparently struck a nerve with a many parents, coaches and administrators. I have received numerous e-mails from parents expressing their disappointment in the people complaining about the Freshman Football program. As one mother said, "I can't possibly fathom what in the world parents are complaining about and quite frankly don't want to know."
AMEN! I appreciate all the support you folks have given us as a staff and appreciate your trust in me to do the right thing and help raise "Men for others". Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I'm a cop and I know how to handle confrontation. All the e-mails I have received relayed messages of support and asked me not to get down over the complaining from a few. To you folks, thank you and I am doing fine.
To you folks that want to complain about anything and everything, you might want to keep your opinion to yourself. Because the parents that support us are looking to see who you are!
On a final note, I'm new to the whole Blog thing and apparently I blocked the ability for you folks to post comments on the Blog. In a way, I'm glad it's blocked because I don't have to monitor the Blog and manage it. I know there are many of you out there that want to express your displeasure with the "minority", and put it on record. To you, I say thank you. But it's just easier for me to post information to you and not have to manage the Blog.
AMEN! I appreciate all the support you folks have given us as a staff and appreciate your trust in me to do the right thing and help raise "Men for others". Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I'm a cop and I know how to handle confrontation. All the e-mails I have received relayed messages of support and asked me not to get down over the complaining from a few. To you folks, thank you and I am doing fine.
To you folks that want to complain about anything and everything, you might want to keep your opinion to yourself. Because the parents that support us are looking to see who you are!
On a final note, I'm new to the whole Blog thing and apparently I blocked the ability for you folks to post comments on the Blog. In a way, I'm glad it's blocked because I don't have to monitor the Blog and manage it. I know there are many of you out there that want to express your displeasure with the "minority", and put it on record. To you, I say thank you. But it's just easier for me to post information to you and not have to manage the Blog.
Patriot Gear to be Sold Wednesday 10/7/09
There have been questions by parents asking when we were going to sell Patriot Football Gear for the parents. Well, your day has come.
Booster Club President Rich Owen, Coach Pankow and his wife Jill will be football stadium's home side snack bar on Wednesday 10/7/09 after practice (around 3:30 pm) to sell Patriot Football Gear to our fans and family members.
Hooded sweat shirts, sweat pants, t-shirts and shorts are for sale. Stop by and gear up!
Booster Club President Rich Owen, Coach Pankow and his wife Jill will be football stadium's home side snack bar on Wednesday 10/7/09 after practice (around 3:30 pm) to sell Patriot Football Gear to our fans and family members.
Hooded sweat shirts, sweat pants, t-shirts and shorts are for sale. Stop by and gear up!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Coaching Parents Up
I'm not happy today. I didn't sleep well last night because I was bothered by a few of our parents. This Blog is for those of you that are in the minority, the ones that feel the need to complain about anything and everthing...
On Saturday afternoon, I had a parent pass on the word that several freshman parents were not happy about this or not happy about that. Yesterday my boss, Coach Martinez, called me to say another freshman parent called him to complain about the Freshman program.
HELLO??? Aren't we 4-0? Aren't we building men for others? Aren't we teaching our players to compete in life? Isn't everybody playing? Aren't we taking kids that have never played football before in their lives and having them play at a high level? Aren't we teaching our players prioritizing core values such a Faith, Family, School and then Football?
We don't abuse our players. We don't use profanity. We don't demean our players. Instead, we value them as people and treat them as men. And that is all they want. Everybody wants to feel that they are valued and an intrugal part of a community. That is what we do.
I am very confident and I am very good at what I do. My job as the Freshman Head Coach is to coach the coaches, coach the players, build men for others and introduce parents to high school athletics. I try to make the experience a positive one for all involved. It is my hope that parents will understand and trust what the coaches are doing or the decisions we make are in the best interest of the team, the program and for the athlete.
As a parent of two former student athletes, I know how you folks feel when you have to rely on the coaches that have your children. But I had to LET GO and trust the coaches and support their decisions. I was lucky to have excellent Head Coaches in Thom Lubic, Page Culver and Larry Rinehart while my sons as they attended Monte Vista HS. I didn't always agree with them or what they did, but I trusted their decision making and how they ran their teams.
As a parent, I made myself available to my sons to voice their concerns, to give them insight from the coach's point of view and to love them up. I supported the Football and Baseball programs at Monte Vista as a parent volunteer and booster club member. That was it. My role defined as a parent.
Parents, I'm taking this opportunity to 'coach you up' on how to be the parent of a student athlete in high school. Listen to your sons. Love them up and support them. That's all I can ask of all my parents. Trust me... I know what I am talking about and we can work together and have a good time doing it.
On Saturday afternoon, I had a parent pass on the word that several freshman parents were not happy about this or not happy about that. Yesterday my boss, Coach Martinez, called me to say another freshman parent called him to complain about the Freshman program.
HELLO??? Aren't we 4-0? Aren't we building men for others? Aren't we teaching our players to compete in life? Isn't everybody playing? Aren't we taking kids that have never played football before in their lives and having them play at a high level? Aren't we teaching our players prioritizing core values such a Faith, Family, School and then Football?
We don't abuse our players. We don't use profanity. We don't demean our players. Instead, we value them as people and treat them as men. And that is all they want. Everybody wants to feel that they are valued and an intrugal part of a community. That is what we do.
I am very confident and I am very good at what I do. My job as the Freshman Head Coach is to coach the coaches, coach the players, build men for others and introduce parents to high school athletics. I try to make the experience a positive one for all involved. It is my hope that parents will understand and trust what the coaches are doing or the decisions we make are in the best interest of the team, the program and for the athlete.
