Part of it...be confident

Before each game I feel a great deal of nerves, nerves not knowing what will happen or how the game will go. In my mind I know that it will go well because of how well I prepare and how much attention to detail I put into the planning and preparation. I know the kids will compete and do their best. In the classroom if things go wrong, students will be okay and perhaps we can share a laugh.

I want to be the best I can at all times. I have always held myself to high and realistic standards. I expect to be the best I can in all that I do, in daily life, as a teacher or as a coach, why? Simple I take a great deal of pride in my work and I care a great deal about the kids. I am genuine and I hope the students and players are able to display how much time and effort we all put in.

The emotions come and go after the first few minutes or innings, once I have "settled in" and the element of the unknown has started to decrease. The important thing to remember is to maintain composure and try to anticipate any mishaps or places where flaws could happen. As a coach I care a great deal about my players. I want them to be in a place where they are able to succeed. If players are successful, then our team has a better chance of being successful.

Tony LaRussa, arguably the best manager in baseball ever, said if one does not feel nerves then one does not care. This was in reference to coming back to coach the All Star game in KC.

As a coach, I take a great deal of pride and care in my players and there development. Over the course of a season seeing a team, a group of boys, aspiring players transform into baseball players and young men, dealing with the unknown, a solid trade-off.