COACHING

1/21/07: Head coach Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts holds up the AFC Championship trophy as he hugs Lauren Dungy

one occasion. Since you are their hero, it makes it a little easier on their fragile emotions. And you've probably apologized to your spouse innumerable times because a late practice or staff meeting made you a little late lo a social gathering. Wlien you finally arrived, your reprimand was probably nothing more than a crooked smile, folded arms, a roll of the eyes, and shake of the head. It was a way of saying "geez, not again", but also a sign of imdcrstanding and thai all is forgiven. These are but a few of the circumstances that come with the coaching territory. Time away from home is t oaching's major occupational hazard. It's a landscape thai every coach's family member resides in and accepts, albeit grudgingly at times, and usually quietly. What fallows is for them. TIME TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION 1 1 my personal situation, my wife, 1 Marianne, is the undisputed "rock" of Ihe family. She is my daily inspiration and the one who always has a special way of injecting some common sense into eveiy .sittiation. A truly loving, caring, and thoughtful person, Marianne is a rare combination ot compassion and tough love. She provides the balance and calming eflect that really strengthens and holds our family together. And when a circumstance arises that calls for lo( king the spine ;md circling the wagons, her toughness completely overshadows any I might possess. Her perspectives are alwa)^ intuitive, and usually right on the mark. If there was an honorary PhD awarded for "life,' she would have earned it many times over. Our daughter, Alaina. is our major source of motivation. Everything that Marianne and I do, even if it is only in a small way, has her in mind. From the lime she could talk, her COACH AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

To Those Who Really Matter

By Ken Mannie, Head Strength/Conditioning Coach Michigan State University

T
TO

he coaching profession is an emotional collage of excitement, challenges, surging highs, deep lows, physically and mentally draining work, and the constant anticipation for what lies ahead. And as all of us know, the suffocating time commitment also places a tremendous strain on the family. SEPTEMBER 2OO7

Over the course of a year, most us tend to spend much more time with our athletes and other coaches than we do with our families. It's not hy choice, but by necessity. I'm sure that you've had your share of late and missed dinners. Your kids have probably felt your absence at a piano recital, school play, or T-ball game on more than

game day message, "Bring home a victory," has been sealed with a kiss, and will alway.s be Uie most important event of the day for me. Marianne and .Maina give me strength and purpose. They bring everything inio proper perspective, and I will always ihank ihem for ihai and forever give them my unconditional love. OOcn limes, we merely assnme that our family knows how much gratitude we hold in our hearts for them. Bill ihfy need to occasionally hear that tliey arc appreciated -jtist as we do.

BE THANKFUL AND STAY TOUGH

Maybe ihese lew words have struck a chord with you and your family situation. Il has been said thai whatever you have is not really yours unless you are truly thankful for it. Don't forget to

express that thankfulness - even if It is only in a small way - every chance you get. Whether you are a young coach currently being baptized in the Hre of your first job, a grandfather several times over and in the twilight of an outstanding career, or somewhere in hetween, challenge yourself lo express gratitude every single day to your best friends and truest booster clul) - yonr family. Your career will have its share of ups and downs, good times and bad, wins and losses. And through it all, your family will be right there, shotilder to shoulder with you, with support, love, and inspiration. In their eyes, you are always a winner! They are the ones who add the most to your life. And many times, it's appropiialely done by pushing you, not by pampering you. Much like you do with your own team. Your family challenges you. and

challenge builds strength and toughness. It is basically (he same proce.s,s you have used to htiild your program. And your players will appreciate you for the rest of their lives for nurturing that snength and totighness in ihem. Wouldn't it he a good idea riglii now to express appreciation to those who have done the same for you? Give thanks to your most loyal and committed fans; the home team.

Save the Date!

2008 Las Vegas Super Clinic February 29 - March 2
Riviera Hotel & Casino
Presented By: USA Coaches Clinics, Inc. Featuring: Top Pro, NCAA & High School Coaches including Charlie Weis & the Notre Dame Football Staff

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