Gulf Coast FCA

Iron Sharpens Iron

2010-09-30T10:34:00.000-04:00

This is the team motto for one of our local high school football teams here in Bradenton. Everything this coach preaches revolves around this bible verse in Proverbs. He took it to another level by making iron an acronym. Here is what it looks like:

                                                     I: Intensity
                                                    R: Respond
                                                    O: Others
                                                     N: Never Give Up

As we take a look at our lives as leaders, do we have people in our lives that we "sharpen iron" with. We all need that accountability and responsibility in our lives if we are to grow in our walk with Christ.

Influence Of A Coach

2010-08-27T15:44:00.000-04:00

I serve in the role of Character Coach at a local high school here in Bradenton. Yesterday, the team had an opportunity to go to a local church where they were fed dinner by a few of the church staff. As the boys were ready to eat, the head coach prayed for the boys and the food. This will be an every Thursday routine with our head coach, his coaching staff, and his team. Its great to be a part of a church that reaches out to the community as well as a head coach who know God has put him in that position for more than just the X's and O's.

What Is Your Coaching Style??

2010-08-18T22:13:00.000-04:00

Take a look at the link below about a situation between Tony Dungy and Rex Ryan. I personally do not believe that coaches need to use profane language to get their point across. I don't care what level of play it is, from professionals down to youth leagues. Coaches that need to show off how much they can lay down profane laden tirades show a lack of vocabulary and are not relationship driven, just performance driven.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5473744

Team Cohesion

2010-08-11T09:49:00.001-04:00

I was recently asked to speak on Team Cohesion to a group of youth league football and cheer coaches who serve in the organization, Athletes For Christ. It was a real blessing to see these coaches wanting to change their coach styles to make an impact on their players. In Matthew 17:1-8, Jesus shares with us a story on how He transforms the team around Him to reach the same ending.
How do you define Team Cohesion? You can define it as "a dynamic process that's reflected in the tendency of a group to come together in the pursuit of ONE goal." This is a great time to look at the teams we coach and make a point to see with your players that you all are on the same page and pursuit of the one goal.

Mike Zimmer of the Cincinnati Bengals finds solace in coaching less than a year after his wife's death, - ESPN

2010-08-02T22:07:00.001-04:00

Mike Zimmer of the Cincinnati Bengals finds solace in coaching less than a year after his wife's death, - ESPN

When coaches coach no matter what level, their spouses are part of the team as well. This story is a testimony to that in how much a wife can bring to one man as well as a team. Vikki Zimmer left behind a great legacy to all who knew her.

Prep Rally: FCA 7-on-7 tournament set for next week

2010-07-22T19:02:00.003-04:00

Prep Rally: FCA 7-on-7 tournament set for next week

Check out this blog by local sports writer John Lembo. Tuesday is our 2nd Annual Gulf Coast FCA Air Attack and a big THANK YOU goes out to Manatee PAL for their partnership in this event. Please stop by and cheer on your favorite high school as football season is right around the corner.

Coveted Ilya Kovalchuk agrees to return to New Jersey Devils - ESPN New York

2010-07-19T23:36:00.000-04:00

Coveted Ilya Kovalchuk agrees to return to New Jersey Devils - ESPN New York

To commit or not to commit? That is the question... The contract signed by Kovalchuk defies almost everything that the sports world is about today and that's commitment. He will be 44 when his contract runs out, ultimately ending his career with the Devils. I feel alot more athletes should look into the longevity with a team which in turn gives that individual more influence in the community in which he/she lives. I think we should take our hats off to Ilya as an athlete who was not afraid to make a commitment.

Cavaliers owner defends stance on LeBron - NBA - CBSSports.com Basketball

2010-07-12T20:01:00.000-04:00

Cavaliers owner defends stance on LeBron - NBA - CBSSports.com Basketball

It is hard to believe how long this story has gone on and all the twist and turns it has. Now it has Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavericks looking into tampering charges with the NBA board of governors regarding Miami Thrice. Then you have Jesse Jackson giving his 2 cents worth. Mark, let it go, you are upset that you couldn't sign them and Jesse, you may have some influence in some arenas, but obviously sports isn't one of them.
Think of it like this, if the Heat do not win, they don't have draft picks for years to come and they will be horrible.

