A well-made sports documentary can be far more compelling than any scripted drama. Theres no guarantee of a happy ending, no way to know how things are going to pan out for the characters in your story. There are real people behind it, genuine dramas unfolding in real time. Netflix has had a runaway hit on its hands recently with the competitive cheerleading series Cheer, but theyve also produced another stellar sports documentary series that may have slid under your radar in the last year Basketball or Nothing. And today, the day when March Madness 2020 was supposed to have launched, you need it more than ever.

This six-episode series follows one full season of the Chinle Wildcats, a boys high school basketball team in remote Chinle, Arizona, located in the Navajo Nation. The team has seen success in the past despite some disadvantages, theyve won regional titles and even advanced to the state Final Four. This year, though, they hope to do something no Chinle team has ever done bring a state championship back to the rez. Leading their charge is veteran head coach Raul Mendoza, who brings 40 years of coaching experience to his first year at Chinle. He finds a team with the passion to compete, if not the discipline and focus required to become champions. Its a storyline straight out of Hoosiers or Friday Night Lights, but the drama is only heightened by the knowledge that its real and unfolding before the cameras.

Mendoza inherits a roster with genuine talent star point guard Cooper Burbank is a once-in-a-generation talent for a school like Chinle, a player with Division 1 college aspirations. He and his teammates play a style of basketball they refer to as rezball, a fast-paced, loose, run-and-gun style that makes up for players lack of size by trying to outrun opponents. This style and its lack of priority given to playing defense frustrates the old-school Mendoza, who knows theyll need to become a more well-rounded team in order to go all the way.

This isnt just a sports story, though. Were shown the stakes for the players, many of whom are hoping to use basketball as a means to leave the reservation hoping for college scholarships, good jobs, and the money to provide a better life for their families. Poverty is widespread in the town, and like many towns, drug and alcohol abuse are rampant. There are few options provided to these kids. The game offers a slim but real sense of hope.

Through on-screen interviews and extensive time spent on their home lives, we really develop a connection with the players in Basketball Or Nothing good kids who want to do right. The most compelling story might be that of senior Josiah Tsosie, an undersized player who succeeds on sheer determination. His father abandoned his family when he was young, and Tsosie wants nothing more than an ability to provide for his single mother and younger sister. He speaks often of his dream of attending Arizona State University to become an electrical engineer, but knows that an athletic scholarship is likely out of reach. We also meet senior Chance Harvey, a sweet, thoughtful player whose father passed away unexpectedly when he was young; senior Dewayne Tom, who balances his athletic and school activities with responsibilities on his familys cattle farm, and junior Angelo Lewis, a talented big man who doesnt see college in his future. Each player is given substantial off-court screentime, which only serves to make the basketball drama more compelling as it unfolds.

And it is dramatic. The Wildcats season is an up-and-down struggle, punctuated by early losses and a devastating upset loss to an archrival. They often find themselves digging out of deep holes early in games, only to rally in sports-fiction-worthy fashion for buzzer-beating finishes. Coach Mendoza rails at their lack of discipline and makes lineup changes, while still serving as a comforting father figure to the players. By the time Chinle makes the regional playoffs, theyve already lived well more than a seasons worth of drama.

The best sports stories are about more than the game. Theyre about human dramas, the struggle and strain behind the box score. Stories of Native life are badly underrepresented in our culture, and Basketball Or Nothing uses the story of the Chinle Wildcats season to teach us about the lives, values, challenges and dreams of people that might not otherwise have their story told. When senior Tsosie learns something critical about his college aspirations in the final episode, its a tear-jerking moment that has little to do with the season thats just completed. Its not just a sports story its a human story.

Scott Hines is an architect, blogger and internet user who lives in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife, two young children, and a small, loud dog.

Stream Basketball or Nothing on Netflix

See the original post here:
'Basketball Or Nothing' on Netflix Will Fill The March Madness-Sized Hole In Your Life - Decider

London Life Coach Hans Schumannshares ideas for making the best out of staying at home during the coronavirus crisis. Your life does not need to be on hold! Hint: none of those tips involve booze or Netflix!

When it comes to the coronavirus, we are all in this together; but we are not in the same boat. You may well find yourself alone at home, either because you are in self-isolation or because your employer has asked you to work from home. You may also find that you have less work to do as this crisis will be putting a stop to many business activities across the globe.

If you are an employee of a cash-rich company, then good for you. You will probably continue to draw your salary.If you run your own business or work for one that has stopped trading, you could well be in a worse position. Last but not least, many of us will also be concerned about the health risks of the pandemic virus.

