Speaking To Coaches About Today’s Athletic Landscape
I graduated from Central Regional High School and my children went to Toms River South so you can understand why I would “root” for those two schools even though in my position as Director of the Shore Sports Network I need to be neutral. What you probably won’t understand is why I also tend to wish good things for Point Pleasant Boro even though I have no connection to that school.
I shared my feelings yesterday with about 30 of the Panthers coaches who took part in a Summer Workshop coordinated by Athletic Director Chris Ferrone. He invited me to speak as part of the agenda which included presentations on bullying training for coaches, concussion/heat acclimation, being prepared for an emergency at an athletic event and more. Of course I was more on the light side of things and talked about the changing landscape of high school athletics, the importance of the 3-sport athlete and the like. I enjoyed very much speaking to the coaches who have more on their plates than ever before which was why a workshop like this is necessary.
So getting back to my somewhat confusing “fandom” for Point Boro. I think it goes back to broadcasting their football games on the radio years ago and how I loved seeing people walk from their homes to the football game. The school fields are in a neighborhood and on a Friday night the atmosphere can be truly special. People pushing baby carriages from their home to watch a game is just something you don’t see all that often. Plus we’ve even had food brought to us in the press box by parents which is reason enough to cheer for the Panthers.
Special thanks to Ferrone for the invitation and hospitality and the coaches for not falling asleep during my presentation.