Are You A Legacy Builder?

2010-07-10T22:13:00.000-04:00

In order to be a Legacy Builder, you must be Commited to Excellence. Based on Matthew 6:19-25, where do your priorities lie? God wants our priorities to be:

1) An intimate relationship with Him
2) Minister to your family
3) Minister to your players
4) Glorify God through your job

What will it take for you to step towards being a Legacy Builder and get your priorities aligned with God's?

Any of James' many options would be great for him, NBA ... except Miami - NBA - CBSSports.com Basketball

2010-07-07T23:38:00.001-04:00

Any of James' many options would be great for him, NBA ... except Miami - NBA - CBSSports.com Basketball

I wonder how many people will be watching LBJ's primetime show tomorrow night, by the way which is being done from a suburb near New York. Would he go there to say he is staying in Cleveland? It should be interesting to say the least. The best part about the show tomorrow night is that it will be over.

Life's Purpose

2010-07-06T16:28:00.000-04:00

Never forget that life is not about you!. You exist for God's purposes, not vice versa. (Rick Warren)

Coach Fired for Language

2010-04-29T07:36:00.000-04:00

A coach in Louisiana has been fired from his duties as head football coach and track coach for allegations that he used profanity in front of his students and a fellow teacher. He also has been suspended without pay as a teacher. Kudos to this school in Louisiana for doing the right thing despite the coaches record of 105-33 with 3 state titles and two other state appearances in 10 seasons.

Kids and Sports

2010-04-26T22:57:00.000-04:00

A study shows that almost 50 million kids play sports up to their freshman year in high school. That number drops to 7 million through the high school years. The two reasons for that is pathetic coaching and out of control parents. That is a horrible dynamic for a kid to deal with. Coaches need to get better and that's not all based on fundamentals and parents really just need to stay out of what the coach does.

Good for Goodell

2010-04-26T00:22:00.003-04:00

I must say what a great job NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is doing by laying the hammer down on Big Ben Rothlisberger. The 6 game suspension will serve him very nicely and I'm anxious to hear what he has to say tomorrow.

Early Commitment

2010-02-08T12:26:00.002-05:00

The brash 13 year old quarterback out of the state of Delaware has "verbally committed" to go to USC. Obviously this is just a PR stunt by Lane Kiffin and the Trojans. To make matters worse, this young QB's "private coach" is pushing this situation along. This is how recruiting can create idols. This poor 13 year old know as much about commitment as alot of adults do, yet he is the prime talk of the town. When will people realize that these athletes, as good as they are, need to be kids first, and players second?

Coaching Carousel

2010-01-12T21:47:00.000-05:00

ESPN just reporting that Lane Kiffin is headed back to USC as head coach after only one year with the University of Tennessee. Where is the loyalty in sports these days? What kind of example does this set with the players and kids, that there is always something bigger and better out there? I believe that Lane Kiffin is walking into some NCAA sanctions at USC as that's the reason Pete Carroll left.

New Era

2010-01-05T23:12:00.000-05:00

Now that Mike Shanahan has signed a 5 year deal with the Washington Redskins as head coach and VP of football operations, I wonder how that has to make Bruce Allen who is the GM feel as Shanahan has the final say on all football decisions. I'm not sure that Washington can handle the egos of Snyder, Shanahan, and Allen.

Legacy Coach Moving On

2010-01-01T20:36:00.002-05:00

Former Palmetto High School Head Football Coach and Athletic Director, Raymond Woodie, has accepted a position at Western Kentucky as Linebacker Coach. Coach Woodie spent his time at Palmetto teaching kids that "Character Wins Out" and also that there are more things important in life than winning a football game. Coach supported everything FCA did from sending kids to camp to having a chaplain, who eventually was hired to be a part of his staff. God has big plans for Coach Woodie at Western Kentucky to impact that team, campus, and community for Christ. Thank you for all you did to serve the Lord at Palmetto High School coach!!!

