BY COREY STOLZENBACH sports@dcherald.com

Southridge basketball coach Greg Werner talks to his team before a recent game in Huntingburg. Werner recorded his 300th win Tuesday. Marlena Sloss/The Herald

HUNTINGBURG Greg Werner said his players didn't know he got his 300th career victory on Tuesday, and thats how he wanted it.

All he cared about was seeing the smiles on their faces after Southridge triumphed at Evansville Mater Dei, 48-41. Werner said its something his players can cherish when they look back on things after they're finished. He said its an honor, but added that it isnt about him. Werner praised his players and coaching staff for helping make it happen.

This isnt something you do as one, Werner said. This is something you do as a team, from the water boy to water girl, all the way through our JV players, all the way through our varsity players, all the way through our coaching staff, our video crew. All that stuff. We stick together as one in order to be able to accomplish this.

While in school, Werner weighed what he wanted to be as he was growing up. The 1991 Northeast Dubois graduate played in the front court for the Jeeps, and it was by the time of his last year that he decided he wanted to teach business and become a coach. His sport was baseball, and he played it at Oakland City University. But he loved basketball. He wanted others to experience his love for the game, and his players to work together as a team. Werner said coaching is teaching, and players will see the gains they need to have if they have a good teacher. He said players will fall in love with the game, too, if they see the improvements they are making.

He credited many of his coaches at Northeast Dubois with being an influence in his life. Werner said it started with junior high coach Duane Denu in eighth grade. He said Denu was tough, but knew he cared about him, and that Denu pushed his players to be good. Werner had a lot of respect for coach Brian Wilson, now the principal at Jasper, and his junior varsity coach, Rick Gladish. He also credited his high school basketball coach, Alan Matheis, and some of his younger coaches in Butch Bonifer and Gary Bair.

Southridge was where it all started for him. Werner did his student teaching at Southridge, and was a varsity assistant under Ray Roesner when he was a senior in college. Werner enjoyed his time under Roesner, and he undertook the coachs mantle midway through the 1994-95 season when Southridge needed a freshman boys coach. What followed next was when he began coaching girls varsity at Washington Catholic during the 1995-96 season.

Werner doesn't remember his first win at Washington Catholic, but does remember that first team won five games. He called his first season there a rebuilding situation, and likened it to the current Southridge team in terms of youth. The Cardinals got better when he was there, winning multiple regional titles. He left after 2001-02 and coached the next two seasons at Greenburg, going 14-28 in the process. Most of his wins, though, have come at Southridge, where he first took over the varsity girls team in 2004-05 and won sectional championships in 2007 and 2014. Werner is 196-80 in two stints as coach of the Raiders.

There are some losses that stick out to Werner in his time as a coach. He recalled losing in the sectional semifinal in overtime in 2012 against Evansville Mater Dei, who went on to win its first of two consecutive Class 2A state championships. Werner recalled the Wildcats having size, while Southridge was a small school. He said it still meant a lot even though Southridge lost.

It gives your kids an opportunity to know that they can be as good as anybody, he said.

Werner talked about the regional championships at Washington Catholic and sectional championships at Southridge as some of his more memorable wins, but also remembered when the Raiders met No. 1 Princeton in the sectional semifinal in 2016. The Tigers had Jackie Young, now of the WNBAs Las Vegas Aces. Werner said Young was one of the best players hes ever seen as a coach and likened her to LeBron James. She helped lead Princeton to a 53-game winning streak and a state championship as a junior in 2015. Her team lost only one game when she was a senior, and it was against Werners Raiders, 34-33.

The biggest win has to be the Princeton game, and kids executing the game plan to perfection, he said.

Werner said he got a sour taste in his mouth, though, from not being able to finish off the sectional tournament, as Southridge fell to Vincennes Lincoln in the championship game.

Werner is in the midst of trying to bring back a winning culture to the Raiders after three years away from the team. They are 4-3, and didnt get their fourth win last year until Jan. 8. Southridge won all of four games two years ago. He said the first thing that's needed is trust, and trust is built through communication and relationships. Werner said his players will do what they need to do if he can build relationships as a coach. He added the players must have the want and desire to be successful, which the current Southridge team has had, but cannot lose it.

He said Southridge still has a way to go, but absolutely has been making progress. Werner knows the Raiders can move forward if they stay healthy. He will try to get win No. 301 in Southridges next game on Monday at Boonville.

Theyre starting to get it, Werner said. They've just got to start getting more consistent.

Go here to see the original:
Southridge's Werner reflects on 300th win - The Herald

When the emotional darkness of a full onslaught severe depression clung like a blanket to Kansas Newman University basketball coach Mark Potter, he knew it was time to get help. Earlier, he had called his wife Nanette crying. As Nanette peered into his eyes that very night, and asked the all-important question that he now admits probably saved his emotional life. Do you need me to take you to that event tonight Mark? Potter paused and admitted, Yes, I need help. Immediately, his wife called several phone numbers listed on the back of his insurance card and finally secured an appointment with a psychiatrist.

However, when the appointment time arrived two days later, Potter slid back in his chair announcing, Im not going and you cant make me, but Nanette boldly advised, that either theyd ask one of Potters burly, tall athletes to put Potter in the car, or he could get in by himself. Ok, Ill get in the car, Potter said.

After the appointment and starting on a prescription for medication, Potter hunkered down at home for a couple of weeks before finally opening his computer, and then talking with his team. He then eventually shared his message of hope and help for depression by forming his own company D2UP.org two years ago.

Coach Potter revealed his deeply personal story to a packed crowd Monday night Nov. 18 when a largely farming community gathered at the historic Blair Theater in Belleville, Kan.

