God Doesn't make Junk- Our Value during the Coronavirus

When I was growing up, we attended Centenary United Methodist Church in Danville, KY.  For 19 years when I would leave my Sunday School class on the 2nd floor, hanging over the stairs was a huge banner, "God Doesn't Make Junk."  My best guess is some Methodist hippies back in the 60's made that banner. I am thankful I saw that almost every Sunday from 1969 through 1988.

For many of us, we define ourselves by what we do and what we accomplish. Some times, we can define ourselves based on how much other people value us, or their opinion of us.

God's Word says we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27) and He put us together inside of our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). According to Psalm 139:14, we are fearfully & wonderfully made by God, and that His creations are wonderful or marvelous. When you read those words that is God's opinion of YOU.  That is His value of you. And, He values you and me so much, He sent His Son to pay for our sins.

If my self worth comes from being a football coach, I am in big trouble right now.  Sure, I try to keep our football family connected during this time. But, the number of football workouts & practices  since March 11th... ZERO.  My value doesn't come from a football, my job, or my paycheck. My value comes from WHO created me.... and You.

And, that person you see that maybe you think you are better than they are.... their value comes from the same place as your value and it is the same.

And, what is even better...since we are created in God's image, we CAN solve the problems we are facing right now. We are capable. We are far from hopeless.

Over the years, during some of the toughest times, I have had to remember that banner hanging up that I would see every Sunday.  I can't put into words how thankful I am for that repetitive visual that I needed and would help me for my entire lifetime. 

Don't ever forget.....


GOD DOESN'T MAKE JUNK.

Cautious but not Fearful.... Attack the Week!

I am very blessed at Mercer County HS for many reasons. A big one is that my Athletic Director and Assistant Head Football Coach is Donald Smith. Coach Smith is also Pastor Smith of Centennial Baptist Church here in Harrodsburg.  Over the past several weeks, I have heard him say, more than once, "Be cautious but not fearful!" Amen... Coach AND Pastor Smith!

My bosses, Spencer Tatum (Principal), Donald Smith (AD), Dennis Davis (Superintendent)

Over the years, people have tried to use fear to manipulate me.  When that happens, it is a big red flag and a sure indication that something is up... and it is not good.

The first example that comes to mind was the Thursday before Stephanie and I were to get married in May of 1992. The day before, the Paris HS football coach & very good friend, Roger Gruneisen,  had accepted the head football position at Bourbon County HS.  Our Paris kids loved Coach Gruneisen! I wasn't sure we would have a team. But, when he left, I was offered and accepted the head football position at Paris HS... which was a dream come true.... just not the circumstances that I had wanted.

Stephanie had been hired to replace Mrs. Kenney Roseberry at Paris HS to teach English and all of the extra duties that went with that position. On this Thursday, we are one day away from our rehearsal dinner and two days away from our wedding. In fact, Coach Gruneisen was in our wedding!

May 30, 1992

That Thursday morning, I am in the football fieldhouse collecting my thoughts, thinking through everything that has transpired, and putting together a plan for Greyhound football. Stephanie calls me on the football office phone. She has just talked to her mom, who was a librarian in Bourbon County Schools and had a message for us. The message was that if Stephanie and I go to Bourbon County, NOW , we will have teaching & coaching jobs. But, if we wait, and the Paris City Schools close, we will not have jobs.

We discuss it over the phone, and we both are pretty adamant that we want to be Greyhounds and stay at Paris. Even though the circumstances were very difficult.... was I really going to give up being the head football coach of the tradition rich Paris Greyhounds? No way. We chose to stay and without a doubt, it was a great decision.

Another example comes from a faculty meeting at Mason County HS. Our central office staff was not real happy with the HS faculty. During the meeting that day in our library, a central office administrator told us that due to a new state policy, everyone in the building could be fired if they did not get what they wanted...and that in some schools, that had already happened.

I raised my hand and asked the question, "What school has fired all their faculty?"  To make a long story short, after a series of back and forth questions and responses, this administrator could not give me one example.

