Coach's Corner: Tim Crone 9/14

Tim Crone

By Tim Crone Former Blue Springs Head Football Coach and Activities Director
Posted: September 14, 2011 - 11:04 AM



Since my retirement from Blue Springs High School I have had many golf course discussions about what factors into a great high school football program.
 
Many are of the opinion that schools such as Blue Springs, Blue Springs South and Rockhurst on the Missouri side and Olathe North, Olathe South and Hutchison on the Kansas side should always be contenders for a state championship.
 
They are under the impression that programs like these just happen. The reason for continued success in these programs is a culmination of years and years of hard work, dedication and high expectations by every player, coach and parent.
 
The top football programs work twelve months a year to develop a winning program. A major aspect in these programs is strong weight and conditioning training. The athletes condition together throughout the year which contributes to mental and physical toughness.
 
As summer months roll around the teams begin to bring it together through team camps, seven-on-seven leagues and an upgrade of weights and conditioning. All of this effort makes the first day of fall practice seem like a piece of cake.
 
The traditionally great programs put in hours and hours to prepare for the beginning of the season. It allows them to play immediately at a high level. Communication issues have been worked out early on and the work habits of the entire team have become a covenant shared by all of the players mutually. Bruce E. Brown wrote “Turning Around Athletic Programs” and in the pamphlet points out the following commonalities in programs of significance:
  1. Remember how you got here and do not become complacent.
  2. Great programs don’t implode, they begin to fray (small slippages away from team covenants).
  3. Protect the team from anyone who wants to destroy the culture and unity that has been built.
  4. Keep a fine focus on improving – don’t be satisfied to maintain.
  5. Communicate successes and lift up those who built the foundation of change.
  6. Allow the leaders you have developed to lead.
  7. Enjoy the experience.
So, to answer those people who say that the same schools are always successful, they are correct. But the programs don’t just arrive there.  They have worked long and hard to get there and remain there. As Bo Schembechler once said, “I love to win. Love it. Football is just too hard and too tough if you’re not successful. This isn’t recreation, and the sport isn’t for everyone. I just don’t want to expend all this time and effort and come up short.”