This article is by no means intended to trivialize the hardship that many of us will experience over the coming weeks or months, however, I would encourage you to find something positive in this difficult situation. Maybe that self-isolation and extra time at hand could be used to create a positive change in your life, or perhaps even new opportunities for your career or business?

Here are a few projects that you could take on while you are stuck at home, if indeed you are not actually ill (in which case you should rest!):

Most people are so busy running on a hamster wheel each day that they never make time to stop and review their life from a birds eye view. I recommend everybody to make time once a year to reflect on the big questions of your life, such as:

If you are in self-isolation, this could be a great opportunity to work through these questions in detail.A coach like myself can assist you with this. Coaching can be done very safely and effectively via Skype video calls.In fact, I receive my own coaching via Skype from people I have never met in person.

Hand on heart: Who here is guilty of having bought an online course in a bout of enthusiasm but then never completed it? I have for sure! Now is a great time to dig it out and work through the course; or buy a new one and actually complete it this time!

Maybe:

Speaking of your job, if you are dreaming of greener pastures, how about brushing up your CV and improving your LinkedIn profile? There are lots of guides on how to do this available on the internet or Amazon. You could even go further by reaching out to your network and contacting recruitment agencies or a coach to discuss your career plans.It is quite likely that over the coming weeks they will have more time to talk to you than normal.

If you find it hard to stand still and be alone, its likely that you would probably benefit from practicing exactly that. Learning to enjoy being mindful and practicing meditation can be life-changing. It can improve your emotional wellbeing, sharpen your mind and reduce stress levels. You may even find that mindfulness will open a door to a completely new joyful experience of life. There are plenty of online courses on mindfulness available; or try a meditation app such as Calm or Headspace.

This could be the most powerful of all the items on my list.Scholars of Positive Psychology tell us that social connections are the most important ingredient to our happiness; much more than our career, that dream job or looking beautiful.Maintaining healthy social connections is particularly important when you are in self-isolation. It helps you keep our mental health on track.

Thanks to modern technology we can still connect to others even when we have to stay at home alone. A skype video call will be almost like having the other person sitting next to you. How about making time to have calls with all those friends and family members that you have been neglecting recently? How cool would it be if this crisis actually brought us closer together despite social distancing?

And dont forget ordinary phone calls. When was the last time you spoke to a friend and truly listened to them, fully concentrating on their voice without browsing the internet at the same time?

Ever dreamed of running your own business? Do you have lots of ideas but dont know how to make them happen?How about taking one of those ideas and think them through in detail! You can download a basic business plan template from the internet that tells you about all the items to consider, such as the basic concept, ideal client, the pricing model, route to market, etc. Do a SWOT analysis (you can look that one up too!) and exchange ideas with your friends over Skype. You can also work with a coach to explore and test your ideas.

Perhaps you could start by creating a website for your business? Sites like Wix and Squarespace make it super easy and fun.

Get fit at home! How, you may wonder? Well, if you have free floor space of at least 1m x 2m, then thats all you need to do a tough workout. There are lots of apps that offer workout routines that dont require any equipment. My favorite is Freeletics. You tell the app your goals, basic stats and fitness levels and it will deliver weekly tailored fitness plans. You may be surprised how tough they can be.Exercises such as burpees, push-ups and lunges will increase your fitness very quickly.

Obviously, dont work out if you are actually ill with the coronavirus. In that case, your body will need all energy for recovery.

Do you know how much money and assets you have, and how much you spend on what? Do you have a nest egg and a retirement plan? These are topics that we tend to avoid, partly because retirement seems so far away, but also because we dont really want to look into our finances out of fear of what we might find.

Well, now is a good time to do exactly that. Dig out your bank statements and create a list of where your money goes. Are you spending too much on the wrong things? Do you have savings to help you through times of crisis like the one we are facing right now? Perhaps its time to change your spending and savings patterns?

If you find this hard to do, you dont need to do it alone:

Our home environment has a massive impact on our emotional wellbeing. Any of the following may well affect how you feel at home:

These things can be real energy-suckers. How about using your free time in self-isolation for a proper spring clean:

Then enjoy the wonderful feeling of a lighter and fresh environment.

Having sorted out your home, how about working on your outdoor space if you have any? Gardening is a fantastic activity with plenty of benefits such as:

Hopefully, one or two of the ideas in this article have inspired you to pick a project that creates a new opportunity in this time of social distancing.Maybe the list even promoted a better idea of your own?

It all boils down to a key life skill that I cherish:

Rather than focusing on what you canNOT do, focus on what you CAN do!

This mindset turns an unhelpful complaint into a resourceful question that can generate new solutions for your life.

Youare the master of your ownlife.What are you going to do with it?

Previously published here and reprinted with the authors permission.