We need to be smart & thoughtful right now, but not scared. Cautious, but not fearful!

Have a great week!

John 16:33

Cliff Nobles, The Horse and Earning that Moment on a HS Football Field

I went for a run last night and Cliff Nobles' THE HORSE came on. I can listen to that over and over again. That was a pep band classic for a HS football or basketball game in the early 70's. Still, every time I hear it, I think of that goalline stand our guys had at Paris in the 2nd round of the playoffs in November of 1994. 

We had a handful of really good players, but only dressed about 27 that night. Our opponent was a very good NewCath team coached by Bob Schneider.  The day before, our practice stunk to the point that I thought our guys had given up on the season and saw little hope of winning. Thankfully, I could not have been more wrong. 

Our defensive coordinator was Phillip Burbage and our goalline defense had seven guys up front.... we struggled to even have seven big guys on our team! But, the good thing about it was that some of those big guys got a chance to get on the field.

So, 4th and goal inside of the one yard line, Paris, KY, Blanton Collier Stadium, November playoff game, the Greyhound Band is playing "The Horse"...loud...our big guys play great! They don't allow any movement on the LOS. Our LB's are able to come over the top and stop the play. Our guys make the stop and celebrate. As soon as it happened, I was especially happy for our big guys. They didn't get the spotlight too often. But, here they were, on a tradition rich field, the band is playing "The Horse" the crowd is cheering.... this is their moment!

Some of those big guys usually didn't get much recognition. Some didn't get a whole lot of playing time, even though they never missed a practice or a workout. But, in this moment, their hard work and dedication paid off. 

Most of the time, the guys that hang in there for all four years, they have their moment. Some will start and play a bunch. Some will just play a little, but usually, they all have their time. And, when they do, it is great to see it. 

The Horse- Cliff Nobles

Coronavirus Lessons....One, Two, Three & Four

This has sure been a different time. Our life on earth is so short, we don't have a huge frame of reference for comparison.  For almost all of us, the magnitude of the event makes it new...and seemingly overwhelming.  One thing is certain, the last few weeks have been revealing. As often it works out, much has been learned the hard way. Here are some lessons for me from the past month.

#1: I am embarrassed at my selfishness and stubbornness.  My attitude has not been great when I can't do what I want to do. I have a mixed record, at best, when it comes to taking orders. To be a good citizen and because of the reasons, I am taking those orders. But, in doing so, my attitude is not what it should be. The story goes that in the battle for Scotland's independence, after the battle was won, the Buchanans continued to chase the English just because they wanted to kill more of them. Hopefully we have evolved somewhat.... but I certainly understand that spirit!

 I REALLY want to workout with our players, see my students at school, see our coaches.... I can keep going, and I know everyone else can as well.

#2: Whatever you can get done early, do it. One thing that has paid off is getting things done early. As soon as the season was over, we sent our helmets for reconditioning. We also ordered all of our equipment and we have received everything already. We do spring football as soon as possible. We only got three days, but at least we got those three days. Many schools didn't get any days. As more restrictions are added each day for our safety, anything that needs to be done over the next few weeks, we need to get done now. The time may come that we can get little to nothing accomplished. This event has reinforced for me to get as much work done ahead of time as possible. Much of this goes back to Bill Walsh's Finding the Winning Edge.  The more prep and planning you can do ahead of the performance, the better you will perform.

In regards to my head football coaching job now, I am focused on staying connected to our football family and preparing for the preseason and season. Looking forward helps.  We will come out of this and when we do, I need to be ready to do a great job for our players, coaches and program.

#3: Much of what I took for granted, was great. Sure, I enjoyed school, practice, workouts, my coaches, going to eat at a local restaurant with family & friends, going to church, visiting other coaches and programs, clinics, going across state lines (Gatlinburg, Gulf Shores, Moyers (southern Ohio)), seeing my mom, seeing my father-in-law, etc. But, not like I should have. Wow. The simple things in life are much more a blessing than we realize. God is so good to us, but we are often so busy we miss seeing those blessings. I know I will pay closer attention going forward.... I already am. 

