We have just finished up our 2nd strenuous week of conditioning. We have had a blast getting better, and I'm so proud of our guys. They have so much heart! They kept coming back for more and more. We are blessed to not have many issues with the team to this point, especially with character. Our team was a little low on communication this last day of conditioning, which we will need to fix in order to be a good team. The gym was quite during our warm-ups and that doesn't=success.
At the end of our first week, we went on a camping trip in the Great Smokey Mountains to bond as a team and get some tough conditioning in. The guys had a blast. Late Friday night/early Saturday morning the guys opened up to each other and shared things about themselves. I feel that we got closer as a team, and hopefully closer to God. We woke up on Saturday morning, packed up and then headed to Chimney Tops, which is a tough 4 mile round trip hiking trail. It just happens to be all uphill. Our guys ran so hard and gave each other everything. When we made it to the top, we were able to climb a small rock cliff and look out over God's beautiful creation. On top of that mountain, I told the guys, "Thats where we want to finish this season, in our personal lives, and in our faith." It was a great moment.
As a coach, I'm trying to evaluate myself after everyday. I have let God lead up to this point, and it has been amazing. I want to get better at how effectively I communicate and become a better teacher. I see things, but seeing things and teaching things are 2 completely different areas.
I have created a leadership group of 3 players comprised of our only 2 seniors and only junior. So needless to say, we are young. Our guys take their faith serious, and I have spoken with them about what a leader is. I have a great class on leadership with Dr. Ted Phillips, and I" learning even more to teach them. I expect them to be servant leaders, putting others needs ahead of their own. I expect them to lead by example in everything they do: effort, communication, encouragment, committment, etc.
I hope to post something after every practice before I lay down for the day.
