How about a mutually beneficial and challenging invitation?
I've enjoyed watching our football team compete this season. The improvement under second year coach Botelho has been impressive. I have what is, I feel, a unique perspective. I catch some of every practice each day during my teams' practice, and I attend many games at all levels, Freshmen, JV and Varsity. I know many of the players' names, uniform numbers, positions and abilities. Many I know from watching local youth sports, some I know personally, and yes, I'm even related to one. Oddly though, I've never had the opportunity to coach a single one of them. I once enjoyed coaching one the team's assistant coaches in youth baseball many years ago, but never had a member of this football team on our Track and Field team. Unfortunate? For me anyway, yes.
But I understand somewhat. Track and Field is not for everybody. Nor is it a "glamour" sport. Not at this level, anyway. I regret I don't have an opportunity to get to know those kids as well as I might if I worked every day in the school. When we cross each other's path, it is mere coincidence. If I had the opportunity to speak with them, I might tell them I understand their game. Perhaps as well as they do. Like many of them I played youth football, middle school football, and in high school. They might be surprised to learn I was a League All-Star and played amateur (semi-professional implies compensation) football well into my 20s. Only after moving on from that sport, did I get serious about running, which eventually led to me becoming a Cross Country/Track coach, which I have had the privilege of doing here at WHRHS for the past 9 years. And in retrospect, if I had the chance to live my life over again . . . I would have followed the very same path. Football was incredible fun and I have memories and friendships from my high school playing days that go back more than 50 years. But. And it is a big BUT. But, knowing now what I do about Track, I would have jumped at the chance to run Indoor Track. (I played baseball in the spring but may have considered Outdoor Track as well.) The reasons are simple. There is no better way to improve:
Stamina
Speed
Power
Strength
Explosiveness
If you don't believe me, take a look at the 2022 NFL Draft Statistics. 88.9% of those drafted were multisport athletes, while 11.1% were football-only specialists. 68.7% were Track and Field athletes. Want to see it in black and white? Follow the link:
Tracking Football 2022 NFL Draft
Let me bring it a little closer to home. Remember your game against Duxbury High School just before Halloween. You played an awesome first half and kept it close. But Duxbury ultimately prevailed. Give them credit. They have a terrific team. Nine (9) members of the Duxbury team are Track and Field athletes. (#s 4, 11, 12, 18, 20, 28, 37, 63 and 77, if you need confirmation.) I think that is more than mere coincidence.
Of course, I can give you all the numbers you want, or as many as might be needed to get you to consider the Track option. I could tell you that our program does not seek to make you Cross Country runners. Your coaches can identify and advise any kids who might be better served in another fall sport. We want you to excel in everything you do. Including football. We will improve those five important elements of Stamina, Speed, Power, Strength and Explosiveness you'll need in your game. You'll spend as much time in the weight room as you would during off-season while complimenting that with fast, straightaway speed workouts and developing the fast start you'll need every time the ball is snapped. Think about it. It costs nothing to try, and you just might enjoy it.
Honestly, from a coaching standpoint, I'm tired of meets where the other T&F team's football players sweep the shot put and the discus. Where the running backs and wide receivers impact the outcome of the sprints and hurdles. I know that among you, there are kids who can make an impact on our Track teams and at the same time make a positive impact on your own football skills. Take it from an old football player. You CAN be better. We CAN help.
We plan on holding a brief pre-season meeting in the next week or so. Consider attending. Consider bringing a friend. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have. Can't make the meeting? Stop by XC practice. The XC coaches also happen to be the Track and Field coaches. In fact, we're all here all year long and would enjoy talking with you.
Congratulations on a very good season thus far. Good luck in your final game against Abington. But give some thought to what you might want to do when your football season is over. We'd enjoy seeing you here.
Postscript: I was asked for my opinion on sport "specialization" after publishing this blog entry. My response: "Sports specialization is unlikely to result in a college scholarship, will only marginally improve your skills in the sport, and will increase the likelihood of burnout and injury while it denies opportunities to experience and enjoy other activities." I found a study supporting my opinion which can be viewed at the following link:
HS Sports Specialization Patterns of Current D1 Athletes
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