In my 20+ years in high school athletics, this is without question, the toughest time to be a High School Coach. With so many outlets (Select Sports, Skill Coaches, Social Media, etc) there are that many more opinions about how people should do their job. There isn’t a more scrutinized job for less money than what a High School Coach is expected to do and deal with every day. And it’s not going to get any better.
They have to manage grades, personalities, fundraising, booster clubs, parents, camps, budgets, and personalities more than most full time jobs do.
My advice to all of you, is fight the fight, because it’s worth it! You are the only ones in the arena, not the naysayers in the bleachers.. As I sit in the stands night after night, it’s becoming a sad experience listening just how easy people think these jobs are. At the same time it’s inspiring because it’s makes guys like me want to continue finding ways to give our coaches what they need when they need it. Most of the time, that’s just love and support! I am so damn thankful for our coaches and what they do every single day.
I see you in the film room when others are in bed, I talk to you when times are tough and expectations are high, and I see you with your arms around our kids even when the parents are convinced you don’t care. You know who you are, and what you’re about.
I remind you to remind yourself to coach for one reason: Love. Love for what you do, love for the kids, love for the process, and love for the lessons. While it’s harder now than ever to realize it, you are changing lives and making the world a better place… Even when others won’t take the time to realize that is what you are doing!
One big wall in my office, has a passage on it, and it’s there for a reason. It is posted below…
Tomorrow. Come celebrate!!! All are welcome! If you are a former or current female Affton athlete, please register. We want to celebrate you! https://t.co/36SOXqPxZL
Congratulations to our very own Coach (Conway) Pickett on her induction into the Waterloo High School Hall of Fame last night! We’re lucky to have you at Affton!!
CONGRATS to all of our fall athlete's who achieved All-Conference Honors! We had quite a successful fall!! CONGRATS COUGARS!!!! Let's keep it rolling!!!
CONGRATS to your Affton Cougars. The 2023 Soccer Class 2 District 1 Champions!!!! Enjoy the win boys! Back to work next week to prepare for Westminster on Saturday November 11th. Time TBA WAY TO GO COUGARS!!!!
Big game tonight, district semi-finals. It is warmer in larger numbers so let's pack the stands. Saxony beat us last year, let's return the favor tonight. #LetsGoCougars
@AfftonHS students! Looking for free college prep? @UMSLBridge offers the Saturday Academy for students Grade 9-12. Want to learn more, Sadie from UMSL will be at AHS Thursday to talk to interested students, sign up through the Success Ready Newsletter https://t.co/ZWkl3eRO5W
First they were stars, now they're star-fish! (Not quitting my day job anytime soon with that one). Cougars soccer enjoying the pool while the outdoor temps keep them inside! What a great way to beat the heat and get some fitness and fun in! @coachmes75