High School Football

2009-10-24T14:40:00.000-04:00

I attended a high school football game last night and I was really in shock to hear how the fans spoke to the players, how the fans spoke to the coaches, how the coaches spoke to the referees, and how the players spoke to the referees. It was a close game but in the end, there was always someone to blame for the loss. Instead of givng credit to a team that played well, people provide excuses for why they didn't win. Unfortunately, that is the society we live in. We should focus on being process oriented and not result oriented. We need to remember these are kids playing for the fun of it and not for a paycheck.

Know Your Role

2009-10-11T21:17:00.004-04:00

With Denver beating New England today 20-17 in overtime, Josh McDaniels and the Broncos move to 5-0. After the off-season turmoil that happened in Denver, I don't think anyone would have thought this start would be possible. McDaniels brings the "TEAM" aspect everyone looks for in a coach. Mike Nolan does an outstanding job with the defense. There are fans in Denver who are probably "eating their words" right now and all of a sudden are back on the bandwagon. Its amazing what winning does. This is a great example of let the owners own, let the coaches coach, let the players play, and let the fans just be fans"!!!

Florida Govenor Supports Bobby Bowden

2009-10-10T20:24:00.005-04:00

Today Florida Governor publicly came out to support Bobby Bowden. Crist, who is a FSU graduate, wished Bobby the best the rest of the season. Bobby who always is very subtle in what he shares said that "if you listen you your critics in life, you will be up there with them". Bowden will let FSU know if he will be back next year. I think that was a great move on Governor Crist's part to show support for Bobby.

The Shooting Zone

2009-10-09T18:31:00.003-04:00

The Shooting Zone is a new Player Development Training Center located at 1826 60th Place East in Bradenton. This facility features "The Dr. Dish Shooting Machine" and "NOAH System". For more information on how to schedule private instruction, camps and clinics, shooting mechanics, open gym, gym rental, and fundamentals, please call Brett Morrow at (941) 739-9663.

Way To Go Coach

2009-09-19T23:28:00.004-04:00

After #3 USC lost to Washington 16-13 on a field goal late, USC head coach Pete Carroll blamed no one but himself. In a program that has had such a storied history over the last couple decades to see it struggle the first couple weeks here in the 2009-2010 season is not something they are used to. He has stepped up and taken accountability where it belongs, on himself. It sure is refreshing to see and lets hope he can figure out his QB situation. Carroll will find himself and the Trojans in the BCS title game in January.

DKP Enterprising

2009-09-16T08:34:00.000-04:00

Had a great meeting this morning with Doug Poll, President and CEO of DKP Enterprising. Doug provides mentoring and coaching for businesses and non profits.

US Open

2009-09-05T20:31:00.003-04:00

You have to love this time of year with the US Open going on. The depth of talent both on the ATP tour as well as the WTA tour is remarkable. Combine that with the electric atmosphere of New York makes for an awesome event. Georgia native Melanie Oudin upset Maria Sharapova today which could mean a changing of the guard in American tennis.

Bradenton Christian Coaches Study

2009-08-27T18:10:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow we kick off our Coaches Bible Study at Bradenton Christian School. What a great way to kick off the school year than by speaking about a servant's heart from Ephesians 4:1-4. That is their focus for the year. Also looking to get FCA going out there with the three students who went to Leadership Camp this summer.

FCA Partners with Woodland Community Church

2009-08-23T23:46:00.003-04:00

FCA and Woodland Community Church are partnering to do a sports camp next summer with the dates being June 21st - June 25th. Sports being offered are: soccer, golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and cheerleading.

FCA AAU Baseball Team

2009-08-20T21:52:00.003-04:00

Had a great meeting tonight with a group of guys who love the Lord and want to start an FCA AAU baseball team. Our 2 hour meeting consisted of talking about the season in which to start, tryouts, future FCA baseball camps, what do we look for in coaches, and outreaches to do. We are looking for God's direction for coaches to talk to and also when to start this. It will be a great witnessing tool to other teams and coaches that this team plays.