As a parent of two former student athletes, I know how you folks feel when you have to rely on the coaches that have your children. But I had to LET GO and trust the coaches and support their decisions. I was lucky to have excellent Head Coaches in Thom Lubic, Page Culver and Larry Rinehart while my sons as they attended Monte Vista HS. I didn't always agree with them or what they did, but I trusted their decision making and how they ran their teams.
As a parent, I made myself available to my sons to voice their concerns, to give them insight from the coach's point of view and to love them up. I supported the Football and Baseball programs at Monte Vista as a parent volunteer and booster club member. That was it. My role defined as a parent.
Parents, I'm taking this opportunity to 'coach you up' on how to be the parent of a student athlete in high school. Listen to your sons. Love them up and support them. That's all I can ask of all my parents. Trust me... I know what I am talking about and we can work together and have a good time doing it.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Where Will I Coach Next Year?
This question has been asked by players and parents alike. Some are hoping that I will remain with this group of men and coach the JV next year.
Well, that's not going to happen. I'm happy to be back home at Patrick Henry HS. I am an alum, a former player, a former coach and I am coaching in my 'Dream Job' as the Freshman Head coach.
I have two young daughters at home and the Freshman job isn't as time intensive as the JV or Varsity jobs. It allows me to coach and still be home for my daughters. For that reason alone, I want to coach Freshman football.
But there is more to it than that. As a police officer, I want to steer our young men in the right direction in life. As a mentor, I want to teach our players how to be a man and to build men for others. As a coach, I want to teach our players to compete at the highest level and make a contribution to the Varsity program. And as an alumni, I want to see the football program return to where it was when I went to school: We were in the CIF playoffs every year.
I take all these blank canvases and turn them into men and football players. This is my place in society and I am happy with it.
Well, that's not going to happen. I'm happy to be back home at Patrick Henry HS. I am an alum, a former player, a former coach and I am coaching in my 'Dream Job' as the Freshman Head coach.
I have two young daughters at home and the Freshman job isn't as time intensive as the JV or Varsity jobs. It allows me to coach and still be home for my daughters. For that reason alone, I want to coach Freshman football.
But there is more to it than that. As a police officer, I want to steer our young men in the right direction in life. As a mentor, I want to teach our players how to be a man and to build men for others. As a coach, I want to teach our players to compete at the highest level and make a contribution to the Varsity program. And as an alumni, I want to see the football program return to where it was when I went to school: We were in the CIF playoffs every year.
I take all these blank canvases and turn them into men and football players. This is my place in society and I am happy with it.
Progress Reports are Coming
Progress reports will be out in two weeks. As a precautionary measure, I have sent out pink progress reports to several of our player to forecast their grades (The pinks are mini progress reports). Some of the players on the team have not returned the pinks back to me. I'm not going to hound the players for those pinks. I am treating them like young men and I leave it to them to be responsible enough to return those grades to me.
If they want help with their grades, we can set up tutors for them. But if they wish to ignore the pinks and ignore a potential grade that could make them ineligible, well that is the consequence they are willing to take on.
Teachers have been meeting with and e-mailing me in regards to players that are having serious problems in class. I have met with the players in question and I have met with some of the parents to inform them of the player's performance in class.
As a reminder, we emphasize our priorities in life: Faith, Family, School and then Football. Furthermore, the CIF minimum GPA is 2.0 Scholastically and in Citizenship.
If a student-athlete becomes ineligible due to grades, I WILL CUT THEM FROM THE TEAM. That is my policy and the policy of my boss, Coach Martinez. And this subject is NOT open for debate. Life is about performance. Either you meet the requirements or you don't. These are strong lessons our young men and I hope they all remain on our team.
If they want help with their grades, we can set up tutors for them. But if they wish to ignore the pinks and ignore a potential grade that could make them ineligible, well that is the consequence they are willing to take on.
Teachers have been meeting with and e-mailing me in regards to players that are having serious problems in class. I have met with the players in question and I have met with some of the parents to inform them of the player's performance in class.
As a reminder, we emphasize our priorities in life: Faith, Family, School and then Football. Furthermore, the CIF minimum GPA is 2.0 Scholastically and in Citizenship.
If a student-athlete becomes ineligible due to grades, I WILL CUT THEM FROM THE TEAM. That is my policy and the policy of my boss, Coach Martinez. And this subject is NOT open for debate. Life is about performance. Either you meet the requirements or you don't. These are strong lessons our young men and I hope they all remain on our team.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
We Are Losing Players
I am sure some of you parents have heard my post game speeches where I give credit to the team, coaching staff and fans after a win. I always conclude with the following: "Take care of yourselves and no jumping off of buildings, no diving into shallow pools and no setting your hair on fire over the weekend."
The players get a chuckle or two because they now I'm exaggerating a bit. But in reality, I couldn't be closer to the truth!
Last weekend we lost a player for the remainder of the year due to a compound fracture of his forearm while skateboarding. I got a call from a mother this evening telling me her son broke his foot jumping off a cliff. Both players were upset because they knew their season was over and in talking to both sets of parents, they mentioned my warnings were not looking forward to explaining their injuries to me.
Accidents happen. It's not the end of the world but I am hoping to pass on some accountability to our young men. I am not expecting you parents to put your sons in a bubble, I just want them to make sound decisions based on thinking of the team.
A player called me Thursday night and asked if he could participate in the 'Open Gym' (open to play basketball) session at PHHS. The player said he wants to play basketball. I could have been a dictator and said, "Absolutely not! There is no way you should be playing basketball!"
