Iron Sharpens Iron

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

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??

 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

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

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

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

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.