Even with coaching over 800 games in 30 years at the college and high school levels, re-starting Newman Universitys mens basketball team which transitioned to the NCAA Division II level, recently inducted into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame, being a prior college basketball and baseball player himself Coach Potter from Sedan, Kan., acknowledged his biggest emotional victory is now his personal, raw story of climbing out of Depression/The Silent Epidemic 13 years ago when he knew something wasnt right. The presentation was sponsored by a Culture of Health Grant and Kansas State University Research and Extension River Valley District.

Im on a mission now, Potter said. I want to talk to every farmer, every school. The suicide rate for farmers in northwest Kansas has risen dramatically. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death in ages 10 to 45 and its an epidemic. Why do we not go get help when its the one thing we need? Potter questioned the packed crowd gathered inside the theater. Not everyone needs to take medication for depression, but its okay to swallow some pride if youre a little bit broken.

I know how small communities are, because I grew up in one. We all have our pride, and we have Facebook and social media. Theres a lot of positive about social media, but do you know what we put on social media? Its those cute pictures and we try to paint this picture of a perfect family, Potter told the audience. And, I grew up in a tough family and we didnt talk about those issues. After going through severe depression, now I talk about it.

CAREGIVERS ROLE

Awareness of a caregivers role in being supportive, was heightened when Potters wife took her turn, on the stage. I taught school for 32 years and had a lot of training on de-escalation, but I didnt even recognize when my husband had mental illness, Nanette said. Then, I went to every therapy appointment with him.

If someone is falling through the cracks with their medication, Potter noted they can get a saliva test where theyll get a swab of their cheek, which is sent in to a lab, and that can help in narrowing down the right medication.

Sports stories hit especially close to home. And, Im speaking for the males here now. If youre struggling; I tell athletes when I travel in Los Angeles, New York City, anywhere, I tell them forget toughness just get help. Then we can deal with the toughness.

I just knew I was going to do this, Coach Potter wiped tears while recounting several tragic stories of people who, sadly never decided to get help, like the grandson of retired legendary Kansas State University football coach Bill Snyder. Snyders grandson died by suicide a year and a half ago.

Digging deep into his own story, Potter shared, when his severe depression hit, interestingly, his full life had so many positive elements at the time. My team was doing great, so was my marriage and children, but then everyday issues with the players seemed like 100 times magnified and my thought process was like, whats goin on here? Thats a chemical imbalance in the brain, Potter said. I was beginning to have dark thoughts. I remember driving and tears were rolling down my face. I thought, I sure wasnt going to tell my students or even my wife, but since then as you know, Ive learned you must go the doctor and get it fixed, he said, adding, A chemical imbalance can be addressed through medication, counseling or a combination.

Many of you here probably were raised that we dont talk about it. I think our generation, and generations before us have failed, because people have been suffering in silence with depression, Potter said.

When his depression struck, Potter said he didnt know what he was going through. I thought I was the only one. Then, I learned other coaches suffered from depression, too.

Potter learned that others suffering from severe depression were also relieved to be able to talk about it, but he said it was staggering what he learned from his own parents.

My mom said, What can I do to help you? And it turns out she too suffered from depression, Potter said. When his parents saw he was struggling, his dad also admitted he was on medication for depression for nearly 30 years.

Its the silence thats attached to whats now an epidemic. How many of you have been silent? Potter queried. Well, Im the most guilty person here I used to be silent. We pretended to be the perfect family. Were still trying to be the perfect family.

As he continued pouring his heart out, Potter said, Im intent on sharing so you can get the most out of your talent in whatever you do. There can be more peace in your life I can promise you that. Im not depressed now because of medication.

The only wrong thing you can do is to do nothing at all, Nanette said. Please share with your own family, or a trusted friend.

When I think about all the things Mark wouldve missed if I hadnt done something, she said Im just going to hope and really pray that you here think about this differently now. We are the face of mental illness and it is treatable.

If you knew that you could save a life by talking about it knowing that its not always comfortable to open up, you will save and change lives, Potter said. Im thankful to this day, that my wife didnt take no for an answer.

Hadachek is a freelance writer who lives on a farm with her husband in north central Kansas and is also a meteorologist and storm chaser. She can be reached at rotatingstorm2004@yahoo.com.

Read the original post:
Newman University basketball coach tells his story of depression and getting help - Fence Post

Ian Carrano@ic_sports1

Coaching a sport at any level is difficult enough, and coaching for the same program for 35 years is even tougher. Despite this challenge, Springfield College Diving Head Coach Peter Avdoulos has taken advantage of his opportunities and has significantly contributed to the colleges high level of success in diving.

Being named the NEWMAC mens diving coach of the year 14 times, winning seven National Championships, and coaching 111 All-Americans throughout his career, Avdoulos has secretly been one of the most successful coaches on campus.

Although his career has taken off significantly since graduating from Springfield College in 1985, he had a much different experience than most transitioning into becoming the legendary coach he is today.

Following his graduation, Avdoulos has stayed close to the colleges diving program. Growing up in East Longmeadow, he still had local access to Springfield Colleges athletic facilities. Shortly after his graduation, the diving coach position was eliminated, leaving the team without one. Wanting to help out some of his former teammates, he agreed to coach the team part-time, which turned out to become the full-time job.

It was a full-time position and so what happened was I live locally, and I had a job locally, Avdoulos said. I had teammates that were still here that didnt have a coach. So, I would come by after work and help them out. It just turned into once in a while, it turned into every day, and then they were expecting me to help them out.

Volunteering for the early part of his career, Avdoulos didnt initially believe he would end up becoming the full-time diving head coach until Athletics Director Edward S. Steitz decided to pay him for his contributions. However, as time progressed, he grew to enjoy coaching at the college level.

I just kind of wanted to give back and help the teammates who were still here. I never thought Id be a coach, he said. At first I was kind of skeptical coaching because I didnt know what the heck I was doing. But then, as soon as you can help somebody get better, its kind of infectious. Its like, Okay maybe Im okay at this.

