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Toronto coaches made impression

To the editor:

Coaching is one of those professions that has, at all levels, seen its fair share of controversy. Winning is the only thing – win at all costs, break the rules, unsportsmanlike behavior – you get the picture.

As coaches, your goal is to go undefeated or have a winning record, make the playoffs and win a championship. But that should not be your only goal. Coaching is more than your won-and-lost record.

Coaches Mallory Moore Blanton and Chelsey Fletcher are prime examples of this. As I got to know and watch these ladies, I got to understand their coaching philosophy. They are what I call “old school” coaches. They are going to push their players to the extreme because they know that nothing in life comes easy. They want to instill winning values in their players that will make them winners in life.

As coaches, they gave all the credit to their players when they won and took all of the blame for them when they lost.

They would get in their players’ faces when they were not hustling or playing up to their potential, yet they praised them when they exceeded in both.

They would stress discipline, which develops and improves character.

They wanted their players to be prepared to play, physically and mentally.

They stressed to their players there is no “I” in team. You win and lose as a team.

They wanted their players to be humble in praise, yet accept criticism in a positive way, using it as a tool to improve.

They wanted their players to give 100 percent-plus, always hustle and work hard. These traits pay off big time.

They wanted their players to show heart, conviction and courage and to push themselves, lead by example and make a positive out of a negative.

They would state, if you don’t play, you lose.

They wanted their players to have faith and believe in themselves. Self-esteem can carry you a long way. It will help you achieve your goals and make that miracle happen.

They would tell their players respect has to be earned – abide by the rules, and if you don’t, be prepared to suffer the consequences.

They would tell their players to show good sportsmanship in victory and defeat, and to represent their school, their town and themselves proudly.

They stressed that players should thank their family and everyone who has supported them.

If you were a player under the guidance of Blanton or Fletcher and you followed their philosophy, you earned a P.H.D. (pride, heart and desire) and will be a champion in life. To these coaches, that was a goal way more important than their won-lost record.

Both are stepping away from coaching following the 2015-16 school year to fulfill some dreams and goals in their lives.

As I stated to both of these coaches, if I had a daughter, I would want her to be taught and coached by them.

Good luck and God bless to both of these coaches.

Andy Renforth

Toronto

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