Photo: Shutterstock

I am an Executive Career & Life Coach, with a background in law and financial services. A serious health crisis with an autoimmune disease, which was triggered by a burnout and made me housebound for almost two years, shook me up and prompted me to re-evaluate my life. I decided to leave the golden cage of corporate life and reconnect to my passion for personal growth: I retrained to become a transformational coach. I now help executives, professionals and business owners create and thrive in lives they truly love. Most of my clients are in established careers, but at a point where they are ready to up their game and create deeper fulfilment and greater success. For some of them thats about changing or progressing in their career. For others its about becoming more effective in what they already do, growing as leaders or creating a more balanced lifestyle. I am the author or the self-coaching book: Falling in Love With Your Job, available on Amazon. http://www.hansschumann.com

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10 Life Changing Things to Do While You Are in Self-Isolation - The Good Men Project

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Get the news you need to start your day

Wolf previously asked nonessential businesses to close. Now, he plans to enforce the order and will only allow physical operations for a selected group of businesses, which includes gas stations, farms, health-care facilities, and transit systems.

Public officials have called for a two- or three-week hiatus before reassessing the situation posed by the spread of the coronavirus. But experts have been running computer simulations and are now offering a reality check.

Since the death of Kobe Bryant, Lower Merion coach Gregg Downer has struggled to get used to his new reality. In fact, for the first time in 30 years of coaching, Downer missed several practices and skipped watching film before a game. He had to attend the memorial services for Bryant and his daughter Gianna in Los Angeles.

Cant think of anything cuter than a daydreaming pup . Thanks for sharing, @noahpoobear_thepup.

Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and well pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out!

To deny any child access to education for any reason is a human rights violation. Holding one child back to advance another is nonfeasance. And that should be a non-starter for the 21st century. Jennifer Stefano of the Commonwealth Foundation and Broad + Liberty, on embracing innovation and choice while schools are closed.

Need a break from binging shows on your streaming platform of choice? If youre looking for some local storytelling that illuminates the spirit of our region, check out some of the work our visual journalists have been producing lately.

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Gov. Wolf orders all but life-sustaining Pa. businesses to close; experts weigh in on when things will retur - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Welcome to my show Let's Ask the Angels on Blogtalk Radio!

I am your host, Barbara Calvano, Angel Intuitive and Life Coach ofwww.bcalvanocoaching.com

Join me for my next LIVE show or on replay Saturday March 21,2020 4pm ET, 1 pmPT "THe POwer of Grace"... I will be sharing a powerful healing angel messages for the Spring Equinox and channel a healing meditation to manage stress andanxiety for these special times.

This will be a special 90 minute show with extra time for readings!

Call in for a FREE reading, life coachingand energy clearingat 424-675-6837.

I will be sharing the upcoming messages for the week and betakingyour listener calls for readings.

Theweekly message is from the Wild Kuan Yin Oracle by Alana Fairchild.

Hope to have you join me! Angel light and love, Barbara

For FREE resources and to stay updated on radio shows, events, Facebook LIVE follow me at:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/letsasktheangels

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To book a personal session with me by phone, Skype, Facetime, Zoom and in person bcalvano-coaching@usa.net

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NEIL LENNON says that it would have been a disaster had Scott Brown been allowed to leave Celtic, as he revealed he hopes to keep his captain at the club as a coach after he retires from playing.

Back in late 2018, Brown was considering an offer from new Australian club Western Melbourne FC to become the man they would build their project around, before declaring he had gone with his heart by signing a new deal to remain at Celtic.

That decision has been vindicated as he played an integral part in securing a ninth title in a row and a third consecutive Treble last season.

He followed that up by making 50 appearances as Celtic chased a fourth domestic clean sweep before the coronavirus shutdown disrupted this campaign, suggesting there is plenty life left in Brown as a player yet.

But when the time comes for him to hang up his boots, the Celtic manager is keen to keep him around the club.

I wasnt here at the time but when I heard the talk about him possibly going to Australia, I thought it would have been a disaster, Lennon said.

As far as I am concerned, when he stops playing there will be a coaching role for Scott here at the club. I would offer him something straight away.

"For me, it is the obvious path for him in the future. He is doing his badges at the minute and I would definitely want him around the place when he stops playing.

The rest is here:
Neil Lennon to offer Scott Brown coaching role as he outlines why it would have been a disaster if captain left Celtic - Glasgow Times

with Rebecca Mandeville, MA, MFT

I wanted to get out a quick blog post to address the current stress many of us are feeling as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Below this message you will find a list of resources that I sent out to my psychotherapy and coaching clients today; it is my hope that the resources, articles, and links I included will contribute positively to you and your loved ones mental, emotional, and physical well-being during this global health emergency particularly those of you who have been ordered by your government to shelter-in-place.