Amidst all the success Avdoulos has found coaching diving over three decades, a lot of it can be connected to his ability to find talent.

Over the past two seasons, hes coached eight All-American divers, including eight divers who earned Diver of the Year awards from the 2007-2015 seasons. With the consistent amount of talent he brings in every year, Avdoulos explained what he looks for out of high-school divers.

Basically, just the love of the sport, potential, dedication. A lot of high school divers are worried that they dont have the repertoire to come in and dive in college, Avdoulos said. I just need someone that is motivated and coachable and has potential. If they buy into the program, theyre going to get better.

Valuing the approach to the sport rather than physical talent, his technique to scouting shows his desire to work with divers who he views has the highest potential and hard-working mentality.

Im looking for kind of a mentality instead of already fantastic, already really good at diving. More potential then proven skills, he said. I mean typically when somebody is already really good theyre going to go after D-I scholarships. I just try to develop from kind of the bottom up.

With a desire to get the most out of his divers, Avdoulos teams stick to fundamentals within his practices. While his team spends a lot of time in the pool, they also spend some time on land. Directing dry-land activities and strength training, he has his athletes spend two days a week with strength and conditioning coaches to balance out their workouts.

Along with the strength training workouts, Avdoulos uses accessories to help his divers perfect their craft. Attaching a harness to the diving board, divers are given an opportunity to practice their tricks with a sense of security to avoid hitting the water.

Like in most sports, technology in diving has played a vital role in allowing athletes to watch their performances to fix their mistakes in practice and in meets. Thats no different with Springfield College diving, which also uses an instant replay system to see visually where their dives need correcting. Understanding people grasp new concepts differently, Avdoulos has made sure to give his divers feedback prior to viewing the film.

As more of a personal coach, Avdoulos is able to get the most out of athletes. Understanding the abilities of his divers, hes been able to build relationships with them and help them execute dives with his vast knowledge of the sport. Seeing first-hand his command of his divers and of the sport, senior Valmore Stewart acknowledged his strong ability to help his divers perform at the highest level.

Coach Pete is a great coach because he understands exactly what each individual diver needs in order to execute each dive perfectly, Stewart said. Plus, he has a sense of humor that only divers can understand.

Throughout his long and successful career, Avdoulos work with a number of talented divers has continued to fuel his love for coaching the sport. With a desire to see his athletes develop into better divers, coaching through the years has been a rewarding experience, which Avdoulos explains what has kept him motivated through the years.

The success of the athletes. Making a difference in peoples lives. Its again rewarding. Its fun to see them develop. I think one of the main things here is development, he said. Its not just getting kids in that are good already and managing them. Ive had many divers come in and start diving in college, never dove before, and make it to the national level.

While his coaching allows his divers to live up to their full potential, Avdoulos impact on his athletes stretches further than the diving board. Understanding his great influence on those around him, he pointed out Avdoulos not only taught him just diving skills, but more importantly life lessons along the way.

From my freshman season to end of Junior year, Pete has been there to teach me not only about diving, but life in general, Stewart said. Hes taught me to go where your heart desires and not to waste time. To be aggressive and passionate with every endeavor I choose.

Through his scouting, management of his divers, and developing the diving program from the ground up, Avdoulos historic career came full circle in 2014 where he was recognized for his many accomplishments as the head diving coach.

Being inducted into the Springfield College Hall of Fame, Avdoulos induction was a powerful momentcelebrating his successful career. Looking back at the induction that put him in the same category as many of the former Springfield College greats with his long list of accomplishments, being selected into the Hall of Fame was a humbling experience he got to share with his family.

Its nice to be recognized, but its humbling to be put in the same group as some of those amazing people in the Hall of Fame. You have that feeling like you dont really belong, Avdoulos said. It was a little bit hard for me to accept that, look around, and see all the coaches around that were here and are here that have done amazing things.

The greatness hes instilled in Springfield Colleges diving program has revealed many qualities that have contributed to his success as a coach and a person in general.

He is understanding, caring, and stern when he needs to be. Great communication skills. Knows when to give you time. The whole nine yards, Stewart said.

Finding success at a consistent level, Avdoulos has cemented himself as one of the best coaches in Springfield College history. As people look back at his career, his greatness will not only be connected to the success of his athletes, but his impact in their lives as well. Through all his accomplishments as the head diving coach, Avdoulos will always be remembered as a great teacher, leader, and life coach for his effect on those around him.

Featured photo courtesy Springfield College Athletics

See the rest here:
'I never thought I'd be a coach': A dive into Peter Avdoulos' legendary career - SC Student Media

DENVER When Tyson Barrie was at his absolute best as a member of the Colorado Avalanche, he and Nathan MacKinnon established a rule: Barrie was not allowed to get off the ice during a power play before his partner in crime.

If I changed hed yell at me, said Barrie. Hed ask me if I was tired or whatever. He wanted me back there so I just kind of changed whenever he changed.

That helps explain how the puck-distributing defenceman ended up with more power-play ice time than everyone else at his position over the past two seasons and accumulated more points than all but John Carlson and Keith Yandle in that game state.

It may also hold the key to rediscovering his lost confidence after a puzzling first few months with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

For it was not by coincidence that Sheldon Keefe decided to elevate Barrie to the teams top power-play unit as part of his first changes as head coach. He also put him alongside Morgan Rielly to start Thursdays game in Arizona a move that was part precursor of things to come, part reassuring touch on the shoulder for a guy who never found any footing under previous coach Mike Babcock.

As much as Barrie didnt think it was a vote of confidence he needed with more than 500 NHL games and three 50-point seasons already under his belt, he appreciated the gesture. And it was immediately followed by his first goal in Leafs colours just in time for Saturdays return to his old stomping grounds.

