Last Saturday, our team played in the ECAC North Atlantic Bowl. This was our fifth consecutive postseason appearance, which is a heck of an achievement for our players. At our level, there are almost 250 teams competing for one national championship. Of those 250(ish), 32 make the NCAA Tournament, and another 12-14 play in ECAC games. Any given season, more than 200 teams wrap up their regular season and turn in their gear. Our seniors did not experience that during their career. Good stuff.
An experience during that bowl game inspired this month’s blog entry. It is a lesson I learned that day about trust.
Our opponent had won the coin toss, and elected to receive. As I huddled my kickoff unit, checked off “attendance”, and made our coverage call, I stated “we aren’t kicking deep to 87”. One of my best guys gave me a strange look. I couldn’t describe it to you now, but it got to me. I asked him what was up, and he responded with “Coach, you don’t trust us”.
To provide you with some background, we ranked #1 in the nation in kickoff return yardage allowed in both 2009 and 2010. The following two seasons (2011, 2012) we were in the top 10. This season, we struggled at times. We’d have great covers sandwiched around a big return against us. It was frustrating.
On that sideline last week, I was at a bit of a crossroads. We all know we occasionally kick away from a dangerous returner, or double team a stud receiver. However, I didn’t have the time to explain all that. One thing I did know was that our success would largely be determined by the effort those young men gave. Would a perceived lack of trust negatively affect that effort? I was afraid it would.
I huddled them together tight, and told them I trusted them more than I could ever trust a group of young men. I meant it. I still do, a week later.
We kicked it deep. Naturally, 87 fielded it. And the coverage held up. I exhaled, suspecting that I had dodged two potential disasters (losing players and a return touchdown). The game was a back and forth affair, and all of our kicks went deep. The kids ran hard, hit hard, and played hard.
Full disclosure: we did give up a 45 yard return later in the game. Thankfully, it did not hurt us.
Sometimes it’s worth 45 yards to make sure your kids know you believe in them.
Check in next month for some Punt Block/Return talk!
As always, feel free to contact me at wrussel1@norwich.edu. I’d love to hear from you.