Many states and local governments are instituting restrictions on community gatherings, travel, and attendance at work and school, as well as orders to shelter-in-place. This overabundance of caution is meant to help prevent the spread of illness, but can also result in people feeling isolated and restless.

Please be sure to stay connected with your friends and loved ones through phone, text, video chat, and social media; both to check on their well being and to ensure your own social needs are being met.

Take care to maintain as normal a routine as possible, and be sure to get some fresh air, enough sleep, healthy meals and snacks, physical activity and stretching (at least 10 minutes a day), and stay hydrated! If your work or school routine has been interrupted, use the found time to work on a creative project, catch up on reading/podcasts/TV binging, or complete some items on your to do list that have been put off for a rainy day.

Fortunately most of us are not in a high-risk category, but if you do have questions or feel symptomatic, contact your primary care physician, urgent care center, telehealth provider, or other healthcare provider for evaluation.

There is a lot of misinformation being shared in the media and through word of mouth. Please rely on information from the CDC and WHO to ensure accuracy and timeliness of data and guidance.

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Take good care of you and be well!

With Care, Rebecca

Rebecca C. Mandeville, MA, MFT

Rebecca C. Mandeville, LMFT, is an internationally recognized expert in recovering from the negative effects of being raised in a dysfunctional family system. She served as Core Faculty at the world-renowned 'Institute of Transpersonal Psychology', and is a pioneer in researching, identifying, defining, and bringing attention to what she terms Family Scapegoat Abuse (FSA).

Rebecca works with clients online via a secure video platform as a Counselor and Childhood Trauma Recovery Life Coach. You may email her at [emailprotected] to set up your free online (video) consultation to see if her counseling or coaching services are right for you. You may also visit Rebecca's website to learn more about Family Scapegoat Abuse and her introductory eBook on FSA.

When not seeing clients in her counseling and coaching practices, Rebecca finds inspiration for compassionate living by spending time in nature and caring for her family of animals.

APA Reference Mandeville, R. (2020). Covid-19 Total Well-Being Online Resource Guide. Psych Central. Retrieved on March 22, 2020, from https://blogs.psychcentral.com/scapegoat-recovery/2020/03/covid-19-coronavirus-total-well-being-online-resource-guide/

Last updated: 22 Mar 2020 Statement of review: Psych Central does not review the content that appears in our blog network (blogs.psychcentral.com) prior to publication. All opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the author alone, and do not reflect the views of the editorial staff or management of Psych Central. Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.

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Covid-19 Total Well-Being Online Resource Guide - PsychCentral.com

Greg Swepston, left, is pictured with Major League Baseball Hall of Fame member Harmon Killebrew one year at the Marion County Youth Foundation's Charity Celebrity Golf Outing fundraiser. The inscription to him on this picture reads, "Adding both our Major League home run totals together, we have accumulated 573 homeruns!" Besides being a coach, teacher and administrator at Marion Harding, Swepston worked for decades as a pro baseball scout.(Photo: USA Today Network-Ohio file photo)

MARION - There were many sides to Greg Swepston and all of them were good.

Marty Riggs is a retired educator and former athletic director now living in Marion, but that's not how he met Sweppy. Riggs works as an usher at Huntington Park for the Columbus Clippers, and three years ago a stranger who was to sit in his section struck up a conversation.

"He immediately introduced himself to me and asked where I lived," Riggs said."I told him Marion, Ohio, and he immediately said, 'You are now known as Marty Marionto me and whoever I bring to a game at the stadium.'"

The two quickly bonded over baseball, which they both loved, and became good friends withSweppy always sitting in Riggs' section and Riggs sneaking him Cracker Jack or peanuts.

That was Greg Swepston, a gregarious people person where often strangers became friends.

When Dave Gorenflo was in eighth grade in the 1960s at Eber Baker Middle School downtown, Swepston was a young, single, teacher and coach who would often get dinner a block away at Murphy's lunch counter.

One day Swepston gave Gorenflo money to get him a meal. When he returned, Sweppy frantically went through the baglooking for a straw.

"I immediately ran back to Murphys to get a straw," Gorenflo said.

A few weeks later, Swepston asked him to make another food run for him, and Gorenflo made sure he picked up a straw.

"When I delivered supper, he took the lid off his Coke and began drinking," Gorenflo said."I said, 'Coach, there is a straw in the bag,'to which he responded, 'Straws are for sissies.'I still rarely use a straw, and my son will tell you its because straws are for sissies."

That was Greg Swepston, forever playful, lighthearted and fun, setting up a joke that wouldn't pay off for days.