Im not going to lie: That feels good, especially going into Denver, Barrie said after the 3-1 victory over the Coyotes. I didnt want to go in with no goals.

Following a July 1 trade that saw the Leafs give up their best-value contract, Nazem Kadri, for Barrie and Alexander Kerfoot, the 28-year-old defenceman represented a fault line between Babcock and general manager Kyle Dubas.

Not only did he have his power-play usage cut in half, there almost seemed to be paralysis by analysis with what the coaching staff wanted him to do at even strength. He was a round peg being hammered into a square hole at the expense of his instincts and he suffered through a two-assists-in-19-games slump that made his situation in Toronto look untenable as recently as a week ago.

You know Im trying. I think its obviously weighing on me a little bit, Barrie said on Nov. 14. Ive never really gone through a stretch like this in my career and switching teams for the first time. You dont want to feel like youre letting teammates down and the fans down.

Now?

Barrie believes hes found a new lease on life under Keefe, who is determined to find him a role that looks more like the one he once filled here in Colorado. That will include more shifts beside Rielly and a chance to work the puck around on a power play that features Auston Matthews, John Tavares and William Nylander.

As an offensive play-driver, he certainly fits the profile of the kind of player the new coach is hoping to lean on.

We feel like with some of the offensive people that we have and what were able to do, that that will make us a better defensive team because well have the puck a lot more, said Keefe. Well put the other team in tough spots that will limit their ability to transition and play against us.

When Keefe took time during his introductory press conference to say he was focusing on the kind of team the Leafs are, rather than what theyre not, it was hard not to think of Barrie. Hes never been a strong defensive player, per se, but he has a unique vision and a proven ability to make plays with the puck.

The off-season trade to Toronto caught him off-guard and hes taken ownership of his own role in the slow start. This cant all be explained away by a differing view from the coach. But his outlook seemed to turn on a dime when Keefe showed an immediate willingness to build him up and the Leafs bench erupted when Barrie jumped off the point to finally score on his 61st shot this season.

I think thats a big monkey off the back for him, said Matthews.

That monkey was heavier than most because Barrie is in a contract year and had been trending towards one of the least productive seasons of his career.

Hes still dealing with a sense of impermanence he and Kadri simply switched houses after being traded for one another, with Barrie not really in a position to lay down stronger roots in Toronto and will be reminded of what hes left behind this weekend.

Ive got to maybe pick up some mail, he said.

Barrie also planned to grab dinner with MacKinnon and some other former teammates on Friday night. Its a group he remains tight with after spending a decade in the Avalanche organization and essentially growing into a man in Denver.

Therell be some different feelings and emotions to contend with when he returns to Pepsi Center as a visitor. Hell know the guys on the opposite side of the ice much better than he does his own.

Oh, Ill tell you who Im not looking forward to seeing, said Barrie, in reference to his old buddy MacKinnon, the NHLs most explosive skater this side of Connor McDavid.

Yeah. Ive never played against him in my life, he said. Ive been on the fortunate end of that one when hes playing well. Im sure hell take it easy on me.

Originally posted here:
Leafs Tyson Barrie has new lease on life with Sheldon Keefe at the helm - Sportsnet.ca

England coach Eddie Jones says he's handling this month's Rugby World Cup defeat better because he has learned from previous experiences.

South Africa defeated England 32-12 to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup at the Yokohama International Stadium in Japan.

Jones was coaching Australia when they lost to England in the 2003 World Cup and says that defeat taught him a lot.

Having been through 2003, it has allowed me personally to handle this defeat better.

The decorated international rugby the coach has published an autobiography which tells his compelling life story.

The tell-all book, which is titled My Life and Rugby, was co-written with South African-born author Donald McRae.

In it, Jones opens up about his upbringing, family life, failures and his successful coaching career.

The coach says writing the book was a reflective exercise which has made him grateful for his fortunes.

It makes you think back to what was important in your life and how you got to where you were.

I've been lucky mate. I've coached a lot of good players. I've been fortunate like that.

Jones recalls when he was the assistant coach to Jake White, the former Bok coach who led South Africa to victory at the 2007 World Cup.

I had that great experience in the 2007 World Cup with Jake White and the South African team, which will always stay very fondly in my memory.

He speaks highly of SA's 2007 rugby team, including players such as Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez, and says South Africa's rugby intelligence is often overlooked.

Because South African rugby is so well-regarded for its physical approach, the tactical side gets a little left behind.

In the book, Jones gets vulnerable about the time he was sacked as Wallabies coach and how he recovered from his stroke.

He hopes his story inspires others and says young coaches should not let heir background's define them.

I want it to be a bit of a textbook for young coaches. It doesn't matter what you've done as a player of where you've come from. Don't let your history or your background dictate what you can do.

It takes a bit of pain and suffering to have success.

Listen to coach Eddie Jones as he chats to John Maytham:

This article first appeared on CapeTalk : England coach Eddie Jones: It takes a bit of pain and suffering to have success

Link:
England coach Eddie Jones: It takes a bit of pain and suffering to have success - 702

All the smiling faces in a picture-perfect Facebook post Wednesday morning told the story: Former LSU and WNBA standout Temeka Johnson got her first career win as McKinley Highs head coach.

The Panthers beat Northeast 55-20 in their season opener Tuesday night. More games loom before McKinley, the No. 3 overall seed, begins play in the East Baton Rouge Parish Girls tournament, which starts Saturday at Zachary. Johnson says she has a clear mission.

Giving back to the game is something that is always important to me, Johnson said. Basketball has given me a lot and been a huge part of my life. Coaching was not something I always planned to do. But I do love what Im doing.

Johnson understands the unique situation she is in. Though she is known for hosting basketball camps for girls in multiple south Louisiana cities, this is her first coaching job at a school.

