I have been fortunate enough through the years to have many different jobs. Jobs ranging from pizza maker to athletic trainer. Perhaps one of my favorite jobs of all time was coaching. It was great because it gave me a chance to teach the lessons of life that could be more valuable than learning math equations or scientific theories. I got the chance to coach in youth soccer, junior high and high school football and high school lacrosse. I got to interact with a wide variety of kids during seasons where we won most of our games….or we lost all of them but became inventive with plays such as 'kitchen sink'.


Being a football coach was always something I figured I would do at some point in life. Football was my first athletic love and the things my coaches drilled into my head still effect today..in a positive manner. I feel like I tried to pass those positive lessons along, although I think I had the reputation of being the 'mean' coach. So much so that when I took over a high school girls lacrosse team, I actually think some girls didn't want to play. I will have to say that coaching that girl's lacrosse team was the best coaching job I think I have ever done. Despite what I told them, I had no idea what the rules were for girl's lacrosse and probably still couldn't really tell you. I read a lot, watched a few videos and just wung it the whole season and belted out 'catch, cradle and pass' like I have been around the game for years. I think we did pretty well..we beat a Corning West team that was pretty good and had some fun.


Coaching is absolutely not something I knew I would stay away from forever so when I was asked to join the coaching ranks again…I didn't hesitate. So this weekend (4/18/09) I will return to prowling the sidelines. I have found my old whistle and hat that still has the grass stains on it from the last time I threw it on the ground. I have requested game film from last year's team and am confident I can get someone to video the game tomorrow. I have a tough, yet solid first practice of the season ready and a good idea for 'extra credit' in case there is a pain in the neck on the team that needs adjusting. Imagine the look I will get when I tell them to line up for a Koczan drill. We may not be the best team on the field every weekend, but damnit, we will be in the best shape and work the hardest. We will dominate the Under 5 soccer league this season and start a tradition that will attract future players and coaches as a model of what their programs should be like.





Practice Plan


9am-905 Introductions


905-910 Team Rules


910-920 Simon Says / Stretching


920-930 Red Light / Green Light


930 – Snack Break


940 Gametime!!!





No, in this league you cannot keep score or even have a goalie, but you better believe I will be keeping close tabs on how many goals we score (subtracting the amount we score on ourselves) to determine the winner. Go Team 504!!


Oh and I think Olivia is going to be the cutest soccer player ever….but I will hold her to a higher standard….yeah right. ;)