Instead, I took a different and mature approach to the question. I said, "I leave the decision to you. I will treat you like a man and let you make a man size decision. You can play and have a good time at open gym. But if you get hurt rolling your ankle, you won't be letting me down. You will be letting down your team, your brothers. So you do what you feel is important."
I saw that player the next day and he said he did not go. I asked why he didn't go. His father said that was my way of saying no!
Well, yes. It was my way of saying no. But I really want to teach our players to be accountable not only for themselves, but to think of the team too.
The players get a chuckle or two because they now I'm exaggerating a bit. But in reality, I couldn't be closer to the truth!
Last weekend we lost a player for the remainder of the year due to a compound fracture of his forearm while skateboarding. I got a call from a mother this evening telling me her son broke his foot jumping off a cliff. Both players were upset because they knew their season was over and in talking to both sets of parents, they mentioned my warnings were not looking forward to explaining their injuries to me.
Accidents happen. It's not the end of the world but I am hoping to pass on some accountability to our young men. I am not expecting you parents to put your sons in a bubble, I just want them to make sound decisions based on thinking of the team.
A player called me Thursday night and asked if he could participate in the 'Open Gym' (open to play basketball) session at PHHS. The player said he wants to play basketball. I could have been a dictator and said, "Absolutely not! There is no way you should be playing basketball!"
Instead, I took a different and mature approach to the question. I said, "I leave the decision to you. I will treat you like a man and let you make a man size decision. You can play and have a good time at open gym. But if you get hurt rolling your ankle, you won't be letting me down. You will be letting down your team, your brothers. So you do what you feel is important."
I saw that player the next day and he said he did not go. I asked why he didn't go. His father said that was my way of saying no!
Well, yes. It was my way of saying no. But I really want to teach our players to be accountable not only for themselves, but to think of the team too.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
PHHS 29 Hoover 6
The Freshman Football team went to Hoover High School and played the most complete game of the year by beating the Cardinals 29-6. It was a complete game for one reason. It was the effort of the entire team. The offense, defense, special teams, entire roster, the fans and the coaching staff all contributed to the win against the Hoover Cardinals.
The game started with a punt return by Travonne Pollard for a touchdown putting the Patriots up 7-0. After the ensuing kickoff, the Cardinals worked the ball down the field and scored on a long drive. The defense tightened up and prevented a two point conversion. Those were the last points the Cardinals would have the rest of the afternoon.
The Patriots almost went the whole 1st Quarter without running an offensive play. After Hoover kicked off, it took the Patriot offense 3 plays to score another TD with a run by Lee King. King would score another TD later in the quarter.
With four seconds left in the half, the Patriots recovered a fumble on the Hoover 5 yard line. Robert Hammond converted a 22 yard field goal.
In the second half, the Patriot offense showed it's toughness by running the ball. RB Khalid Barnes barrelled over defenders as he did his best to imitate former Steeler RB Jerome "The Bus" Bettis. This was Khalid's best game of the year. "The wheels on the bus go round and round..."
Special teams showed up again with a punt that was downed at the 1 yard line by Robert Luciano. That coverage play led to a safety for the defense when SS Brandon Salgado tackled a Hoover ball carrier in the endzone.
In the 4th quarter, DL Andre Mosely recovered a fumble and Duantonio Allen intercepted a pass and returned it to the Hoover 1 yard line. Unfortunately, he was stripped of the ball and Hoover recovered at the 1 yard line. Fortune changed again as the Patriot defense came through with another safety.
After the safety, both teams were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. I circled the troops and reminded them to keep their composure and to walk away from confrontation. Our players responded well and kept their cool for the remainder of the game.
It truly was a team effort. I never tell the kids "I want to win". All I want for them to do is to compete. And they do. They never give up, they always give their best effort and the winning is all the fruits of their labor. You parents and family members should be proud of your young men. It is a testament to you and the way you raise our players.
GO PATRIOTS!!
The game started with a punt return by Travonne Pollard for a touchdown putting the Patriots up 7-0. After the ensuing kickoff, the Cardinals worked the ball down the field and scored on a long drive. The defense tightened up and prevented a two point conversion. Those were the last points the Cardinals would have the rest of the afternoon.
The Patriots almost went the whole 1st Quarter without running an offensive play. After Hoover kicked off, it took the Patriot offense 3 plays to score another TD with a run by Lee King. King would score another TD later in the quarter.
With four seconds left in the half, the Patriots recovered a fumble on the Hoover 5 yard line. Robert Hammond converted a 22 yard field goal.
In the second half, the Patriot offense showed it's toughness by running the ball. RB Khalid Barnes barrelled over defenders as he did his best to imitate former Steeler RB Jerome "The Bus" Bettis. This was Khalid's best game of the year. "The wheels on the bus go round and round..."
Special teams showed up again with a punt that was downed at the 1 yard line by Robert Luciano. That coverage play led to a safety for the defense when SS Brandon Salgado tackled a Hoover ball carrier in the endzone.
In the 4th quarter, DL Andre Mosely recovered a fumble and Duantonio Allen intercepted a pass and returned it to the Hoover 1 yard line. Unfortunately, he was stripped of the ball and Hoover recovered at the 1 yard line. Fortune changed again as the Patriot defense came through with another safety.
After the safety, both teams were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. I circled the troops and reminded them to keep their composure and to walk away from confrontation. Our players responded well and kept their cool for the remainder of the game.
It truly was a team effort. I never tell the kids "I want to win". All I want for them to do is to compete. And they do. They never give up, they always give their best effort and the winning is all the fruits of their labor. You parents and family members should be proud of your young men. It is a testament to you and the way you raise our players.