The McKinley team also is a special case in point. LHSAA sanctions in all sports made the Panthers ineligible for the Division I select playoffs a year ago. The previous two years, McKinley was the Division I runner-up. So expectations are high.

One thing these girls know is that I wont sugarcoat things for them, Johnson said. There are certain things I expect from them, and they have really responded. Since I started working with them over the summer, it really is amazing how they have progressed. I can see the growth they have made as players and young women.

Reigning Division II champion Lee and host Zachary are the top two seeds going into the EBR tourney. But a roster that includes two players who have signed with national powers, Erica Lafayette (Rutgers) and Kenyal Perry (Texas A&M), makes McKinley a team plenty of people will be watching.

The 6-foot-7 Perry left the McKinley team during her sophomore season and spent last season at a Houston area school. Perry is one of the tallest girls players to ever play in the Baton Rouge area.

Height is something you cant coach, the 5-foot-3 Johnson said. Since this summer, I have seen Kenyal grow so much in terms of her work ethic and approach to the game. She has become very focused on improving her skills.

Johnson was sure to note that McKinley is not a two-person team. She has enjoyed the challenge of learning each player's skills and levels of desire. She cites the play of Megan Brown, one of five seniors on the roster, as an example.

Megan Brown is one of our leaders, Johnson said. Shes about 5-5. But tell her that you need a rebound, a steal anything, and she is determined to get it.

Game experience as a coach is something Johnson wants to absorb. She has sought advice from multiple coaches, including former LSU assistant Bob Starkey of Texas A&M and University High coach Bonita Johnson, another former LSU player.

I'm not sure how I will react in some game situations, Johnson said. "I'm learning, too."

Excerpt from:
Former LSU star Temeka Johnson, in her first year as McKinley coach, is motivated to give back - The Advocate

Head Coach Arness Georgetown has won multiple championship games at the Mississippi School for the Deaf. Georgetown has taught and coached at the school since 1991. Mackenzie Salmon, Clarion Ledger

Within the Mississippi School for the Deaf is an office quite like any other. The walls of that office, however, areahomage to the success of the school's football program.

More specifically, they are homage to the success of Arness Georgetown.

The walls of the head coach's officeare lined with print-outs of newspaper articles chronicling eight-man football championshipsalongside photos of title teams as far back as 1995.

"I don't lookat the championships and rings," Georgetown said."The opportunities I've had and the kids I've touched along the way is howI look at [it].

"We've been blessed to have good athletes and good students. It's about the kids I've had. It's all about them."

Georgetown has served as either an assistant coach or head coach with the program since 1993. He took a seven-year hiatus from coaching in 2008 for an administrative role with the school.

In 2015, he returned to the program as a head coach. He's been a part of six national titles for the Mississippi School for the Deaf.

While winning those titles, Georgetown said he was also doing something with more of a lasting impact.

"My main goal is to teach these kids about the game of life," Georgetown said. "I always emphasize to my players that if you play basketball, football, that ball's going to stop bouncing. You can't run and catch that football forever. You've got to have another plan. So we try to instill that in our kids."

Cheryl Kaler, the Mississippi School for the Deaf principal and athletic director, has been at the school for 10 years.She said Georgetown has been a mentor and role model for the student-athletes while helping the program rise to national acclaim.

"He not only coaches the kids on the field, [but he] also coaches them in life when it comes to focusing on their academics, being men of character and making good choices," Kaler said. "They come to him for advice for all teams and see him as a father figure and a mentor."

Arness Georgetown is the head football coach at the Mississippi School for the Deaf.(Photo: Photo submitted)

Many of his players wouldn't have been allowed to play football at the public school level. They likely would have been confined to special education classes. At MSD, they get the chance to be national champions.

Devoris Meeks has played tailback and linebackerfor Georgetown.He was there when Georgetown returned to the program in2015and the team went 1-6. Meeks thought about quitting after that, but Georgetown wouldn't let him.

"He inspired me," Meeks said. "I didn't want to play anymore because we were a losing team and he told me, 'Nah, you're going to stay on my team and we're going to win next year."

And they did.

Thanks to the resolve and patience Georgetown instilled in Meeks, he got to be a part of the 2017 and 2018 national title teams. He played on this year's team, too.

"From then on, I never walked off on the team again," Meeks said.

By the standard Georgetown has established at the school, 2019 was an atypical year.

Deaf All-American Kenmarkis Meeks graduated last year. The team's starting tailback, Jaylon Mays, separated his shoulder in the first game of the 2019 season. One of the starting receivers elected to leave the team to focus on academics.

Georgetown's team finished the year with a 2-6 record and were a far cry away from a national title. Most of the players were part of the last two national titles.

His team may be in a valley now, but Georgetown said he's confident it will prepare them to return to championship form.

"Some kids don't take adversity very well, so it's my job to keep the kids' heads up and keep them going," Georgetown said. "It's tough, but I like it in a sense because it's life lessons. I tell the kids all the time, sometimes things don't work out the way you want them to work out. You have to be able to deal with those things."

See the original post:
Mississippi School for the Deaf football coach teaches players the game of life - Clarion Ledger

Ask Urban Meyer about life after college football, and he won't deny that there's still a part of him that misses coaching.

Nonetheless, theman who captured three national championships -- two at Florida and one at Ohio State -- during his career appears to be making the most of the new frontier that 2019 has provided him with.

ESPN's Dan Dakich and Seth Greenberg recently hadMeyer on as a guest during an episode of the "Courtside" podcast. Go figure, Meyer was asked the question that just about everyone has thrown his way since retiring after the 2018 season: Would ever get back into the business of coaching?

While Meyer -- now a college analyst for Fox Sports -- didn't give a definitive "yes" or "no," Meyer did make one this much clear: Whilenot spending Saturdays in the fall on the sidelines is still an adjustment for him, he's undoubtedlyenjoying the extra time on his hands-- whether that be spending more time with family or even taking a trip to play the renowned Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia just several weeks ago.

