Mr. Coach Matt Walter

I just finished coaching my 31st season at the same school. Now that I'm older and I think a little wiser, having coached for so long, I find game day extremely entertaining. Why? Because one of two teams and school communities show up. There is one kind of team with parents screaming at the refs from the stands, coaches losing their marbles over questionable play calls, players lacking self-control and putting on a display of cockiness and arrogance that is disrespectful to their school and the game of football. On the other kind of team I'm talking about, you see parents cheering their kids on, coaches having fun and kids enjoying the competition while displaying a high level of sportsmanship and respect for the game. What's even more entertaining is when two of the same kind of teams show up to compete. When it's two "win at any cost" teams competing it is sometimes athletic but most of the time out of control and difficult (but entertaining) to watch. Sad really. Immature and shallow. When two of the "Building champions and character development" teams show up. It can also at times be athletic in nature, usually hard hitting and yet respectful at the same time. It's something to witness. Hit or get hit. Pick each other up after the play and do it again all 4 quarters. The question on the table is which kind of coach, Athletic Director, school community, team are you? If you are like the first team mentioned, then good luck with that. Your season will end (win or lose) and you will still feel empty and lost. It will negatively impact your school community with selfish and negative coaches and players walking your halls. It will taint your school culture and eventually catch-up with you. If you are like the second team, then good for you. When your season ends you will feel complete, knowing you gave it your all and that you played the game the right way AND your athletes and coaches are mature and ready for whatever life throws at them. Your school community will thrive since you have young men and coaches that build up and put team and community above self. True champions and winners on and off the field. That's my kind of team. What about you? Which team are you?