GO PATRIOTS!!
Monday, September 28, 2009
What Time do Players Get Out of Class on Away Games?
Depending on what time or where the away game is going to be played, we will ask the 5th period teachers to release our players in the middle of 5th period.
This week, we play at Hoover at 3:30 pm. Coach Lococo will put an announcement asking the 5th period teachers to release the players at 12:50 pm. Only eligible players will be excused from 5th period. The players need to suit up ASAP and the bus leaves to Hoover at 1:15 pm.
I explained to my players that they are not allowed to leave their classes early. 12:50 means 12:50. If a players leaves class early and is caught in the hallways, he is subject to disciplinary action from the security staff on campus. That disciplinary action could and has resulted in the students not being allowed to play in the game that day.
On a final note, I want all our players to touch base with their 5th (and in some cases, 6th) period teachers on Tuesdays to let them know we will be travelling and leaving class early. That gives the teachers time to get our players assignments for their class.
This week, we play at Hoover at 3:30 pm. Coach Lococo will put an announcement asking the 5th period teachers to release the players at 12:50 pm. Only eligible players will be excused from 5th period. The players need to suit up ASAP and the bus leaves to Hoover at 1:15 pm.
I explained to my players that they are not allowed to leave their classes early. 12:50 means 12:50. If a players leaves class early and is caught in the hallways, he is subject to disciplinary action from the security staff on campus. That disciplinary action could and has resulted in the students not being allowed to play in the game that day.
On a final note, I want all our players to touch base with their 5th (and in some cases, 6th) period teachers on Tuesdays to let them know we will be travelling and leaving class early. That gives the teachers time to get our players assignments for their class.
Travel Arrangements for Away Games
We have one home game left for the remainder of the season. That means we will be travelling by bus to 6 of our remaining games (Talk about road warriors).
Due to budgetary constraints, the Freshman Team will only be allotted one bus for each away game. That means we try to put as many players into one bus. With that being said, we have to look at the best way to get the best bang for our travelling buck.
First, as a school rule, ineligible players will not be allowed to travel on the bus. Sorry, but those are the rules set forth by the school and my boss, Athletic Director Jack Lococo. If you as a parent or guardian want to furnish transportation for your son who is ineligible, I have no objection. I would like everyone be at the games to help root on the Patriots and I feel it builds our community of men to stick together.
Second, a new District rule has come into effect this year. If you are a parent and you wish to help the team out with transportation, you need to take a TB test and carry a TB test Blue Card at all times. I am a father of two players that went through the ranks in High School Baseball and I was always available to furnish rides for my sons and their team mates. But those days are over. Football is one of the few sports that provides bus rides for the players. The remaining sports will have to rely on transportaion from parents.
I suggest those of you that have sons that are going to play another sport at PHHS, you might want to get a TB test and Blue Card. The test take a few minutes and you have to return to the testing location 48 hours after the test is administered. Once you get the Blue Card, it is good for two years. If you are interested in helping out with transportation for us or down the road, please call the school nurse at PHHS for details.
Last, I have five injured players. To make room on the bus, I will bring my GMC Suburban and transport them and the managers to the game. It's going to be tight and I will make the decisions that are best for the team.
Due to budgetary constraints, the Freshman Team will only be allotted one bus for each away game. That means we try to put as many players into one bus. With that being said, we have to look at the best way to get the best bang for our travelling buck.
First, as a school rule, ineligible players will not be allowed to travel on the bus. Sorry, but those are the rules set forth by the school and my boss, Athletic Director Jack Lococo. If you as a parent or guardian want to furnish transportation for your son who is ineligible, I have no objection. I would like everyone be at the games to help root on the Patriots and I feel it builds our community of men to stick together.
Second, a new District rule has come into effect this year. If you are a parent and you wish to help the team out with transportation, you need to take a TB test and carry a TB test Blue Card at all times. I am a father of two players that went through the ranks in High School Baseball and I was always available to furnish rides for my sons and their team mates. But those days are over. Football is one of the few sports that provides bus rides for the players. The remaining sports will have to rely on transportaion from parents.
I suggest those of you that have sons that are going to play another sport at PHHS, you might want to get a TB test and Blue Card. The test take a few minutes and you have to return to the testing location 48 hours after the test is administered. Once you get the Blue Card, it is good for two years. If you are interested in helping out with transportation for us or down the road, please call the school nurse at PHHS for details.
Last, I have five injured players. To make room on the bus, I will bring my GMC Suburban and transport them and the managers to the game. It's going to be tight and I will make the decisions that are best for the team.
In The Locker Room
Several parents and players have contacted me in regards to football gear being taken in the locker room. Players and parents have relayed to me that 'somebody' is opening the lockers and putting the gear into other players lockers or just plain taking the gear out of the locker.
I want to assure the players and the parents that we have taken steps to insure the locker room is a safe place for our players. When the Varsity or the JV are in the locker room, the Freshmen are not allowed in until they are all out of the locker room. Conversely, if the Freshmen are in the locker room, I do not allow the Varsity and JV in the locker room.
Second, we always have a coach in the locker room to monitor the safety of all the players. Mostly, it will be Coach Bushardt or myself monitoring the locker room for our players.
To give you folks some perspective, the locker room is 54 feet long and 12 feet wide. We have 75 players in 6th Period PE in an area (Length X Width for you math freaks like me) of 648 square feet. That is a tight squeeze and it is wall to wall players and gear and clothes in the locker room. There are times when a player inadvertently taken a black backpack and put in in their locker.
