Year 28 is done: What is next and trying to do better

CAL vs. Mercer County, 1st round of playoffs, 2019

Our season ended this past Friday night in a loss to a very good CAL team. It was the first round of the playoffs. We defeated CAL in the regular season but were unable to do so in November.  This finishes year 28 as a head coach... 4 at Paris HS, 19 at Mason County HS and now 5 at Mercer County HS. 

I am very proud of the 2019 Titans. We played some very good football this season and improved substantially from where we have been the past 4 years. Our final record was 8-3. Our 3 losses were to Boyle County (4A #1), DeSales (3A #1 earlier in the season) & CAL (3A #1 at the beginning of the season). We were in a district with CAL & DeSales.  Our district was called the "group of death." We were also a 3A Top Ten team this season.

I have never been a good loser and it is only getting worse. The next few weeks will be tough. A good friend who is the same way called today to check on me. He is a good guy, and about as crazy as I am.  I really did appreciate the phone call. 

So, to cope with no football while the season continues in Kentucky for the next four weeks, this is my plan:

1- Count my blessings.

2- Serve Others.

3- Work to become a better coach. 

I am embarrassed at how bad my attitude is when the season is over. God blessed me with outstanding young men to coach this season. They worked their tails off and did a really good job. I've got a wonderful wife and family. My boys and I are looking forward to our annual Notre Dame trip. In December, John Combs is marrying Caroline who is an incredible young lady. The blessings are overwhelming. But, I will still feel like vomiting each afternoon when it is time to practice. On Friday nights with no game, it is especially tough. We will go out to eat as a family and pretend there is no football being played.

When my mind starts to go to dark places over the next few days, I will quickly try to refocus on the three things listed above.  

In one of Tony Dungy's books, he said that he knew that at some point, God would allow him to be satisfied with the job he had done as a coach. I am still waiting for that day. I trust God and believe that day will come. 

Why share this?  Because I know there are coaches like me that feel the same way right now. If this can help them navigate the next few days, that would be great. 

And, yes, Stephanie is a saint for putting up with me. :)