Ed Bell of the Marion Youth Foundation (left) presents a plaque to Greg Swepston acknowledging Sweptson's 16 years as the organziation's celebrity contact committee chairman. During his time as chairman Swepston was instrumental in bringing 52 new celebrities to the Charity/Celebrity Golf and Dinner Outing.(Photo: File photo)

When Harding grad Dave White was in college, he came home in November of 1969 as his father was nearing the end of his life. White went to the hospital to sit with himand offer his mother some rest.

"Alone with my dad, I was having a rough time," White said."He was restless and irritable. I sat down in the dark room to feel sorry for myself. I looked up to see a figure walk into the room. It was Coach Swepston. He stated that he couldnt sleep and thought I might need company. It was 2in the morning."

That was Greg Swepston, kind, empathetic,always thinking of others andalways there when needed most.

Sadly for those who knew him and loved him, Sweppy is gone.

The former Marion City Schools teacher, coach, administrator, athletic director and unofficial advocate for all things Harding, Marion and Marion County died this week after a year-long battle with cancer. He was just days shy of his 82nd birthday.

At least we think he was going to be 82. He might have been much, much older.

Swepston was the AD at Marion Harding from 1983 through 1993, shepherding the Presidents athletic programs through the breakup of the Buckeye Conference and into the Ohio Heartland Conference.

As a member of the OHC, the league's ADs often got together for business at a different restaurant. Turns out Ashland's Ev DeVaul was Sweppy's kindred spirit as he would pull the waitress aside and tell her it was Swepston's birthday so they would get a free dessert. Sweppy dutifully played along every time.

When 1969 Harding grad Bob Cyders ran into Swepston inAshland, he told his former teacher and coach that he looked good, to which DeVaul quipped,"Yeah, he must be 134 years old."

View Gregory Swepston's Obituary on marionstar.com and share memories

Swepston was born in Columbus on March 26, 1938. He graduated from Aquinas College High School in 1956, where his gym teacher was none other than George Steinbrenner.

He worked multiple jobs as a studentat Ohio State, and when he graduated, his first gig was as a teacher and coach in Marion City Schools. Just as friends became family for Swepston, Marion became his hometown.

That's obvious by the number of boards,associations, committees and task forces Swepston was a part of over the decades. However,there was one in which he became synonymous and that was the annual Charity-Celebrity Golf Outing, which is a fundraiser for the Marion County Youth Foundation.

"Each summer as celebrity director for the Charity-Celebrity Golf Tournament, he would work on a time and place for me to interview the long list of celebrities he had been able to get to attend the event," former Marion Star sports writer Bob Putman said. "I have been told the word of mouth from one celebrity to another led to them attending, and it was because of Swep."

Sweppy knew people, lots of people. More so, he had a way of making connections many struggle to make.

"Greg Swepston was one of the finest coaches and administrators I ever worked with," former Harding Principal John Steward said."He had a special talent in his wit and how he worked with people.He understood how to get thebest out of his athletes and was highly respected as a coach."

Swepston was the high school baseball head coach in the late 1960s and early 1970s and spent two years as the head boys basketball coach. Prior to that he coached at all the sub-varsity levels, including football.

"I will always remember the consistent authentic praise we received. It was a demonstration of the instinct he had for bringing out the best in each of his athletes," Cyders said.

To say Swepston was a players' coaches was an understatement. Back when he was coaching baseball, Harding had no buses, so that meant players rode in cars to games.

One day, Sweppy bought a new car and the team was admiring it.

"All-Ohio pitcher Harry Fry, who would be drafted by the Cleveland Indians right out of high school, said 'Coach, can I ride with you this year?'Without skipping a beatCoach Swepston retorted, 'If you make the team Fry,'" Gorenflo said.

Greg Swepston(Photo: Submitted)

Even though his career took him away from coaching, sports were central to his life. He worked as a talent scout for the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Six for decades, so baseball was his first love. Or was it?

Ohio State football and basketball were centerpieces for him as well.

For six of the last eight New Year's Eves, WMRN's Jeff Ruth and his son Bryan would have dinner with Swepston and his brother Barry wherever the Buckeyes were playing their bowl game.

"He would never, ever let us spend a dime on anything," Ruth said."He would always lead the restaurant in chants of OH-IO and loved his beloved Buckeyes."

That love went back to his youth when Heisman Trophy winner Hopalong Cassidy was starring for Ohio State. That's why Swepston always wore No. 40 when he was a standout prep baseball player who also played semipro ball.

Dave Webster was with Sweppy for Ohio State's first football game after the death of Cassidy this fall. A reporter looking for a Cassidy angle asked Webster if he thought Swepston would be a good person to talk to.