Players on the Freshman team have to share a locker to secure their own gear. So it is the responsibility of both players to ensure the locker is locked properly. Today, after our players suited up, I found 3 lockers left unlocked: Two had the unlocked locks in the latch and one did not have a lock at all.
I spoke to the players today and I left the responsibility to lock their lockers to them. As a police officer, I have worked in schools for many years. In all occasions where I had to investigate a locker theft, the suspect told me the reason the broke into the locker was because it was unlocked or unsecured. I have never arrested a suspect that "picked" the victim's lock to gain access into the locker.
We, as a staff, will continue to monitor this problem the best we can.
I want to assure the players and the parents that we have taken steps to insure the locker room is a safe place for our players. When the Varsity or the JV are in the locker room, the Freshmen are not allowed in until they are all out of the locker room. Conversely, if the Freshmen are in the locker room, I do not allow the Varsity and JV in the locker room.
Second, we always have a coach in the locker room to monitor the safety of all the players. Mostly, it will be Coach Bushardt or myself monitoring the locker room for our players.
To give you folks some perspective, the locker room is 54 feet long and 12 feet wide. We have 75 players in 6th Period PE in an area (Length X Width for you math freaks like me) of 648 square feet. That is a tight squeeze and it is wall to wall players and gear and clothes in the locker room. There are times when a player inadvertently taken a black backpack and put in in their locker.
Players on the Freshman team have to share a locker to secure their own gear. So it is the responsibility of both players to ensure the locker is locked properly. Today, after our players suited up, I found 3 lockers left unlocked: Two had the unlocked locks in the latch and one did not have a lock at all.
I spoke to the players today and I left the responsibility to lock their lockers to them. As a police officer, I have worked in schools for many years. In all occasions where I had to investigate a locker theft, the suspect told me the reason the broke into the locker was because it was unlocked or unsecured. I have never arrested a suspect that "picked" the victim's lock to gain access into the locker.
We, as a staff, will continue to monitor this problem the best we can.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
A Few Rotten Apples
For those of you that don't know, I am a police officer for the San Diego Police Department. I currently am assigned to the Field Training Administration and I volunteer my time as a coach during my off duty time.
There are several parents and family members of our players that are also in Law Enforcement. I speak for all of those parents by saying once we are away from work, that is where we want to leave work, away from our children's activities.
A friend of mine, who was a former partner, came to the last game in his police uniform to watch his nephew play against Hilltop. While he was in the stands, he was flagged down by a parent who told him there was a gentleman drinking alcohol in the stands.
My officer friend had to talk to the gentleman who claimed to be an uncle of our of players. He was indeed drinking an alcoholic beverage not only in the stands, but on a school campus. While the officer was talking to the uncle, his wife became verbally abusive as if to say, "Don't you cops have anything better to do?"
The answer is no, we don't. We are building men for the future and setting examples for our young men. Besides, you're breaking the law and acting inappropriately. My former partner was able to talk to the man and his wife and explain the reasons they shouldn't be drinking alcohol at a school function and they were let go with a warning.
In the future, if any of you see anything that deserves the attention of the authorities, please find a school administrator or let me know and I will find somebody to take care of the problem. I don't want to do police work while I'm coaching or while I'm off duty, but I want to insure a safe and enjoyable experience for our fans and players.
I will be talking to our players about this incident on Monday in the hopes our players can shame these few rotten apples into compliance.
There are several parents and family members of our players that are also in Law Enforcement. I speak for all of those parents by saying once we are away from work, that is where we want to leave work, away from our children's activities.
A friend of mine, who was a former partner, came to the last game in his police uniform to watch his nephew play against Hilltop. While he was in the stands, he was flagged down by a parent who told him there was a gentleman drinking alcohol in the stands.
My officer friend had to talk to the gentleman who claimed to be an uncle of our of players. He was indeed drinking an alcoholic beverage not only in the stands, but on a school campus. While the officer was talking to the uncle, his wife became verbally abusive as if to say, "Don't you cops have anything better to do?"
The answer is no, we don't. We are building men for the future and setting examples for our young men. Besides, you're breaking the law and acting inappropriately. My former partner was able to talk to the man and his wife and explain the reasons they shouldn't be drinking alcohol at a school function and they were let go with a warning.
In the future, if any of you see anything that deserves the attention of the authorities, please find a school administrator or let me know and I will find somebody to take care of the problem. I don't want to do police work while I'm coaching or while I'm off duty, but I want to insure a safe and enjoyable experience for our fans and players.
I will be talking to our players about this incident on Monday in the hopes our players can shame these few rotten apples into compliance.
Friday, September 25, 2009
PHHS 26 Hilltop 13
Two teams showed up for the 3:00 kickoff against the Hilltop Lancers. Unfortunately, you need three teams to play a game. Due to a filing error, the refs thought the game was supposed to start at 4:00 pm. Both teams sat in the shade until they arrived.
Once the game started, the Patriots came out hot and were dominant as they beat the mighty Lancers 26-13. The Patriots played with focus and intensity on offense, defense and special teams.
Offensive highlights included a 97 yard TD run by Lee King. The play was so exciting, players and coaches jumped up and down and interfered with referees on the sideline and we were flagged for a 5 yard penalty.
On defense, we had four turnovers with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions, one by Daniel Martin and the other by Arturo Najera. The defense held the Lancers out of the endzone on a terrific goal line stand.
Special Teams were solid as Robert Hammond blocked a punt that led to a Patriot touchdown.
