Here is a great article that was in the local paper today I thought you all might enjoy reading.


These modern athletes could use old-school coaching
By Nick Menegas for the Lewiston MorningTribune


I've seen it happen often. And it makes me puke.

"It" is coaches being asked to resign (i.e., if they don't they will be fired anyway) because they allegedly can't coach today's "modern athlete."
 

Many athletic directors give media releases as to why they fired someone, and they usually go something like this: "We appreciate everything coach did for our program, however, a change needs to be made. We must move in a positive direction with someone who can relate more effectively to today's modern athlete."
 

Now don't get me wrong, there are plenty of coaches who need to be canned for obvious reasons. But not relating to the modern athlete? This is an attribute parents and players should be grateful for, not hostile about.
 

More than ever kids need old-school discipline, not a coach that they can text message. Successful coaches are firm, consistent, disciplined and demand respect. They may not win a popularity contest or even a state championship, but they will teach life lessons that reach far beyond high school graduation day. They are more concerned about teaching values than chatting it up with their players about the latest MTV awards ceremony.
 

It's a fact: Varsity athletes don't get equal playing time. And they shouldn't. Good coaches who want to win won't play an athlete based on what their parents' status is in the community. If a good coach is fired because parents have a beef about their child's playing time, then it really isn't about "not relating to today's athlete." That's just a cop-out.
 

I hear this all the time: "My child is not being recruited by colleges! My child should be a starter! They aren't getting enough recognition, not being treated fairly or respectfully!"
 

Blah, blah, blah. Instead of holding their child accountable, parents complain to friends, co-workers, school-board members and administrators. Eventually the disgruntled, vocal minority put enough pressure on to tighten the noose. They demand a lynching. Then, the silent majority show up and share story after story supporting the coach, but it is too late. Decision made. Procedures legally followed. Coach is fired. Someone new is chosen. In many instances he or she is replaced with a less-experienced community member who is not a teacher. Disgruntled assistant coaches resign. Staffing becomes a very difficult task, more community members become assistants. Seldom is this a good scene.
 

Message to all coaches: Be passionate about your profession, don't submit to changing your style to fit today's "modern athlete," be yourself. Message to all parents, players and administrators: Support and embrace this person, and your children will be the winners.

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Menegas won two state championships as the football coach at Lewiston High from 1986-98. His column runs weekly in the Tribune. He may be contacted at thecoach@lmtribune.com.