#4: God made us to serve others, and when doing so, we are happiest. By far, the best my attitude has been through this entire ordeal has been when having an opportunity to help & encourage others... even in very small and simple ways. I function best when the news is off. The news is dragging you down... turn it off. Open your Bible.  Try to reach out, check on, and encourage others. Bryan McKenzie with FCA Football has been doing Zoom Conferences for football coaches. Those have been a blessing and an encouragement. 

None of this is earth shattering. But, this event has definitely been an opportunity to hit the reset button and to re-evaluate my relationship with Christ and others. 

Stay safe and know that our best days are ahead of us. 

Psalm 34:1

Hebrews 13:8

One HS Football Coach's Response to the Coronavirus

Sent this screenshot to my kids/families earlier today....prep for 2020 Preseason

Even though I am an old coach, and the son of an old HS football coach, this Coronavirus has been new territory. Our spring practice came to a halt after three days. We had three GREAT days and I am thankful we got those days. We may be the only program in the state that had any days at all.

It has been crystal clear to me where my thoughts and focus should be. And, this fits me and my personality. I would never judge any Coach for doing what he thinks is best for him, his family and football program. 

For me, as a HS head football coach, I am trying to do two things right now:

1) stay connected to my kids/players, families and coaches.

2) Prepare for the preseason.

Through email, instagram, facebook, twitter, remind app, phone and text, I've tried to keep communication open between myself and our football family. Today, our Chaplain, former Titan, D Smith, reached out to our families as well. Our families have responded well to D making that effort. 

I've been very clear with our kids and families that what our guys are doing NOW will impact our team and performance this fall. If my expectation is that all of our guys are working to prepare for the preseason, I need to do the same and at a very high level. 2020 should be the best planned and organized preseason that it can possibly be.

I also know this, I want all of us to "OWN" our response and the consequences that go with it. If I show up for the first workout unprepared, I can't say..."I would have been prepared if it weren't for the Coronavirus." No, if I show up unprepared, that is my fault. I can't blame that on the Coronavirus. I owe it to our guys to prepare NOW so they can get the very best when we are back together. 

One confession.... when this is all done.... I will certainly appreciate our players, coaches, workouts, practices (especially at 6 am!) , bermuda grass, indoor facility, etc. and much more.  I am embarrassed at how much I have taken for granted. 

If any coaches have ideas on staying connected with your team during this time, please email me at coachdavidbuchanan@gmail.com. And, if you want to talk football, shoot me an email as well. 

Football WILL be back. When that happens, we will be ready!

Curci, Collinsworth, Wayne Peace & Chuck Smith- November 15, 1980

One of the best memories with my Dad was the cold November day we saw a great game between the Wildcats & Gators at Commonwealth Stadium.

I was a sophomore in HS.  Our football team had been selling something.... I think M & M's.  I sold the most M & M's and the first place prize was Coach French's tickets to the UK-Florida game.

It was freezing cold, but a great game. My Dad and I sat in the south endzone. Back then, that is where many of the coaches tickets were for KY HS football coaches. In the old days, every KY  head football coach was mailed a book of two tickets to all the UK home games. That was a great perk, and there were not many perks!

 As it turns out, one of my best friends is on the field. Chuck Smith, former Boyle HFC, is playing linebacker for Charlie Bailey's Wildcat defense. I didn't know it at the time, but Coach Bailey's defense would be the foundation for our defense when Chuck came to Mercer County in 1983. Subsequently, Bailey's defense became the blueprint for our defense at Paris, Mason County, Mercer County and so many programs across the state of Kentucky that were connected to Larry French and Chuck Smith.

UK has played a great game and winning, 15-14, late in the 4th quarter.  Wayne Peace is the Quarterback for Florida and his top WR is Cris Collinsworth. Florida is driving the ball into the endzone where I am sitting with my Dad. The UK bench is to our left.