I coached the previous two years at Hilltop and their current Freshman staff consists of guys I coached with and 3 former players of mine who have returned to coach at Hilltop. A friendly rivalry has started between me and their coaching staff. I felt Obi Wan Kanobi going against Anikin Skywalker. It's nice to see my former players getting into coaching football. It was nicer to get a win and shut down my apprentices.
On a sad note, HB Tony Forbes-Murdoch (who scored a TD) was hurt during the 3rd quarter of the game. The defender tackled him from the left side. The left knee then collided with the right knee and Tony suffered a broken tibia and ligament damage to the right knee.
Tony's injury will be a huge loss for us not only as a player, but it's a loss because he is a fine young man. Tony is always positive, works hard and treats his teammates with respect. I make it a point to tell him I love him everyday. I told the team today during weight training and I could see that they were thinking about Tony. We want Tony to know he is still our brother and he will be in our thoughts and prayers. We wish Tony a speedy recovery.
Once the game started, the Patriots came out hot and were dominant as they beat the mighty Lancers 26-13. The Patriots played with focus and intensity on offense, defense and special teams.
Offensive highlights included a 97 yard TD run by Lee King. The play was so exciting, players and coaches jumped up and down and interfered with referees on the sideline and we were flagged for a 5 yard penalty.
On defense, we had four turnovers with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions, one by Daniel Martin and the other by Arturo Najera. The defense held the Lancers out of the endzone on a terrific goal line stand.
Special Teams were solid as Robert Hammond blocked a punt that led to a Patriot touchdown.
I coached the previous two years at Hilltop and their current Freshman staff consists of guys I coached with and 3 former players of mine who have returned to coach at Hilltop. A friendly rivalry has started between me and their coaching staff. I felt Obi Wan Kanobi going against Anikin Skywalker. It's nice to see my former players getting into coaching football. It was nicer to get a win and shut down my apprentices.
On a sad note, HB Tony Forbes-Murdoch (who scored a TD) was hurt during the 3rd quarter of the game. The defender tackled him from the left side. The left knee then collided with the right knee and Tony suffered a broken tibia and ligament damage to the right knee.
Tony's injury will be a huge loss for us not only as a player, but it's a loss because he is a fine young man. Tony is always positive, works hard and treats his teammates with respect. I make it a point to tell him I love him everyday. I told the team today during weight training and I could see that they were thinking about Tony. We want Tony to know he is still our brother and he will be in our thoughts and prayers. We wish Tony a speedy recovery.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Mini Carb Night at the Mineo House
Annemarie Mineo-Lococo sent me an e-mail that she had some of the players over for pasta night at her home last week. She passed a message onto me telling me the players were well behaved gentlemen and they were fun to be around. The players left to right are: Peter Mineo, Peter Vilsaint, Dominick Vergili, Kyle Connor and Charles Lee.
Credit goes to you parents and the way you all raise your sons. I am blessed to be working with such fine young men and parents.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Bedroom Slippers
I'm not slave to fashion trends. My idea of dressing nicely is wearing a collared polo shirt with my board shorts. But I do know what is in bad taste.
I tell my players it is unacceptable to wear their shorts down by their knees. Especially if it's Patrick Henry football shorts. I tell our players they set an impression to the student body, teachers, administrators and to the public and they represent me and the football program. So wear your clothes the way it was meant to be worn.
Yesterday during weight training, two of our players showed up in bedroom slippers. You know, black footie-foot bedroom slippers that you wear after you crawl out of bed on a cold winter morning.
I asked both players if they wore them to school. They said yes. I was thrown for a loop. They looked like extras for the next episode of the 'Jerry Springer Show'.
The impression these players made to me was they were too lazy to put a pair of shoes on. It was too hard to slide on a pair of shoes and it was way too hard to tie the shoe laces in a knot. For goodness sakes, who wears bedroom slippers out in public let alone school?
So to make the decision making process easier for my players, I said the next person who wears bedroom slippers to school will be suspended for the team for the week. Any second offense will result in the removal from the team.
Bedroom slippers! For the love of....
I tell my players it is unacceptable to wear their shorts down by their knees. Especially if it's Patrick Henry football shorts. I tell our players they set an impression to the student body, teachers, administrators and to the public and they represent me and the football program. So wear your clothes the way it was meant to be worn.
Yesterday during weight training, two of our players showed up in bedroom slippers. You know, black footie-foot bedroom slippers that you wear after you crawl out of bed on a cold winter morning.
I asked both players if they wore them to school. They said yes. I was thrown for a loop. They looked like extras for the next episode of the 'Jerry Springer Show'.
The impression these players made to me was they were too lazy to put a pair of shoes on. It was too hard to slide on a pair of shoes and it was way too hard to tie the shoe laces in a knot. For goodness sakes, who wears bedroom slippers out in public let alone school?
So to make the decision making process easier for my players, I said the next person who wears bedroom slippers to school will be suspended for the team for the week. Any second offense will result in the removal from the team.
Bedroom slippers! For the love of....
Thursday, September 17, 2009
An Invitation to Military Personnel
I grew up in a Navy family. My father was a career Navy man and we moved from place to place every three years. My junior and senior years were at Patrick Henry while my father was stationed on the USS Enterprise based out of Alameda, CA.
Due to deployments and the fact my father was stationed out of town, he was only able to make one my football games. I never gave it a thought until recently, but I wish I could have done more for my father when he was here for that one game.
One of our players mentioned his father was coming back from a recent deployment in Afghanistan.
With that being said, I would like to extend an invitation to all my parents that currently serve in the military to watch the freshmen football games from the sideline as my guest. It is just a small token of appreciation to those who make sacrifices while ensuring the freedom of which we live under.
