Peter A. Hovis for President in 2024 Dedication
| Dedication November 9 |
| by Joe Susan I hope that you and your family are well. Conference play is heating up and the standings are taking shape. Every game is a playoff game. Teams are challenged as the season moves on. Those who can stay healthy will develop a rhythm. Depth players and younger players must continually prepare as if they are the starters. They must be ready when their opportunity comes. They owe it to their team. For any group to be successful it takes all of its members to be dedicated. In brief; dedication is a commitment to a task or a purpose. When we are dealing with bigger groups it is often easier said than done. I believe that it begins with a strong vision of the fundamental foundation of the group. This vision is created by a leader who shares with others who are a part of the team. In College Football it starts with the Institution, Athletic Program and The Head Football Coach. The vision is spread to the Assistant Coaches and ultimately to the Student Athletes who make up the team. The complexity of group dynamics is the norm on a college football team. The staff comes from different backgrounds with different beliefs. For them to be effective teachers they must join together, set their egos aside and mold the vision for the program. This is something that goes far beyond the technical aspect. The philosophical approach is critical to the success of any team. To be dedicated to a cause one must be “all in” in support of it. This takes a strong belief in what the team stands for. The vision must be clear and easy to communicate. Every member of the team must understand their specific role. If these factors are understood and embraced the team has a chance to thrive. Our roles change as we do. If we are fortunate our progression is a positive one. The players on a team must be prepared for the role changes that will occur over time. Everyone must be ready for this and be able to react for the good of the team. A football team is an ever changing entity regardless of the level. On the collegiate level components of the staff change and players graduate. Each year the program adds 20-25 new first year players. A healthy program will graduate the same number. The dedication of the upperclassmen will be a great aid to the coaches in bringing the younger players up to speed. The transition from high school to college is a unique process for the younger players. They come from a program that has a specific approach and philosophy and commit to a program that has many differences. The recruiting process is a benefit for both the student athlete and the college program they are dealing with. The relationships that are created make this transition easier for all parties. This takes time to develop and must be nurtured by all involved. The process is year round and it helps the younger players become adapted to the vision of the program. The time they spend with other first year players and upperclassmen is critical. They get to know what is expected of them and they create friendships that last forever. The time they spend with members of the staff forms another special bond that will continue to grow. Every one of us makes a choice when it comes to the things that we are dedicated to. Our allegiance is usually directed to things that are much bigger than ourselves. It starts with family and that should be the primary focus for all of us. If religion is important the commitment to our beliefs must be held in priority. There are many other things that we can dedicate our passion to. These change as we go through life. If we are fortunate we are privileged to be a part of a number of “teams” in our life. We are drawn to groups that strengthen our beliefs and we in turn are strengthened by them. For a team to be successful, everyone involved must add to its strength. Dedication is an “all-time” thing. When the power of a group of individuals comes together to pursue a common vision it can be a very special thing. The best teams I have played on or coached develop a unity that can last forever. The players and coaches are dedicated to one another bound by the precious time they share. My best to you. Take care, Joe Susan |
