I started coaching when I was 22 years old. Pretty much fresh out of college. As a first time coach, I had some decent amount of success. However, I never got any credit (from media, peers, etc.). This used to upset me, because I knew in my heart that even at a young age, I knew that my limited knowledge in athletic development was still much more advanced than some of my “peers”. As the years went by though, It started to become clear to me that most of the “coaches” who are recognized are part of that “good ol boy” network, as you so eloquently put it. That, or they were just fortunate to land great talent because of whatever perceived tradition the school had to offer. And I also understand that with me still being a very young coach, and not willing to go out of my way to make “beer buddies” of some of the other coaches, it’ll continue to be that way for me. So now, when some of my better teams get little recognition, it doesn’t even bother me any more. I’ve discovered that guys like us. . . . . the ones who TRULY understand that it’s not about us, that it’s all about the kids, and their development as athletes, and more importantly as young adults. . . . . don’t need recognition. Just seeing these kids grow from freshman that have no idea what it takes, to adults who go off to college, get out in the real world, and become very respectable men and women, is enough. THAT’S what it’s all about.