Due to deployments and the fact my father was stationed out of town, he was only able to make one my football games. I never gave it a thought until recently, but I wish I could have done more for my father when he was here for that one game.
One of our players mentioned his father was coming back from a recent deployment in Afghanistan.
With that being said, I would like to extend an invitation to all my parents that currently serve in the military to watch the freshmen football games from the sideline as my guest. It is just a small token of appreciation to those who make sacrifices while ensuring the freedom of which we live under.
Lean On Me
One of my all time favorite songs is 'Lean on Me' by Bill Withers. From time to time, I find myself singing the song as I walk down to the football stadium before practice.
The song is a message of hope and humility. It speaks of helping one another during times of dispair and reaching out to those that feel they can't go on anymore.
I was watching ESPN this morning and I saw a story on the USC Football team. In the story, a USC freshman sang the song as a rite of passage into joining the team. As a prank, Head Coach Pete Carroll had Bill Withers meet the team while posing as an NCAA official.
When Withers finally let the cat out of the bag and identified himself, all the players knew who he was and they sang the song. It brought unity to the team and all the players.
I have attached the link from Youtube for you to view.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T2QRpmjRmQ&feature=player_embedded
The song is a message of hope and humility. It speaks of helping one another during times of dispair and reaching out to those that feel they can't go on anymore.
I was watching ESPN this morning and I saw a story on the USC Football team. In the story, a USC freshman sang the song as a rite of passage into joining the team. As a prank, Head Coach Pete Carroll had Bill Withers meet the team while posing as an NCAA official.
When Withers finally let the cat out of the bag and identified himself, all the players knew who he was and they sang the song. It brought unity to the team and all the players.
I have attached the link from Youtube for you to view.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T2QRpmjRmQ&feature=player_embedded
Sunday, September 13, 2009
PHHS 16 Pt. Loma 7
What an outstanding job turned in by the team as we overcame a 7-0 deficit and come from behind to beat Pt. Loma 16 - 7. That was a hard fought game and the players stepped up and played to the top of their potential earning a hard fought victory over a very good Pt. Loma. Credit goes to the assistant coaches and players for all the preparation and adjustments made at halftime.
Defense was outstanding. Two turnovers with a fumble recovery and an interception (1 short of game goals), a shutout (game goal met) and six 3 & outs (game goal surpassed by 3). Pt. Loma was held to negative yards in the second half with no first downs. Pt. Loma went for it on 4th down 3 times and came away with nothing. One of those stops was made at the goal line. Defense carried us and kept us in the game. Our goal line formation was tough and we dominated the LOS.
Offense had a slow start to the game. During the first half, I lost my composure and threw my hat...(it's my fishing hat, so I need to take care of it!) That is completely unacceptable and I apologize to you all and I apologized to the team. I have to remember, these players are 14/15 years old and most of them never competed in this type of sport before.
I apologized to the team to let them know I am human and I make mistakes too. Now let's not dwell on it. Let's fix it and move forward. When I did that, I could see it in their eyes they were willing to follow us through a wall. It built our credibility as a coaching staff and they bought in to everything we were saying. Good coaching staffs make adjustments at the half. Good coaching staffs pass those changes onto the players and good teams carry out those adjustments.
Well, needless to say, we came out like gangbusters in the second half. We dominated every aspect of the game and it is a tribute the the spirit of the players and their will to compete.
Offensive Line adjustments were right on the money and we dominated the LOS (Line of Scrimmage). Coach Bushardt and Coach Gallion did great job of getting our O-line ready for the second half. When it was crunch time, we ran the ball over our big guys and they got the job done.
Special teams did a good job. We had a couple of guys miss being called out to the game for their assignment, but overall, it was a good day on special teams. We recovered an onside kick and it was a good heads up play and we converted a 27 yard field goal.
The crowd was big and loud. I know it meant alot to the players and the coaching staff to see friends and family at the game. It was sweet to do our 'Victory' jumping jacks in front of our fans and everybody had fun with that.
Nick Lococo has already posted photos from the game on his web site. (His site was posted on an earlier Blog) Please take the time to take a look at it.
Next week is a bye week. Practice next week will be Monday and Wednesday. Tuesday is picture day. Thursday we will have study hall only because the coaching staff will be all over the County scouting our upcoming opponents. Friday is weight training and no practice.
On a final note... I saw some of you parents wearing Hawaiian shirts for the game! As we would say back home in Hawaii, "Mahalo for da aloha!" (Thanks for the love)
Defense was outstanding. Two turnovers with a fumble recovery and an interception (1 short of game goals), a shutout (game goal met) and six 3 & outs (game goal surpassed by 3). Pt. Loma was held to negative yards in the second half with no first downs. Pt. Loma went for it on 4th down 3 times and came away with nothing. One of those stops was made at the goal line. Defense carried us and kept us in the game. Our goal line formation was tough and we dominated the LOS.
Offense had a slow start to the game. During the first half, I lost my composure and threw my hat...(it's my fishing hat, so I need to take care of it!) That is completely unacceptable and I apologize to you all and I apologized to the team. I have to remember, these players are 14/15 years old and most of them never competed in this type of sport before.
I apologized to the team to let them know I am human and I make mistakes too. Now let's not dwell on it. Let's fix it and move forward. When I did that, I could see it in their eyes they were willing to follow us through a wall. It built our credibility as a coaching staff and they bought in to everything we were saying. Good coaching staffs make adjustments at the half. Good coaching staffs pass those changes onto the players and good teams carry out those adjustments.
Well, needless to say, we came out like gangbusters in the second half. We dominated every aspect of the game and it is a tribute the the spirit of the players and their will to compete.