FCA Baseball Day of Champions with Matt LaPorta

2009-08-16T12:43:00.004-04:00

FCA is going to have the an awesome opportunity to partner with current Cleveland Indian and former University of Florida and Pt Charlotte High grad Matt LaPorta to do a baseball camp on Sunday, November 1st at Charlotte Sports Park. Here is what Matt had to say about the impact FCA has had on his life:

"FCA played a big role in my life as a college student. FCA is where I met so many people especially my wife. It is also a place where I could go in the middle of the week and renew my mind and body for God again. Because as we all know, life can take it's toll on us so FCA gave me an opportunity during the week to focus back on God. There is no greater love than that of Jesus Christ. I pray that one day everyone in this world will know Him as their Lord and Savior."

"Servants, do what you are told by your earthly masters. AND DON"T JUST DO THE MINIMUM THAT WILL GET YOU BY. Do your best. Work from the heart for your REAL MASTER, FOR GOD; confidant that you will get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind that your ultimate master you are serving is Christ Jesus"

Colossians 3:22-24

Prayer

2009-08-06T13:06:00.007-04:00

No Christian has ever been called to "go it alone" in his/her walk of faith. We cannot obey God without being in regular, close fellowship with other believers. He has designed us so that many of our needs can only be met through mutual independence. Players on the Riverview football team come together for prayer before they head out to competition and its amazing to see these guys live out what it says in James 5:16, not only on the field but off the field.

Gulf Coast FCA Night of Champions

2009-08-04T23:31:00.005-04:00

Steve Grant, former Indianapolis Colt and Tampa Bay Buccaneer, will be speaking at our Night of Champions on Thursday, October 29th at Laurel Oak Country Club. Steve played seven years in the NFL and had the awesome opportunity to play under Tony Dungy while he was with the Buccaneers. For more information regarding this evening, please don't hesitate to email me or call me.

Lakewood Ranch Girls Basketball

2009-08-04T23:28:00.003-04:00

Head Coach Tina Hadley and I will be meeting tomorrow to discuss leadership training for her team. As all coaches do, she is looking for an individual or individuals to step up on the court and off the court and be leaders. Her heart's desire is to have that peer modeling of leadership, which is the highest level of cognitive skill learning (Matthew 28:16-20)

Role Models

2009-07-29T22:55:00.004-04:00

All Pro Dad did a wonderful email devotion today on why our kids have such slim pickings when it comes to role models. Coach Tony Dungy shares that the most important role model a child can have is that of a parent. For more on this article or other great topics, please visit: www.allprodad.com

SCS and BCS

2009-07-29T16:36:00.002-04:00

I had the opportunity to have lunch today with Pete Conner, golf coach at SCS, Phil Helmuth, athletic director at SCS, and Drew Mitchell, athletic director at BCS. We have set a tentative date of Wednesday April 14th, 2010 to bring the two coaching staffs and spouses together and have dinner catered that evening and have the campus huddles serve them that evening. This will be a great opportunity for the huddles to give back to the coaches for all they do for the school. I will also be able to share with the two coaching staffs on being a 3-Dimensional Coach and the impact that will have on their teams. Please be in prayer over this opportunity for the coaching staffs and huddles.

Inaugural Gulf Coast FCA 7 on 7

2009-07-29T08:45:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was an amazing day at the Manatee PAL fields as we kicked off our first annual 7 on 7 football camp. We had teams from Venice High, Southeast High, Sarasota High, ODA, Bradenton Christian, Palmetto, and Cardinal Mooney. We opened up with prayer and then a devotion on teamwork by Tony Dungy. Then we were off for 3 1/2 hours of kids running patterns, pigskins being aired out, coaches calling offensive and defensive plays, and most of all FUN!!

Lunch was provided as the athletes had a chance to hear about "Winning At The Game Of Life" by FCA Character Coach Mitch Grainger while the coaches were with me talking about how to be a 3-Dimensional Coach . We had 160 athletes and coaches represented yesterday with fans and parents of the schools anticipating what their teams might do this upcoming year. It was a pleasure to be involved and serve the Lord in impacting the lives of these coaches and athletes.