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Show EDITORIAL THANKS, COACH An avid athlete, eight years of age, has put us back on the front row of the little league bleachers. Last week we watched him run off the field triumphant, having just caught the high fly that marked the third out. His coach slapped him on the shoulder and voiced approval. Within minutes he had again accounted for the third out, tliis time by striking out. Again the pat on the shoulder and some positive reassurance. Thanks, Coach. I remembered a ten-year -old some years ago. He was ready to move into the next age bracket of community baseball, and tryouts were a few days away. With all his young heart he wanted to play for the "Ramblers", last year's city champs, who were coached by a man he admired greatly. But the top team traditionally got last pick in the choosing process; and this lad, being a pitcher of some promise, didn't think he'd last that long. One day he told his mother, "Ive got it figured out. In tryouts, I won't try very hard and nobody will pick me very quick. Mr. B. knows I can play, though, and hell choose me anyway." The mother was troubled, but she said no tiling. When tryout day arrived, the youngster grabbed his mitt and mounted his bike. Then he ran back to the house to say, "You know, Mom, I've changed my mind. Somehow I don't think Mr. B. would want a boy who didn't always do his best." By Just being the kind of person he was, that coach had influenced a boy of ten to keep his self respect. Thanks, Coach. The boy pitched his heart out for a newly organized team that summer. In 15 games they beatonly one team and scared another one a little. Nevertheless he had lucked out again. His coach had a great sense of humor and a great love for boys. He didn't try to tell them that winning wasn't important. In fact, he said it was so important that they should keep on striving for victory no matter what the odds; and he managed somehow to instill in those youngsters a tremendous sense of loyalty and pride and perseverence. Thanks, CoachI It was some years later that this boy caught, this time from a high school basketball mentor, another invaluable concept. He was torn between attending a "must" practice and doing his duty in a church assignment which conflicted. He worried for a while, and then his face brightened. "It's O.K." he said. "I have been thinking. Early In the season, Coach talked about what he called 'loyalty priorities.' He said that an individual's dependability and dedication as a person were very important qualities in an athlete. He said that conflicts sometimes arise and that some loyalties must then take priority over others. If Coach were in my place, he'd take care of his church obligation first and get to practice as soon as he could." Thanks, CoachI To countless numbers of boys, the term "Coach" is one of respect and admiration and affection. Whether they be the civic-minded gentlemen who give their time to community athletics, those who work through church programs, pro-grams, or those who staff our school athletic departments, their influence is tremendous. So, for the time you give, the example you set, and the character you help to build, thanks, Coach! |