Offensive Line adjustments were right on the money and we dominated the LOS (Line of Scrimmage). Coach Bushardt and Coach Gallion did great job of getting our O-line ready for the second half. When it was crunch time, we ran the ball over our big guys and they got the job done.
Special teams did a good job. We had a couple of guys miss being called out to the game for their assignment, but overall, it was a good day on special teams. We recovered an onside kick and it was a good heads up play and we converted a 27 yard field goal.
The crowd was big and loud. I know it meant alot to the players and the coaching staff to see friends and family at the game. It was sweet to do our 'Victory' jumping jacks in front of our fans and everybody had fun with that.
Nick Lococo has already posted photos from the game on his web site. (His site was posted on an earlier Blog) Please take the time to take a look at it.
Next week is a bye week. Practice next week will be Monday and Wednesday. Tuesday is picture day. Thursday we will have study hall only because the coaching staff will be all over the County scouting our upcoming opponents. Friday is weight training and no practice.
On a final note... I saw some of you parents wearing Hawaiian shirts for the game! As we would say back home in Hawaii, "Mahalo for da aloha!" (Thanks for the love)
Friday, September 11, 2009
False Masculinity
Today is 9/11 and I pause to think of all those who lost their lives on that day 8 years ago. It has changed our daily lives and we must never forget the people that lost lives and the ultimate sacrifices that people made on that day.
Today I will meet with the team and speak about what is important in life... Loving one another. We live in a society where personal accomplishments take the spotlight. Masculinity is based on how much money you make, how many girlfriends you have or how many touchdowns you scored. These are examples of the quick gratification lifestyle we live in these days. But that is not the true meaning of masculinity.
As I think back on that day 8 years ago, I think about those folks on United Flight 93. They knew they were doomed and they were going to die. They knew they had to do something and they made an attempt to take over the plane. They all know the chances were slim to overtake the highjackers and there was a good chance they were going to die. As they tried to overtake the plane, it crashed in rural Pennsylvania and all aboard died.
The point I want to bring up to our players is the phone calls people on Flight 93 made to their families before they tried to overtake the highjackers. They did not call home or their loved ones to boast about how much money they made, what kind of car they drove or how many homeruns they hit. They called their families to let them know they loved them.
To me, that is so important for the development of our young men. Nobody ever took the time to explain that to me and as I look back on my development as a young man, I wish somebody would have. Loving one another and trusting one another is important in our everyday lives.
Today I will meet with the team and speak about what is important in life... Loving one another. We live in a society where personal accomplishments take the spotlight. Masculinity is based on how much money you make, how many girlfriends you have or how many touchdowns you scored. These are examples of the quick gratification lifestyle we live in these days. But that is not the true meaning of masculinity.
As I think back on that day 8 years ago, I think about those folks on United Flight 93. They knew they were doomed and they were going to die. They knew they had to do something and they made an attempt to take over the plane. They all know the chances were slim to overtake the highjackers and there was a good chance they were going to die. As they tried to overtake the plane, it crashed in rural Pennsylvania and all aboard died.
The point I want to bring up to our players is the phone calls people on Flight 93 made to their families before they tried to overtake the highjackers. They did not call home or their loved ones to boast about how much money they made, what kind of car they drove or how many homeruns they hit. They called their families to let them know they loved them.
To me, that is so important for the development of our young men. Nobody ever took the time to explain that to me and as I look back on my development as a young man, I wish somebody would have. Loving one another and trusting one another is important in our everyday lives.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Web Site for Photos
Annemarie Lococo-Mineo sent me an e-mail informing me her brother, Nick Lococo, is a professional photographer. He will be taking photos of our players and has set up a web site for all view the photos.
http://web.mac.com/nicklococophoto/PHHS/Home.html
http://web.mac.com/nicklococophoto/PHHS/Home.html
Dealing with Adversity
Football is not a contact sport, it's a collision sport. We can't play the game without getting bumped or bruised. For most of our young men, it is the first time involved with football or organized sports. But football is hard. It tests our intestinal fortitude and our will to compete.
The last couple of days, we had three players hurt their fingers and one was hit in the stomach during practice. All of them quit and gave up on the task at hand (no pun intended). It is my job as the coach to teach mental toughness and how to deal with adversity.
Last night I was watching a show on the NFL Network about the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers. QB Ben Roethlesburger spoke about the last drive of the game and all the adversity facing him and the Steeler offense. He cited a poem he thought about before taking the field on what would be game winning drive:
"Success is failure, turned inside out.
The silver lining with clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are.
It maybe near, when when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight, when you're hardest hit.
It's when things seem worse that you mustn't quit."
Life is about competition and we mustn't quit. I'll be sharing this with our players today before practice...
The last couple of days, we had three players hurt their fingers and one was hit in the stomach during practice. All of them quit and gave up on the task at hand (no pun intended). It is my job as the coach to teach mental toughness and how to deal with adversity.
Last night I was watching a show on the NFL Network about the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers. QB Ben Roethlesburger spoke about the last drive of the game and all the adversity facing him and the Steeler offense. He cited a poem he thought about before taking the field on what would be game winning drive:
"Success is failure, turned inside out.
The silver lining with clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are.
It maybe near, when when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight, when you're hardest hit.
It's when things seem worse that you mustn't quit."
Life is about competition and we mustn't quit. I'll be sharing this with our players today before practice...
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Photos of PHHS vs. WHHS
If you folks have any game photos you would like to share, please e-mail them to me at
ldailey@pd.sandiego.gov and I will put them on the Blog!
LeRoy
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