"The hardest part of the day is the first 30 minutes of every morning," Meyer said on the podcast. "It's down to about 30 minutes now. It used to be about an hour or an hour-and-a-half where I just missed it so bad. But I'm so into this Fox college football team that I have. I'm so into other things, whether it be business opportunities or something else. It's just intriguing -- this whole other world. I'm also into my grandchildren and wife and family. We're traveling and doing some cool things. I played Augusta (National) two weeks ago -- when could you have ever done that in the fall? So it's a nice life out there."

For those who are rooting for Meyer to come back out of retirement, don't get your hopes up either -- at least not after a newreportfrom Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports that surfaced on Wednesday. One high-ranking college football source close to the coach told Dodd they firmly believe that Meyer has called it a career for good, despite his name being tossed around at schools such as USC should there soon be an opening with the Trojans.

Meyer's "Courtside" appearance was not the first time that he spoke about adjusting to life after football. Meyer expressed a similar sentiment in September during a wide-ranging interview with Cleveland.com.

Ive been in a fight for 33 years, and now youre not in that fight, Meyer toldCleveland.com. So how do you fulfill that fight? And I feel that every morning. Every morning. Its all about a win and a loss for 33 years. I mean every day was. Not just youre getting ready for a game. No, no, no, no.Youre recruiting every day. Youre going against Alabama and Clemson every day, The Team Up North every day. Now youre not. Thats the number one void, is youre not in a fight.

Meyer has said his health has improved since he walked away nearly a year ago when faced with surgery to remove a fist-sized cyst in his brain or combat it away from the coaching profession at his physician's urging.

Here is the original post:
Urban Meyer: 'It's a nice life out there' post-football - 247Sports

It's not uncommon to worry about the ramifications of change. Whether it comes from our own decisions or forces beyond our control, change in our personal and professional lives can be intimidating, but it's often necessary to keep growing and evolving.

Instead of fearing change, many coaching professionals recommend embracing it and viewing it as a positive force in your life. To help you do this, we asked the members of Forbes Coaches Council how someone can work toward embracing change. Based on their responses, here are some of the most effective strategies to try.

Forbes Coaches Council members discuss strategies for welcoming change with open arms.

1. Prepare For It

If you know change is necessary for your growth, prepare for it! Start small by implementing changes that are not too uncomfortable, like drinking more water versus joining a HIIT class or reading daily before registering for college courses. Ease your way into change, making it more manageable when big changes come. Once you see all the good from the changes, you'll be ready for more! - Miranda VonFricken, Miranda VonFricken Mastermind Coaching

2. Determine The Value

This might sound simple, but to make change, we have to determine the value of the change. We're human and being human means we don't do things simply for the sake of doing them, we need purpose, value or benefit out of our actions. We'll undertake great changes that we're excited about, such as getting married, moving or going to college, but some changes require reflection before action. - Dr. Teresa Ray, PCC, Dr. Teresa Ray

3. Keep Your Skills Current

In order to grow, embracing change is not optional. To adapt successfully, a good strategy is to be aware of your situation by regularly asking yourself questions such as what is your mission, purpose and what obstacles stand in your waythis will help you understand change and help you to build skills. Keeping your skills current is an effective strategy to add to your value and growth. - Elizabeth Ruiz, EAR Enterprises

4. Think About The Possibilities

Change is a necessary step in the growth process, and embracing change is all about having the right mindset. Being curious and committing yourself to see the advantages and learning opportunities in a given situation rather than the roadblocks and hurdles will enable you to gain needed perspective and orient yourself toward positive and deliberate action. - Dennis Volpe, LRI

5. Always Run Toward Only What You Want

Change can be scary and let's face it: Change is a permanent state today. Want to succeed gracefully when change occurs? Try this: Match your highest values and talents to the desired change. If they show up in what you are looking to do, run hard toward that change. If they do not show up at all, then pick a different way to get where you want to go. - John Hittler, Evoking Genius

6. Allow Change To Reveal Your Strengths

Change requires us to respond to new information, situations and environments. It tests our ability to succeed while adapting in new and creative ways and measures our resilience and personal agency. Recognizing change as a revolutionary agent of exposure and leadership capacity allows us to fear it less and accept it as a partner in building a more fulfilling and authentic life. - Joynicole Martinez, The Alchemist Agency

7. Redefine Change To Be Your 'Nirvana'

Redefining change as an opportunity to realize your dream outcome is a valuable mindset to adopt. Who wouldn't jump at the chance to make a positive impact on their own terms? By visualizing your "nirvana" end result and working toward achieving it, you will more likely stay motivated to see the results of the strategies you implement because they are aligned with your passions. - Karan Rhodes, Shockingly Different Leadership

8. Don't View Relapses As Failure

People expect changes will go upward. They anticipate blocks, but if they return to old ways of behavior, they think it is over and stop completely. A person might have some or many small lapses or relapses. The secret of change is to know that, stand up, dust yourself off and come back to the desired behavior. The key to success is to not let these setbacks undermine your self-confidence. - Inga Bieliska, Inga Arianna Bielinska Coaching Consulting Mentoring

9. Be Consistent In Your Actions And Motivation

Irrelevant from the purpose of the change, consistency in actions matter. Wanting to achieve change will inherently require consistent actions, which in turn is also one of the main reasons why desired results can't be achieved without it. It requires a mechanism that results in consistent actions that are greatly influenced by consistent motivation. - Kamyar Shah, World Consulting Group

10. Don't Just Embrace Change; Drive It

People have bemoaned change and the pace by which things change for millennia. With technological advances creating tectonic shifts in all aspects of life and with knowledge doubling occurring on average every 13 months, there is no time to "work to embrace" change. Today, change produces either growth or decline. The future is being created now and change catalysts have the edge. - Joseph Michelli, The Michelli Experience

