The kind of coach you'd like to be…

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        • Participant
          CoachKW on October 8, 2003 at 11:00 am #8625

          We talk quite a bit about the x's and o's of our sport (as well we should). But, what are some of the characteristics you'd most like to master as a coach? Or another question to ask might be, what coach would you most like to emulate.

          I'll start…

          I've always admired John Wooden. From my vantage point, he always looked like a great teacher. I could say the same for Bill Dellinger. Having said that, I have great respect for John McDonnell who can chew butts with the best of them, but also always has his guys ready when it counts the most. I think I would have enjoyed running for Bill Bowerman as well.

          What's everyone else's takes?

          :eureka:

        • Keymaster
          Mike Young on October 8, 2003 at 11:11 am #22492

          I'd love to have the wisdom of Dean Smith and John Wooden; the patience of Phil Jackson; the technical expertise of Tellez, Pfaff, and Schexnayder; and the management skills of Pat Henry.

          ELITETRACK Founder

        • Participant
          dma1973 on October 8, 2003 at 11:24 am #22493

          I want to create the perfect person.

          I want to be an educator who evolves along with the athlete. I want to give the athlete the ability to think, analyse and understand why we do something.

        • Participant
          CoachKW on October 8, 2003 at 6:18 pm #22494

          Great motive! I always tell my athletes that if I can't tell them why we're doing a workout then we won't be doing it. I am fanatical about preparation-I don't want them in the ring, on the runway/apron or the track without knowing exactly what they are supposed to do, when, and why.

          :bounce:

        • Participant
          dma1973 on October 9, 2003 at 3:07 am #22495

          Thanks DIII I am still learning coaching – it is always ongoing.

          I believe that you can never stop learning. This is a key.

          I don't have the background in exercise science, I think I have more of a pracitcal background, but I always think so I expect others to do the same.

          That is after all what we do.

        • Participant
          midpackmag on October 11, 2003 at 3:07 am #22496

          ummm-

          my coaching style comes from what i learned from my coaches — the good and not so good qualities; my perspective & knowledge as still a runner (just older); and well— just being authentic to who i am as a person (very high energy— not high strung!?, funny & yet serious, easy to talk to, and motivator)…. having said that— i don't emulate any one person. i tend not to treat the sport as a science (although i should in some areas)— i ask my athletes for a "coaching evaluation" at the end of the season nothing formal just feedback– ie— what they find to be my strengths, weaknesses, my approachability, knowledge, and temperment, etc… this has been THE BEST thing i've ever done for myself as a coach— it really keeps you grounded for understanding what needs work.

        • Participant
          Carl Valle on October 11, 2003 at 9:01 pm #22497

          The coaching style of Boo, the wisdom and brains of francis, the interpersonal work of Dan, and the ruthlessness of Joucums.

        • Participant
          jjh999 on October 12, 2003 at 6:25 pm #22498

          The Frankenstein monster that I would like to be would be composed of:

          -Dan's eye for technique
          -Tyrone Willingham's demeanor and confidence (he is my freaking hero-so successful, yet so down to earth)
          -John Nodecker's (my high school and post-collegiate coach) teaching acumen and talent for making adjustments on the fly
          -My wife's patience (she teaches the mentally and physically handicapped)

        • Participant
          coachformerlyknownas on October 13, 2003 at 5:38 pm #22499

          Actually while I admire Dan and Boo equally, I would add Gary W. and Randy H. to the list.

          But wouldnt want to be like any of them.
          Still trying to be like my old HS coach. Went back 6 years after HS and coached with him.

          The man was head coach at a public HS in Vermont with 400 kids gr 9-12, so approx 200 boys every year. There was baseball, tennis and golf in addition to track every spring.

          We would get about 90 guys out for track!
          Better still, out of those 90, maybe 5 or so were "studs" out of the other 85 we made the core of the team.

          8 state titles in 9 years in VT D II, while going undefeated in duals and tri's with any given years D I (largest school) state champs.

          The man is the only coach I have ever known that could recruit guys from the chess team rather than the football team and still crank out state meet scorers.

          He was a Social Studies teacher and recently retired. The largest Sunday paper in the state did an editorial on him after he retired and a quote from it follows:

          "…millions, perhaps billions have been spent seeking ways to improve our schools. The solution is simple: Find more
          Rome Aja's"

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