In the middle of a CRISIS.... don't miss your CALLING

My attitude has really struggled the past few weeks.  Most of my struggles can be traced back to selfishness, self-centeredness, and being stubborn.... I hate being told what to do.

1970 Boyle County Rebels, Robert Allen Yankey is #11
Those black jerseys were brand new. My Dad was crazy about them.

We had an athletic department meeting today by Google Meet. My Bosses (AD, Principal, & Superintendent) did a really good job. No one is enjoying our present circumstances, but when our meeting was over, I was very thankful that these guys are my bosses.

Anderson County at Boyle County, 1970

My Dad passed away almost five years ago. Probably to a fault, I really look up to him and put him on a pedestal. I love my Dad and I am very proud of him.  As I look back on his life and all of the things I remember about him, I really believe his finest moment, and the most important calling of his lifetime, was to be there for his players and take care of them when their Quarterback, Robert Allen Yankey drown the morning after a ballgame. If you follow my blog or read my book, you will know that story. Of all events in my lifetime, that one defined me more than any other. I have thought about Robert Allen everyday of my life since that happened on September 24, 1970.

I don't believe God wanted Robert Allen to die. But, I do believe that God called my Dad to take care of those kids during a tragedy beyond words. And, as I look back on it, that time was when my Dad was more of who he was than any other time in my life. It wasn't enjoyable. It was beyond tough. But, God prepared my Dad to be that guy during that time.

After Robert Allen died, the Rebels all wore #11 on their helmets for the remainder of the season

I know all of us as football coaches are ready to get back to workouts and see our kids. We sure didn't sign up to do what we are doing now. But, don't lose sight of the fact that God has placed you in this role at a critical time. Let God use you to love your kids and their families. Be a source of encouragement and hope. Be a resource.... if kids or families need help right now, do your best to get them to the right places to get that help.

For any of us in a position of leadership, this time isn't fun, but God has called you to be His vessel right now, to love and care for others. He is asking me to do what is toughest of all for me... get my eyes off myself and on to others and their needs.

It's not fun right now, but we have purpose and service opportunities currently, possibly greater than any other time in our life.  My hope and prayer when we look back on this time is that we will be able to see how God was able to use us to help, serve and love others.

Strange how things turn out... I was 5 years old when Robert Allen died. At 55 years old, I talk to a couple of his teammates about once a week or more.  And, that is after having moved from Boyle County almost 50 years ago. Who knows what your calling will lead to... it may turn out to be one of the greatest and most fulfilling times of your life. Our circumstances won't define how we are remembered. Our response will be our legacy.   Let God use you so that your response will bring glory to HIM!

We REALLY NEED To WIN Tonight.....

It was September 25th, 2015. A rainy, Friday afternoon and we are getting ready to jump on the bus to head to Marion County. We were 0-5. Two of our young men had already lost their Father that season, one just the day before. My own Dad was dying and would pass away in less than a week, the following Thursday, 10/1.  Coach Brian Rowland, our DC walked in the office before we left.

 I said to him, "Coach, whatever happens tonight, we will handle it and be ok, but we REALLY need to win tonight."

Mercer at Marion, 2015 photo by Harrodsburg Herald

Fortunately we did win that night. In fact, we won 6 games in a row, and won our district that season. If we had not won, we would have been fine. But, I was very thankful for that victory.

In 1992, my first season at Paris HS, we were 1-1, getting ready to play our cross town rival, Bourbon County in week THREE.  We know their team well. The previous season, their head coach, Roger Gruneisen, was our head coach. We also know their  starting tailback. He had started practice with us that summer, but had transferred to Bourbon and was going to play against us. He had been our starting tailback the year before.

My bosses through the week made it a point to come to me several times and tell me, "Coach, you really need to win that game on Friday." I knew that already. Our players loved Coach Gruneisen. If we didn't win, there was a good chance several of our best guys would transfer because they loved Coach Gruneisen and here the Greyhounds were stuck with a rookie head coach. And, yes, it would be really tough for me to keep my job if we lost to the Colonels.

We won that game, 15-13. When it was over, Stephanie cried her eyes out in the bleachers. The stress on a newlywed couple, in her hometown, in a game we had to win, was monumental. That was without a doubt the most important game I'll ever coach in and I am thankful beyond words that we won.

But, if we had not won, we would have been fine. It might have turned out very different, but God would have provided. He always does.

In 1998, at Mason County, we were 1-6 in and getting our tails kicked in game 8. In 1998, Tates Creek was one of the best teams in the state and defeated Trinity THREE TOUCHDOWNS to reach the state championship game.  If you had told me in the 2nd quarter of game eight,  less than 3 years from tonight, the Royals will defeat a very good Tates Creek football team, I would have thought you were beyond crazy. Things can change, and change quickly.

Maysville Ledger Independent, 2001- Elden May, photo by Terry Prather

Our time at Mercer has been wonderful, but there have been a bunch of struggles, especially getting wins on the field. This past season, game THREE, we are winning late in the 4th quarter against Anderson County, and I notice that the score is 15-13. When I saw 15-13, my mind immediately went back to that Bourbon County game in 1992. I won't lie to you... for a very brief moment, the emotion of those memories and the connection was somewhat overwhelming.  If I told you that right then, God told me we would win that game, it would be a lie. But I can tell you what He did tell me on that sideline in Lawrenceburg...."I am right here and I am much bigger than this football game. Enjoy this moment."

Mercer vs. Anderson, 2019 photo by Arpan Dixit

We won that game 15-13. It was a great win for our team and community and huge step in the right direction for our program. But, if we had lost, that would not change who God is and how much He loves us.

My point, I believe our best days are ahead of us. But, WHATEVER is ahead of us, we can handle it and we will handle it great. Our God is too big and He is always present. He is bigger than the Coronavirus. Of course we need to be smart, cautious & protect the most vulnerable, but fear is becoming way too fashionable. Abraham Lincoln, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. never let fear stop them. Fear is not who we are as a nation.

We have great times ahead of us. We have tough times ahead of us. And, HE will be with us, every step of the way. And, nothing we face will ever be as big as our God. Praise Him!

Hebrews 13:8

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!