The play I will never forget.... Peace throws a pass to Collinsworth right in front of the UK bench. It looks like he is out of bounds. Coach Fran Curci sure thought he was out of bounds. He was so mad that he did a flip on the sideline. I know.... it sounds insane. But, I have had others tell me the same thing. If he didn't do a flip, it sure looked like it enough that others have told me that yes, Fran Curci did a flip on the sideline in protest of that official's call.

The Florida drive continues. The Gators kick a field goal and win 17-15.

It wasn't the outcome we wanted, but my Dad and I had enjoyed a great football game and the time we had together that cold November Saturday.

Curci and his flip, Collinsworth, Peace & Chuck Smith... four guys I'll never forget.

* After sending this to Chuck Smith, here is his response:

“I remember that game. I broke on that throw to Collinsworth and he had to tippy toe to stay in bounds. I thought he was out as well. That was the key play as we would have won without it. “

God being God.... Snow, Palm Trees & the Triple Screen

In December of 2007, several of us were standing in the hallways between classes at Mason County HS. It was finals week, just a few days before Christmas break was suppose to start. The weather was miserable, cold & windy. While standing out there, I get a phone call from my good friend, Chuck Smith, who at that time was coaching linebackers at the University of Kentucky. We are freezing, but Chuck is in Florida, enjoying GREAT weather on recruiting.

One of the guys I am standing with in the hallways is our head basketball coach, Chris O'Hearn. He is pretty excited. Our basketball team, lead by future Mr. Basketball, UK Wildcat, & NBA player, Darius Miller, is getting ready to fly to Hawaii to play in a Nike Tournament for the best basketball teams in the country.

I casually make the comment... "Yeah, all the good coaches are going to enjoy some great weather. The bad ones, like me, are stuck in the cold."

The bell rings and I return to class.

My classroom phone immediately rings.

The voice on the other end says, "Coach Buchanan, this is Travis Davis with American Football Monthly. We would like to do a video on the Triple Screen and some other areas of football with you."

I am stunned but really excited.

He continues, "We will fly you to West Palm Beach, Florida, to do the videos."

He continues to talk. My classroom phone is right next to my door.  I am on the phone, checking caller ID, and then sticking my head out the door. This has GOT to be a joke. I am looking around, up and down the hallways for the likely culprits... Coach O'Hearn, Steve Appelman, Fred Hester, Chris Ullery, Seth Faulkner, Larry Harris, Kent Moore (probably just hung up the PA from singing Christmas Carols).

I check caller ID and ask again... "Please, now who is this?? Where are you? What is this for?"

I really can't believe it and don't believe it. But, it turned out to be legitimate!

So, one January morning, when the temperature was below 30 degrees and the wind had blown the kids basketball goal up next to the house, I jumped in the car and headed to the airport in Cincinnati.

When I arrived in West Palm Beach, the temperature was in the mid 80's and it was sunny. I was sitting in short sleeves, looking at palm trees.

I met Travis and then spent the next 24 hours working with Rex Lardner, filming the videos. This was insane... I was in West Palm Beach, Florida, doing football videos, in late January!

I enjoyed working with Travis and Rex. Really good guys who are exceptional in the work they do.

For me, the moral to the story is God can do anything He wants to do when He wants to do it. It was a really cool way for God to show me that He loves me. It definitely got my attention.

That event has also made me pay closer attention each day as different things happen. God communicates His love to us often through the day. If we are not paying attention, we may miss that.

Because of my faith in God,  nothing seems too little or too big. When God chooses me to serve Him in the smallest,  most menial, humble ways and in a way that would be beneath others, I am good with that. I am serving Him and working for Him. When God chooses big ways, extraordinary ways, even situations that I would be in over my head in my own abilities, I trust Him with the outcome.

I don't know what the future holds. But, big or little, I will be content to serve God in whatever way He chooses.

And, if He decides to throw in some palm trees here and there, they will just be a great reminder of the incredible phone call that cold day in December of 2007.