We hear so much about the larger than life college football coaches that win year after year. Or younger upstarts that create winning teams from programs that have always struggled. If you are from the South you think of Bear Bryant, Nick Saban, Dan Mullen and Hugh Freeze. They are quoted daily; emulated and praised for the influence they have on their players. We forget what comes way before the 60,000 seat stadium games, the Sports Illustrated interviews or paid speaking engagements…. high school coaching. Billy Graham once said “A coach will impact more people in one year than the average person will in their entire life.” And it starts with the Jr. High coach who picks up kids who don’t have a ride to summer training. Or the high school coach who pays for gatorade and training gear out of their own pocket. Or the coach who becomes the one positive male role model that some of the kids on a team may have in their young life. That high school coach becomes mentor, advisor, disciplinarian, teacher …. family.
Many high school coaches will never experience the recognition of winning a state title. Many will never be given the “thank you” they deserve. And the lucky few who have championship seasons and standout players will still only see a handful of their young players go on to play under stadium lights at universities. What is often overlooked is the impact that same coach has on the other 90% of the team who benefited from the daily life lessons learned on the practice field.
Last week Magnolia Son gave a donation to the Quitman High School football boosters to assist 12 players in attending summer camp. This is a very small thank you to Coach Bynum and his coaching staff who day in and day out impact young lives. We wish them the very best for the upcoming football season and plan to follow their success in the 2016 season.
That is so incredible Rae. Christian would be so proud of you. More proud I should say.