Wednesday, September 12, 2007

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTACY

Coaching is by definition an emotional/spiritual roller coaster.  Yesterday there were far fewer numbers because of academic tests, etc.  The scrimmage didn’t go off as planned, but the results were great.  We had some excellent, well, scrimmaging.  The defense was solid and stingy, the offense was energetic and alive, and they scored a lot whenever they created good opportunities for themselves, and they did a lot of that, too.  A few times I even stopped and applauded (I’m so dramatic, aren’t I?) both sides for their effort and execution.  It was a really fun practice, and we didn’t even have one face off.

Then there was today.  I have a million clichés for this one, and we did have face-offs and time delineations as we prepare for our little CSU Invitational in two weeks.  Today was “Summer Ball” at it’s worst at certain (undisciplined) times.  They would take it down and throw it away.  Or they would take it the other way and let loose a “popcorn” shot immediately and the goalie would have the ball and quickly head it the other way. Or they would force the ball inside on a pass, or they would force themselves inside with the ball in stick just to get mashed.  As with any kind of ‘forcing’ of the situation the ball would in due course end up on the ground.  Or then they would, well, you get the idea, Dear Diary.   It was frustrating, and perhaps a bit painful.  It was like hey, let’s take a giant step back today because we were so good yesterday.  I know that was no one’s intention, but man it was Ugly with a capital US out there, but they still seemed to be having fun, even if I wasn’t.

I suppose I could credit things and the breakdowns of the day to a badgering defensive effort, but the truth is that it was a day filled with ‘unforced errors’ on both sides of the ball. 

LADIES FIRST, I GUESS

Tomorrow is another day I suppose, but not one without some added frustration.  Our time is moved to accommodate the women’s lacrosse team, whom we share fields with. 

A TALE OF WOE

The only thing that I have ever wanted from the university is something I know I will never have, and that is our own practice field.  What a shame said I the other day as we were actually sort of fighting over the use of one single field with another club while I was at that moment looking out at about 12 other empty fields, as in they were there but were not being used.  I still don’t get it.  We need just the one. When did grass become a non-renewable resource?

As I move around campus I neither hear of nor see effort to put in any kind of multi usage type field (artificial playing surface) that could be used by all of our 27 or whatever clubs, or at least the 10 or 12 that need the grassy rectangle.  What I see or hear about in reality are new patios and more rose bushes and walkways and plans for a building on top of a place where club fields will have once been.  They are definitely updating and beautifying the campus, but it’s not going to help me I don’t think.

Men’s Lacrosse gets limited sometimes because we put so much wear and tear on grass fields.  I have been here 12 years.  The solutions for field issues have always meant a little more restriction for us.  When do we get to the win-win part, or is that never a factor in the bureaucratic equation? 

I don’t mean to complain….again, and I am having fun with this group and this team.  I just believe in the power of practice, and I’m pretty touchy when it comes to all that.

DUH!

By the way, my 12 years makes me by far the most senior club coach. Gee, I wonder why.  Again, there are almost 30 clubs at the university.  I have also been here far longer than all but one person in the pyramid of people power template that I remain at the bottom of.

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