Coaches Corner
"Behind the scenes"
I would like thank those behind the scenes that allow our soccer program to function.
For st art ers, our Facility Manager, Sonny Evans, does a lot to keep our game field and the Recreation Field (where we practice) in the best shape possible. And this year has been no exception.
This past September saw the most rain ever for that month since they have been keeping records on rain fall. We saw about 12 inches of rain. The first nine matches played on our field were in rain.
If you saw the field today, you would be shocked. I have discussed this matter with visiting coaches. Once they arrive, they comment about how “it is not that bad, this is actually in pretty good shape.” Sonny is not alone. He is joined by our assistant baseball coach, Kyle Wynn, who lines the field and puts down our stencils. The stencils, the most dreaded word in our department! But I remind visiting recruits and families, the stencils represent our commitment towards making our field the best possible. How many other schools take the time to mark the NCAA and SCAC logos on a field?
We are in practice uniform every day. We also choose to wear all white as one of our kits. Believe me, Morris Stewart would rather us not wear white. Aside from helping in the mowing of our fields, Morris is the man who cleans all our practice and game kits. Don't forget, we wear all white. And don't forget it has rained during all of our home games.
This write – up or anything else you see on this web page is posted by our SID and head baseball coach, Mike Pritchard. Mike actually is the only staff person in our department allowed to have a sofa. But you know, well deserved. The guy literally sleeps in his office. Anything you read in the papers, see updated on the site, some historical fact like when the last hat trick happened, that is Mike Pritchard's handy work.
Our game-day program is donated by Donna and Walt Brown. The creation of the Bob Allen Nissan Classic program comes from our Friends of Centre Soccer. To be honest, I struggle to operate under budget. I want to provide the best experience possible for our kids. Each of you would be considered behind the scenes. At some point, many of you have made a donation to our Praying Colonels account. This helps balance our budgets.
Our lights for the game field really add to the experience and we are so fortunate to have nine donors make this happen.
Our players are surounded by three individuals for every practice and game. TY Fisher is our head trainer. He is amazing with his rehab work and attention to detail. TY decides, not me, when someone is ready to play. The joke when long time trainer Lesley Barsotti left and TY came in was centered on me. TY was constantly reminded that reading Jeb's mind is crucial to the job. Well I can say, TY is a great mind reader.
TY is joined by student trainer Becca Todd and student manager Sean Chandler. Both who keep our players hydrated during practice and look after every detail in equipment.
And how can we forget our announcer and stat people on game day. JJ Mconaha announces our games and well, enough is said on that subject.
I don't take any of this for granted. Our players do not either. Half of our success as a program is because of the players. The other half is because of the people around our program who do their thing to allow us to function. They deserve a big “thank you.”
Coach's Corner archives
Monday, Sept. 11, 2006
Monday, Aug 28, 2006
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