"I told him that with Greghe hit the jackpot," Webster said."He spoke with Greg for a good 10-15 minutes, and in the fourth quarter came to our seats to get some more video footage."

Just as important to Swepston was Harding High School athletics. Long retired from the school, he never removed himself from its sports. He spoke every year at the basketball banquet and was ever-present at all kinds ofgames, still making connections to current athletes. He was a charter member of the Harding Hall of Fame committee and was inducted into the hall in 2004.

"He particularly would provide us with stat sheets and game summaries for basketball games with underlining, highlighting on a card stock paper the day after the games," current Harding AD Sean Kearns said."When he dropped them off to the athletic office, he would always accompany the report with a moon pie, ho-ho or other pastry."

That was Greg Swepston, as good a man as Marion's ever seen.

rmccurdy@gannett.com

Work 740-375-5158

Cell 419-610-0998

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Former Marion Harding baseball coaches past and present pose for a photograph at the 2011 First Pitch baseball banquet held at Harding High School. From left is Chad Thrush, Brett McCrery, Greg Swepston, Mike Pace, and Larry Merchant.(Photo: James Miller/The Marion Star, James Miller/The Marion Star)

The rest is here:
Greg Swepston, as good a man as Marion's seen, will be missed after his passing this week - Marion Star

On first visit, Alan Solomons could never have known that Ravenhill, its stadium and its people, would have such a profound effect on his life.

s an assistant with the Springboks, the night the South African 'A' side arrived in Belfast in 1998 was far from the most glamorous stop on their tour.

Sandwiched between full-blown Test matches against Ireland and England, the game against the Irish second string was something of an afterthought.

Indeed the 'Boks frontliners were already in London preparing for Twickenham while their dirt-trackers were in front of a 10,000-strong crowd and dismantling a team that included the likes of David Humphreys, Anthony Foley, Jeremy Davidson and a then-uncapped tight-head named John Hayes.

While the world champions moved on without much of a second thought, Solomons next visit to these shores would last considerably longer.

In many ways, it's still ongoing.

Three years later, his coaching career had looked set to take him to New Zealand before he got word of interest from Belfast, erstwhile Ulster back-rower Dion O'Cuinneagain helping to sell his former coach on the idea.

"It was out of the blue but Syd Miller, who is one of the finest rugby people I've ever met, spoke to Rian Oberholzer who was the chief executive of the South African Rugby Union at the time," Solomons remembers. "I had done the Stormers for years and I had a concrete offer elsewhere but I thought it was something that I had to give consideration. I didn't know much about Northern Ireland at all but I spoke to Dion who I'd coached at Western Province and even further back from the University of Cape Town. Dion was very fulsome in his praise of the province and the people.

Ravenhill was very different. Not the fancy place it is now which looks great, but I loved that old stadium, I really did.

"He just said it was a great place, he was so positive that it definitely had a big influence on my decision.

"I met with everyone and weighed everything up. The people that I met on the rugby committee all seemed very nice so I thought, let's take this opportunity and I took the job.

"I flew to Belfast at the end of June 2001, not long before the twelfth. We were staying on the Lagan at first where there was a bit of activity but we quickly loved the place. The people were fantastic.

"One of the first talks I gave was at a rugby club and a lady came up to me and told me that I'd never leave.

"And I haven't. For all the jobs I've had since, it's still Helen's Bay and my house there that's home."

A former lawyer who specialised in litigation, Solomons joined Ulster at an interesting time. By and large, the European Cup winning side of 1999 had gone their separate ways and the team had won only once in the Heineken Cup since that unforgettable day against Colomiers in Lansdowne Road. Further still, he would be guiding the side into uncharted territory, his first game in charge coming against Swansea as the Celtic League, precursor to the PRO14, began its inaugural campaign.

A man who took his rugby so seriously he famously would have players train on Christmas day during his early career, the native of the Eastern Cape quickly set about addressing the work required to bring his new side up to speed, authoring his "Vision Ulster" document that outlined problems with player conditioning, skill levels and the lack of a pathway for young players.

"In fairness, Ulster had never really been a professional team," he says. "There just weren't enough games. There were just the interpros and the European games. I felt that in terms of professionalism, they hadn't been exposed to it. In South Africa, to be honest, I was saying from the early 80's, the game may as well have been professional. When I was coaching in the university, the provincial guys were all getting paid then. I know just from some of my mates that there were guys getting paid in the 70's. Professionalism had been there for a long time.

Close

Alan Solomons returned to the revamped Ravenhill with Edinburgh but it was the old ground that stole his heart.

INPHO/Presseye/Matt Mackey

"From my career, I'd been exposed to a lot and part and parcel of the job was to bring that to Ulster. Immediately I thought that everyone was very supportive, from Mike Reid the CEO to my assistant Sarah Sherry, but we had deficiencies in certain areas where we needed to get players that would help bring things along.