11. Get An Accountability Partner

Scared by change? Others are too. And they want to help you and themselves change. Make them your accountability partner. Research shows that the more you follow up with your accountability partner, the more change you will achieve. I check in with my accountability partner, Paul, every week. We let go of what didn't serve us well the past week, celebrate wins and give advice for the week ahead. - Louis Carter, Best Practice Institute

12. Create An Achievable Roadmap To Change

Everything happens in measured time. We must create an achievable roadmap. The most effective way to achieve this outcome is a timeline and a strategy. Every chunk of time must be prepared for. Once you have created your timeline, you can prepare! Developing an action plan along with understanding how the change may be maintained creates effective habits. Predictability will bring calm and peace. - Stephynie Malik, Stephynie Malik, SMALIK Enterprises

13. Reduce The Ambiguity

Change is scary because it creates ambiguity. When we aren't sure what's on the other side, our brains take us to survival mode. When possible, seek answers or clarity on the change, and when they aren't known, take time to imagine all of the possibilities. When you can see a variety of ways forward, the ambiguity is calmed and we can lean in to grow from the change. - Christine Pouliot, Evocent Leadership Development

14. Make Change An Adventure

Our words and perceptions matter and impact our behavior and actions. Reframing the way we think about change is very valuable in whether we worry about it or we embrace it. Stop thinking about change as the big bad wolf"scary," "uncertain" and "negativeand start thinking about change as an adventure and a fun experience where we will learn and grow and have fun in the process. - Shefali Raina, Alpha Lane Partners

The rest is here:
14 Ways To Embrace And Accept Change In Your Life - Forbes

Getty

Many of you express an interest in learning about executive coaching. You are asking about what kind of work coaches actually do. You are asking whether you can benefit from hiring and working with one, and you are asking what exactly it takes to become an executive coach. I know this because you have asked my office, you have asked some of our coaches and many of my colleagues, and you have asked me a lot.

While most questions come from prospective clients, many also come from various employees out there who wonder how they might undertake a career transition from their current roles and become an executive coach. And a good number of questions also come from current executives and management consultants who want to develop coaching skills so they can perform better as a supervisor or manager.

People come to coaching from many different outlets.In my case, executive coaching became a service I added on to management consulting and training work I was doing. It was in response to expanding needs and demands from clients. After years of advising and collaborating with executives and teams on strategy, performance, HR, project management, etc., I just couldnt ignore what I was learning. Senior managers and executives began expressing a real desire to go deeper. They wanted to receive more dedicated, personalized and focused attention to help them achieve strategic, operational, human capital and leadership goals.

Its not that organizational leaders were saying they didnt need or value consulting and training quite the contrary. But it got so that they didnt really want to let go after a consulting project or training workshop had concluded. They wanted to put a coach on the field to more readily address issues with leaders. They needed a coach who would assess organizational, team and individual challenges and then customize action plans, resource and competency development that would result in higher levels of success for both the organization and its executives and managers. So my journey to become a qualified and credentialed coach began, and now Im sharing my success tips with you.

Here are the five things I had to do to achieve success.

In the realm of executive coaching, you can expect to work primarily with C-suite execs, directors and managers from varying public and private entities. Sometimes you will deliver coaching for individuals, and sometimes you will deliver coaching for entire teams and executive committees. But first, do your homework.

Delve deeply to learn about the varying types of coaching which exist.There are all sorts of different coaches from motivational coaches, to executive coaches, to leadership coaches, to career coaches, to personal coaches and so forth.The Institute of Organization Development describes 15 different types of coaching. I suggest you research and study the key differences and similarities before you decide that executive coaching is actually the form you want to deliver. You might determine that another type of coaching is a better fit for you, or you may decide that you had coaching all wrong and now never want to do it at all.

Organizational leaders seek out executive coaching for myriad reasons, but foremost seems to be the desire to receive highly customized and confidential counsel, guidance and support in areas where you as the coach have developed a special expertise and talent. Those you coach will expect you to provide them a safe space to learn and grow while also holding them accountable for goal accomplishment. Before you can do this well, youll need to form a sound coaching philosophy.

An effective executive coaching philosophy should include, at a minimum, these three factors. It should

In a nutshell, my philosophy is that coaching is an experiential and highly personalized process that supports and advances the individual or teams capacity to achieve short and long-term goals. It is guided by mutual trust and respect and is predicated upon the coachs ability to create a process and environment whereby those being coached can and will examine issues more deeply, think differently and then define their own solutions to complicated challenges. It is a partnership that establishes a platform for the executive to receive customized feedback and guidance to maximize organizational, professional and personal performance.

What is your coaching philosophy? If you want to build a successful career as an executive coach, youll have to develop a sound philosophy and be able to articulate it at the ready.

INFOGRAPHIC. Click to download or view larger Image. The Difference Between An Executive Coach And ... [+] An Advisor.

Though you might have a tendency to sometimes exchange the word consulting for the word advising, youd be mistaken to do the same with coaching. The gap between advising and coaching is larger than the gap between advising and consulting.

Executive coaches and executive advisors both add institutional and leadership value for delivering results, but they take different approaches and use different processes to get people there. An executive coachs process is designed to help clients achieve results by creating behavior change and developing the skills, thinking and competencies necessary for success. An advisors process is designed to help clients achieve results first. If theres time to change behavior and develop skills, thinking and competence, they might put effort toward that, but the goal is to deliver expertise, answers and solutions first.

As an executive coach, your job will be to help your clients get where they want to go by pulling from and channeling the best within them. As an advisor, your job will be to help your clients get where they want to go by pulling from the best within themselves and also more regularly imparting your own expertise or answers for success. The distinction is notable, and you really should consider it before investing in becoming an executive coach. You may think that you want a career as executive coach when you actually want to be an advisor or consultant.

