BEHIND THE LENS - December 18, 2007 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Clock Watching
Changes in Coaching
49 Days until National Signing Day

Well, I guess most of you know by now that we won. It was a lot of fun watching the Dogs win. I've got three topics, let's roll.

Clock Watching
Clock Watching, knowing the train is close to its last stop. As the game started and rambled through the quarters, I saw myself "Clock Watching". I was letting my mind run with all the different memories I had experience with this group of young men.

At halftime I ran into several media personal and coaches only to hear them say 'You play the second half like the first and this one is over'. As each minute ticked off, you could start to feel victory.

I have been on the other side of this coin, wishing the game would end from a punishing perspective. It's different when your ride ends from a loss versus you actually bringing the ride to a close yourself.

We played every game they would allow us to play. This weekend arrived quickly, only to realize I felt like I needed to be preparing for a game. I stared at my watch several times, thinking that I needed to be somewhere or that I was running late. Oh well, I will get over it.

Changes in Coaching
This time of year always brings about a lot of changes when it comes to coaches. All the opening remarks are the same. "Here at the University of XYZ we are pleased to announce ________ ____________ as the new head coach of the fighting __________." Only to be followed up by a speech from the new leader explaining about just how happy he is to be a part of the program. The whole thing is so planned and canned right out of a template from a book called "Departures and Arrivals for moving coaches".

Back over at the program where this great coach left is a monsoon of negativism. Fans get on message boards and rip the guy who was once their leader. Then, the search begins for a new coach. Names begin to fly and the hunt is on. I have lived this experience from a basketball perspective and I must say that it's tough to let go.

In college and high school football the coach is the main character of the sport. In professional sports the coach is always secondary to the athletes. This person is person is either in the hot seat of basking in his new contract.

In my opinion your coaching success is only measured by the last game or season you just coached. The fan on the other hand only looks at the present. They may ramble about the past, but they measure the future based on the present. If your coach leaves for a bigger program you should be proud and wish him well, regardless of how you emotionally feel.

At times I think it is more of a "you" problem. We never consider that some people love to take chances or enjoy starting over. Whether it is a job or a place you live, people just don't stay in one place very long. It is what it is.

49 Days until National Signing Day
Well, only 49 days left until the official day arrives. The day high school seniors execute an agreement to play football. Everybody needs to be patient. Your son may not sign on National Signing Day. You need to be prepared to pursue a different road to arrive at your destination.

I recently received an email from Steven Hensley. He was so thankful for all we did to help him get to his dream school, the University of Tennessee. He didn't sign with UT on National Signing Day, he took the hard road and walked on. He was playing at a smaller school, but wasn't satisfied. He wanted to be a VOL. He is not on a full ride, but they do pay for some things towards his education.

There is a lot of recruiting left and each individual needs to decide what's best for them. We don't always get what we want, but I put the question back to you. How bad do you want it? Steven Hensley wanted it bad.

That's A Wrap
Sorry for the delay, things have been hectic here at the office. I hope to get something out between now and the end of the year.

But I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Thanks for reading this rag.

Once again congrats to THE DOGS on BACK 2 BACK state championship victories. Until next time.

God bless and Take Care.

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com