"We signed players who knew all about what was needed, people like Rod Moore who came through the Brumbies, Kempo (Robbi Kempson) who came from the Sharks and Matt Sexton who came from the Crusaders, they really helped the process. It was about bringing that experience of professionalism to Ulster."

Improvement was stark and the reputation of Ravenhill as one of the toughest places to visit in Europe restored. Solomons' sides went undefeated in his final 21 games in BT6, a mark that, although recently equalled by Dan McFarland's current side, remains the province's longest ever run in the pro era.

"When I arrived, I was used to Newlands, which was state-of-the art then. Ravenhill was very different," he recalls.

I remember saying to Neil Best, 'I don't think this guy wants to be here today, you go out and make sure.'

"Not the fancy place it is now which looks great, but I loved that old stadium, I really did.

"The first game, it was sold out and it had an unbelievable atmosphere.

"What I loved about Ulster was that they had supporters, not fans. A fan is here today and gone tomorrow but supporters are the people there through thick and thin. When I came there, yes it had been a little bit tough in the seasons just past but the supporters were still there in their droves and I really respected that.

"As we progressed and developed as a team I believed in my heart and soul, and was proven to be right most of the time, that nobody could beat us there.

"We were a physical outfit. We didn't have the big names but we had good players. Kempson, Moore and Sexton up front, Jeremy Davidson who had played for the Lions, Andy Ward, David Humphreys and Tyrone Howe who had all played for Ireland.

"We were good but more important was that teams didn't like playing us and they didn't like playing there (Ravenhill).

"The weather wasn't the finest, and guys would come to this ground with all the tradition, all the history and the atmosphere and it just wasn't welcoming.

"I remember one game we were playing against Leinster, a wet and windy night in Belfast, and they had an Irish international in the back-row.

"I remember saying to Neil Best, 'I don't think this guy wants to be here today, you go out and make sure.'

"Which, being Neil, of course he did."

His time at Ulster, which brought with it silverware in the shape of the first edition of the short-lived Celtic Cup, would come to an end in 2004 before an ill-fated stint at Northampton lasted just ten games. Spells with the Southern Kings and Edinburgh followed before he was back in the Premiership and his current role as Worcester Warriors Director of Rugby.

Knowing that the IRFU's desire for indigenous coaches meant Mark McCall had long been seen as his natural successor at Ulster, it's a similar gig to the one he once hoped for in Belfast. And it's the similarities between the squad he has now at Sixways and the one he once nurtured at Ravenhill that keep him so invested in the game as he approaches his 70th birthday this summer.

"I remember before my last year at Ulster we went to Durban for a camp and Andy Ward, who was a fantastic captain for me, said it was like a creche, we had so many youngsters coming through," he says. "Tommy Bowe, Neil McMillan, Neil Best, Seamus Mallon and Roger Wilson, they were all coming through then and it gave me a real kick.

"I'm a university man at heart, back to my days coaching in Cape Town and I love to see young players coming through. Everywhere I've been, back in South Africa with Bobby Skinstad, Percy Montgomery, Robbie Fleck, at Edinburgh with Jamie Ritchie, Magnus Bradbury, Hamish Watson, Blair Kinghorn, when I look at our guys in Worcester now, it's the same and it gives me that same kick.

"Obviously the world is a different place now and the people have changed but for me I suppose it seems seamless because I've never been away from it, I've never stopped coaching.

"Technology changes but the basic principles don't move greatly. Core values still resonate with young players and young people.

"I've a simple philosophy. The three most important things are integrity, selflessness and professionalism. Those things resonate and always have.

"You look at the people before you look at the players and we've some great people at Worcester.

"It's been a tough old job but I'm so optimistic about where we're going."

No sign of retirement in the offing just yet. The lure of Helen's Bay will wait that little bit longer.

Belfast Telegraph

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Our Sporting Lives with Alan Solomons: Someone told me I'd never leave and they were right - Helen's Bay is still home to me - Belfast Telegraph

Joyce Willson, Hansville Published 8:31 a.m. PT March 20, 2020

Thank you, Kitsap Sun, for addressing the coaches stipends in your March 19th article, 'Not all school districts planning to pay coaches.'

As the article noted, most districts plan to pay coaches. Unfortunately, the North Kitsap School District (NKSD) intends to pay the coaches for only eight days, a prorated amount for the time before everything was called off. Why is NKSD refusing to pay these hardworking, dedicated employees? The money saved by not paying coaches is only a small part of the more significant savings of canceling all sports.

