Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Meridian Week Thoughts: Be a STUDENT-athlete!

So far, this season has been a challenging one.  In fact, each season is a challenging one as they all create different obstacles and hurdles along the way.  That is one of the joys of teaching and coaching is that there is always something different to try and conquer each and every day.

As I write this, I think of the challenges facing this football team this week.  Things like:

Injuries
Number of FB players on the down-list
Members of the football team misbehaving in the classroom.

At the end of each practice, I always try and provide announcements on upcoming events, bus departure times, encouragement to ice, stretch and see the trainer, etc.  Many times, I stress the importance of being a STUDENT Athlete.  This week, it seems to be a continuous speech.  Our football team has got to understand that STUDENT comes before Athlete for a reason.  Students just need to do the following:

1.  Show up for Class on Time!
2.  Sit down and listen to the teacher whether you like them or not and do what they say
3.  Don't screw around with other classmates verbally or physically in class
4.  Make sure to record ALL assignments and complete them by the due date.
5.  Ask for help from the teacher when you begin to struggle in the class, don't wait till its too late!

These seem like 5 simple rules to follow.  Teachers are in a position to help students learn.  Students have to do their part in order for learning to happen.  Members of a team, need to do their part to make sure all members of the team are getting to class on time, listening, completing homework, etc.

This past week, I have had conversations with multiple parents concerning students' grades and their ability to participate in the sport of Football.  I've also had conversations with parents concerning classroom behavior issues which have lead to suspensions from this Friday's game.  I've learned that coaching is about a lot more then designing X's and O's and scouting opponents films and that has rang true this week.  Coaching provides me an opportunity and a platform in which to help STUDENT Athletes grow.  Sometimes the lessons are hard and difficult to enforce but needed for the well-being of not just the reputation of the program, but the betterment of the individual football player.

For those parents that read this, please visit with your STUDENT Athlete and encourage them to follow those 5 simple steps to have success in the classroom.  Success in the classroom will lead to success on the athletic fields and ultimately ensure that your child will be successful in life.

For those STUDENT Athletes that read this, please do the following so I can see you on the field on Friday nights with your teammates!

1.  Show up for Class on Time!
2.  Sit down and listen to the teacher whether you like them or not and do what they say
3.  Don't screw around with other classmates verbally or physically in class
4.  Make sure to record ALL assignments and complete them by the due date.
5.  Ask for help from the teacher when you begin to struggle in the class, don't wait till its too late!

Go Hawks!!!!
Coach Miller

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