Certainly, there is no problem with becoming both an executive coach as well as an advisor; you just need to know the distinctions. You dont want to do all the work to get clients and then disappoint them because you are doing coaching work with them, but they expected someone who would quickly give them answers, develop solutions and maybe even lead the project work.

Do you appreciate the differences? If you want to build a successful career as an executive coach, youll need to be able to explain these differences to prospective clients so that you establish upfront the right expectations for the process. You should also define all your deliverables, outcomes and contracts with this understanding in mind.

Whether you simply desire to add a coaching component to enhance your current supervisory, management or leadership abilities so you can help your staff and teams perform better or you desire a complete career change or career transition into the realm of executive coaching, you really should design a thoughtful coaching methodology and process to ensure success.

I already recommended that you research varying coaching philosophies as you move to define your own, and I make that same recommendation here. Reach out to successful coaches, explore different coaching programs and methods, check out the many coaching certification programs and organizations out there and then decide what coaching methods and processes you might apply to best serve your target audience or client base.

An effective executive coaching methodology and process will contemplate and provide for many different factors, including these.

Again, I added coaching work to an already established management consulting and training portfolio. But as I grew more committed to the value and benefits of executive coaching, I realized Id have more success with a clearly defined executive coaching methodology and framework so I designed one, and its called DREAR a superior coaching model.

DREAR proven to consistently deliver results helps me and my team of coaches engage in a deliberative process to define the purpose, competencies and behaviors that need to be modified and maximized. It guides our method of systematically linking performance goals to organizational strategy. And by integrating the five components of development, resources, education, accountabilities and results, DREAR helps executives, managers and directors maximize leadership contributions and build capabilities to more fully contribute to organizational success.

What is your coaching methodology and process? If you want to build a successful career as an executive coach, youll have to design a clear and understandable method and process that you can easily replicate but also customize and refine when and as necessary to meet the needs of those you coach.

Bad coaches come in all shapes and sizes. Good coaches do too. No one has yet demonstrated conclusively what makes an executive coach qualified or what makes one approach to executive coaching better than another, says Harvard Business Reviews Stratford Sherman and Alyssa Freas. While things may have improved some since 2004 when Sherman and Freas described the Wild West of Executive Coaching, I argue they havent improved enough.

Life-long learning.

Today, there is an abundance of coaching organizations and education and certification programs out there, but good and bad executive coaches still come from all of them. You have to define for yourself what specific education, certification and experiences you believe will make you a great coach, but more importantly you should remain dedicated to life-long learning because what you learned three years ago may not keep you at the forefront of what your prospective clients may need today. Everything is moving faster so make a point to stay current to ensure you can be competitive.

To establish credibility, youll want to have a solid background of accomplishment and success in your own right with hands-on experience, education and certifications (where necessary) to match. Its difficult to narrow the educational and certification paths of the many, many executive coaches out there, but suffice it to say that as you define the specialty areas and parameters for your coaching work (i.e., strategy, operations, change, performance, leadership, conflict management, human resources, etc.), its to your advantage to consider a wide range of courses, certifications and maybe college degrees to elevate your credibility in your chosen specialty area(s).

Confidence and temperament.

Executive coaching is not some kind of remedial service for low or poor performers quite the contrary.Instead, its specifically designed for high performers and those who hold themselves to higher standards of success and desire to operate at their greatest potential. And though there is no one prescribed background that fits best for this kind of work, there is an ideal temperament. Youll need to be very comfortable working with highly accomplished, powerful and sometimes demanding senior-level and C-suite executives. You will need to be comfortable with ambiguity, offer flexibility with scheduling and format and be prepared to customize your methods and processes even the forum or platform as necessary to meet your clients needs.

Executive coaches tend to work mostly with you guessed it executives and an organizations senior directors and leaders, but we also work with mid-level supervisors and managers as well. To be successful, you need to be able to influence high-powered and assertive individuals with confidence.

Finally, it is most important that you are an adept leader yourself and can be direct enough to hold other leaders accountable.Discipline, focus and timeliness are critical as well. You should brush up on your communication and negotiation skills and be very comfortable with conflict and debate while displaying an executive presence.

If you decide you either want to add coaching as a side gig or actually build a successful career as an executive coach, youll need to define a pricing model for your business. Before you ever get your first client, decide on a pricing model and determine what your coaching fees will be.

The Institute of Coaching provides good guidance for how to start pricing your coaching services and describes five different types of pricing models.

A lot of this can be a challenge early on, but youll want to define it well in advance of bringing on your first client. Its important to make sure that you set pricing that makes you competitive but doesnt undersell your talents and abilities. Take this into account as you define your coaching fees; they vary greatly depending on several things including:

When I first started, I used the performance-based pricing model and then moved to the hourly-rate pricing model. Today, my company primarily uses the package-based pricing model and has had great success with it for the past nine years. Clients we work with select coaching packages (i.e., a three-month package, a six-month package, a one-year package and so forth). The most commonly purchased packages are our six-month package and the 18-month package.

I recommend you try using flat-rate, fixed-project fee contracts because they will streamline your processes, create more efficiency and avoid the possibility that your clients start to feel the nickel-and-dime syndrome where they think you are greedily charging them for every single extra thing you do for them.

If you still want to become a coach - and specifically an executive coach - after reading this and following up with additional research, go for it! But if your research leads you to completely scrap the idea or follow a different type of coaching path, thats fine too.

My goal was to share with you the kind of information I wish someone had shared with me in the beginning. Whats important is that you dont let a lack of information cause you to shy away from achieving your career goals. Learn what it takes for any career field that interests you and then make it happen.

More here:
Do These 5 Things If You Want A Career As An Executive Coach - Forbes