Coaches get paid for the season they coach, which does not account for the actual work they perform during the off season. Coaches spend time planning for the season, assess equipment needs, take classes, fundraise, work with parents, and many other activities.

When you ask anyone, Who was the most influential person during your high school years? the majority answer, my coach. Coaches spend more time with students than most other school employees. They are with students a minimum of three hours a day, six days a week. Besides coaching, they provide life skills, positive attitudes, lessons on sportsmanship, and the rewards of hard work.

Coaches have not stopped coaching because of the suspension of spring sports. They continue to provide general suggestions to their athletes on how to stay in shape, how to improve their technique, and keep parents updated.

NKSD needs to take a lesson from the other Kitsap County schools and pay their coaches!

Joyce Willson, Hansville

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North Kitsap needs to pay its coaches - Kitsap Sun

A little less than four months since SCCC approved fielding New Jerseys first junior-college football program, Todd Poltersdorf, the Skylanders head coach and schools director of admissions, said there are just shy of 70 players committed to compete in its opening season.

If the season started tomorrow, the Sussex County Community College football program would have more than enough players to line up for kickoff.

A little less than four months since SCCC approved fielding New Jerseys first junior-college football program, Todd Poltersdorf, the Skylanders head coach and schools director of admissions, said there are just shy of 70 players committed to compete in its opening season.

The overwhelming support from the community has been awesome, Poltersdorf said. Everybody keeps saying the same message: Finally! Its finally here! I think its important. Obviously its the first one, thats historical, but the support, not only on our campus but in the county, has been great.

The jerseys and helmets are ordered and workout plans initiated for the Skylanders inaugural team. A staff of seven coaches is now in place.

Poltersdorf can begin holding practice for a limited time in mid-June with official camp due to begin on Aug. 3.

The Skylanders have 10 games scheduled and will play their home games on Saturday nights at Newton High School. They are set to open the season on Aug. 29 at Hocking Community College in Nelsonville, Ohio.

We are looking forward to the addition of football, as well as wrestling, to our athletic offerings, SCCC athletic director John Kuntz said. These two sports will help to generate more excitement about SCCC sports, and Im sure will add more success to our already successful sports team.

Poltersdorf has spent the last three months speaking to high school coaches across the state and attending clinics to get the word out about the new program. Some coaches learned the news and reached out to Poltersdorf themselves.

The team has recruited throughout the state of New Jersey, along with Pennsylvania, New York and as far as Washington, D.C.

We wanted to establish recruiting ties in the state of New Jersey where we could start building a relationship with high school coaches and being able to have kids transition to us, Poltersdorf said. Thats important. In anything you do in life, you need to have relationships.

Coaches need to trust you that youre taking care of their kids and youre going to help those kids move onto the next level. Thats the blessing of being able to say were the first program is we can establish those ties in some of the areas in New Jersey.

The creation of SCCCs football team will also allow area fans to watch some of Sussex Countys high school standouts for another two years.

Former Herald Player of the Year Jacob Mafaro of Kittatinny, along with 2019 Herald First Teamers Nick Molinari of Lenape Valley, Sussex Techs Brendan Hall, Hopatcongs Roger White and Wallkill Valleys Cole Weekley, are all committed to play for the Skylanders next fall.

Its really about trying to find the pieces to the puzzle that are going to fit your offense, fit your defense and trying to build, Poltersdorf said. When you build any team, you want kids that are going to fit your scheme and your system. It wasnt a question of, Hey, lets take this kid because hes a body.

From the beginning, it was about, What kids are going to fit us best at what were going to try to do from an offensive standpoint and from a defensive standpoint?

Poltersdorf, who spent the last six seasons coaching between Sussex Tech and Wallkill Valley, said he expects the Skylanders to deploy a power-running scheme on offense.

On defense, where Poltersdorf has spent most of his time coaching recently, SCCC hopes to fly to the ball and play physical.

Were going to be a team that tries to control the ball, the line of scrimmage and the possession time, Poltersdorf said. We want those things in our favor and we want to be able to keep some of the high-powered offense that were playing on the sideline as long as possible. To do that, it starts with having a physical mentality.

Around 50 of the committed players have already met with the staff to begin a lifting program.

Now, Poltersdorf has to make sure everything else is in place to start practicing less than three months from now.

And he will try to continue to build a strong foundation to sustain the SCCC football program for many years to come.

I hope we continue to get to our numbers, Poltersdorf said. Our goal has always been to get to that 70 or 75, which I definitely think well get to. I would really love to see us get to that 85 or 90 mark, thats where Im pushing to go now.

I have to thank the support of the community and the school and everybody who has been involved in this process. I think its going to be awesome.

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SCCC football on strong foundation to start - New Jersey Herald