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PRESIDENTS MESSAGE March 2009 Don Tangen, Glencoe - Silver lake President MSHSCA
Winter seasons are concluded. I would
like to congratulate all the coaches who guided their teams or
individuals into the state tourney in their respective sports. We
all know that state tournaments are an exceptionally positive
experience. Match is the mouth that spring sports begin to gear up.
Hopefully the Minnesota weather cooperates with everyone’s schedules
this spring. For me personally, spring goes by very quickly. I also
feel that the winter sports helps the Minnesota Winning and participating in state tournaments are obvious measures of success. Over the years I have observed numerous othersuccesses. I have observed teams near the end of their regular season, whose won-loss record was titled heavily towards the loss side, play with total intensity from the opening play to the final buzzer. They played with positive emotion and intelligence. That coach was successful. What was accomplished was truly amazing. I have seen teams who early in their respective seasons were struggling. I then would see the same team at tournament time. Even if they did not qualify for that state tourney, they competed with the state tourney qualifiers at an even level, losing only the finest of margins. That coach was successful. These success stories go on and on at the high school level. There are infinitely many. My point is there hopefully will be a time when fans and media members will recognize successful coaches, teams and athletes in addition to the winning teams and athletes. Those of us in the coaching profession understand these successes. We all know of hundreds of successful coaches and athletes who are not participating in their respective state tournament. The real essence of high school sports is the value of the team and how individuals can contribute to the positive atmosphere of the team. These athletes and coaches are winners. I also have observed in numerous different sporting events the great involvement of coachs’ families. I have witnessed spouses, parents, children, and a host of extended family members how are mentally and often physically involved in many aspects of the team and the individual members of that team. Coaching is a profession that requires a huge commitment of time and energy. I find that involvement to be most impressive. It is most satisfying and helpful to the coaches in our profession. We have all witnessed situations in which the emotions of parents become a negative factors in the development of a team. this can become a definite interference. Early in my career a principal told me all parents are selfish for their own children. We all want the best for our kids. I believe the factor that separates parents who do things that are more acceptable to the team from those who create conflicts, are those parents who understand that the coach has to be equally “selfish” for each of the members of his/her team. These parents tend to have things in perspective. People who I consider really good coaches work with all their athletes. They are interested in the lives and thoughts of all the members of the team from the most gifted to those who are less gifted. All athletes can add something positive toa team. The really good coaches recognize the little things that an individual can offer. As one can see, the opportunity to serve as President of the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association has been and continues to be a most rewarding opportunity for me. I have had the opportunity to work with many outstanding people. I am more thankful now than ever for all the really good coaches, teachers and parents that I have encountered during my career. Hopefully the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year is successful. |
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