Dave, Soccer Coach and Dad

I'm a lot of things... but, I'm not a soccer coach. I know the kids are there to have fun... Sometimes the parents forget that. It's not that I wouldn't want to be a coach... It's dealing with parents. That takes something special and I know I don't have it. But Dave does. I first met Dave last year during soccer. He was Miriam's soccer coach and all I can say is, I'm very glad to have him as her coach for year two. Dave has a wonderful concern for the kids to have fun, but also to learn how to compete and compete with good sportsmanship. This year will prove a bit more difficult, I think, for Dave as the girls start, "bumping" a bit more. I could tell Dave was having a difficult time trying to explain... "More bumping." He's a big guy. He has what I call, man arms. My arms are small, my wrists are like a twelve year old girl. (I never understood why my forearms never developed... I keep thinking they will, but hey, I'm 37 years old, I might want to get real) I digress. Anyhow, he's a big guy. This last week he asked me to help demonstrate the "bump." I thought, "no problem, I can take on these little girls." He wanted to demonstrate the "bump" with ME! Anyone familiar with soccer knows the bumping. No fist, no elbows, but you can force your body in position for the ball and BUMP the other player. I lost. I didn't stand a chance. I should have known I was in trouble when he told me to help and then said, "You might want to put your camera down." He must have known I had come to take his picture. Well... so it goes and it's one more good reason why I don't coach soccer. But Dave does. Out of all the things he could be doing, he coaches little girls. He plugs into his community and gives something that will shape the future of these little ladies. People like that amaze me. Someone who gives and doesn't expect anything in return. As I got to know Dave, I discovered his view on family and I learned about his strong faith in Christ. I also learned he had been injured in a work related accident in which his left eye had been pierced. He's blind in one eye. I can't imagine this. I would never want too. But Dave has taught me a new "view" on life. One that doesn't take for granted anything... especially an opportunity to volunteer... as a coach. Maybe someday soon. peace. johno~

love the game, love the kids

I'm still not sure I would ever make a good coach. I have witnessed 3 in my time as a parent with my kids in community sports. Sandy, however, stands out among the other two. This sport is her life. She loves the game of softball and she loves the kids. She told me once, "I don't care what the score is, I just want them to learn the sport and have fun." Not the words you would hear from a coach who only wants to win and will do anything to make that happen. These are words from someone who wants to give back, continue a legacy in a time that thinks only of the here and now. Giving back builds something. It's tradition. It's character. It's honor. I'm not sure if we will ever win a game, but Sandy will win hearts. She takes that which is unshaped and forms something better than gold trophies, which are lost over time in brown boxes and garbage dumps. What is formed is a child who rises up and understands the legacy of giving. Young ladies who will, someday, be mothers, teachers, leaders, and small town softball coaches. A life that gives back will reward generation upon generation; It is greater than gold. peace. johno~

Coach

What does it take to be a great coach? I know we look at the greats who have led major teams, both professional and college, to record breaking success. However, there are those who coached the teams who who have never made a story in Sports Illustrated or been interviewed by ESPN, but have been forefront leaders in small communities around the world. It is the coach that lives in a small town who is responsible for the young men and women who have boosted the fame of those we read about or see on TV. Coach Preston it that kind of coach and his success as a coach has left a trail of business men, construction workers, caretakers and a list of others who have learned that there is no "I" in the word "TEAM." He is a man of heart. He has poured his heart out so much it has now left him with several uncertain moments in the emergency room. Yet, his determination, his heart, presses on. This is what makes a coach. One who can teach, listen, discipline, hope, win, lose, share, receive, dream and love. He takes seriously this thing called "Family." He is a family man. Not to many people can do that. Not to many people have what it takes to be a family man. I heard him say once, "I love the song, 'Amazing Grace.' It's amazing how God just opens his blessings on us." It was after a practice on Sunday and the clouds broke and the sun was bright. God has placed this man in the lives of many. Many would choose to serve themselves... Paul Preston chose to become a coach. peace johno~