DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum What a difference....prayers please

First and foremost, soometimes you feel like you can't win. My son, a freshman in college this year, was very excitred to be in his first fall practices. He was doing well....even looking at some playing time in his first year (and not because I coach his position ).

Well, after a very nice hit during drills today, he didn't jump up with his usual enthusiasm. He kept his right arm tight to his side and walked to the back of the drill. I knew something was wrong, but had to finish the drills with the other players. I called a GA over and told them to go talk to my son and have the trainer check him out.

My son claimed he was fine and wouldn't say much more. The GA finally got him to go to the trainer. Sure enough, his shoulder was partially dislocated. After xrays, ti was put back in place. He has to go to get an MRI to see if there is any more damage.

On top of that, this sure is a big adjustment to the college level. I have always been able to seperate my father/son relationship with my coach/player relationship. However, it is an adjustment going to the college level. I was always the one with the last decision. The focus was always on the kids that were there and the game. Now, there is so much more going on. You have kids that are on their own for the first time that you need to help get through the freshman blues, returning players with their usual issues, recruiting (that's illegal where I com from! LOL), and a ton of other things. It's a huge adjustment. I have always thought I was ready for the next step. Now.....well, now I sometimes wonder if I took too big a step.

Please keep my son in your prayers and spare a good thought for me as well. If you think it's tough on the players to make the next step, try doing it as a coach

Will do coach. (I always did what my coach told me to - he was a mean, strong son of a gun! )

Hope things turn out alright.

Consider it done on my part.

Nothing's worse than getting hurt in practice...it was my worst nightmare that came true my senior year. He'll bounce back I'm sure.

As for coaching at the next level...the recruiting process to me seems like a ton of work. If I had my choice between college scouting and high school recruiting I'd choose college scouting without question. Ethically I know there's grey areas in the college game and it'd be too difficult for me to cross.

There's not much coaches can do when it comes to freshman blues aside from treating them with respect, the rest comes within and the social environment they inhabit and whether or not they get used to it and enjoy it. Things should be better once everyone else comes to school and they meet people outside of football.

As for not having the last word in coaching...well, you seem like the type who'd have that problem, LOL. You'll get used to it I'm sure.

Just be a good father and be there for him when he needs you but also remember that it's time for him to grow up to be a man...

I remember my freshman year leaving was hard, but thankfully I had a very good coach and teammates that took care of me.

Hopefully his injury is nothing major and he'll be back out there quickly. My prayers are for his healing and your peace of mind

Best to you and your son, B.


"Early game jitters" are natural, as you already know. When I got my first teaching gig on a college campus, I had the same worries. Jr Hi and High School students were one thing, but now I'm supposed to get these kids ready for their first career moves. Lots more was at stake, and I was feeling every bit of it.

If you're nervous about it, that's a good thing. It shows that you care. The one thing I learned during that first year is something I hope helps you:

The address may be the different, the kids may be older, and stakes a bit higher... but it's still the same game you've always known and loved.

You were qualified enough to GET the job. I'm sure you will settle into it well... and soon enough.



p.s. try to find a moment or two each day to enjoy your new milestone. It helps you to keep the rest of that stress-inducing stuff in perspective.

good luck to you, Coach... and good health to your son. Hope to hear more in the future about you both.

Clemdawg

Get Well Soon ! ....and don't worry B , you will do what is best for your son and your team after all you come off as a concerned Father & dedicated coach....

good post but if it was up to me I'd rather deal with high schoolers. The college game is completely different and infinitely more complex.

I'd love to be a scout and look at what makes a player good. or maybe a coordinator. I was never fast enough in Madden to play so I quit. That being said, I'm taking more time and going to my local school and watching the football practices there.

About college. It was the greatest time of my life, except for Freshman Year, so I know where you are coming from, Coach. The 15 lbs didn't help.

Good luck and God bless.

Best to you and your son Coach.. Hang in there,, anytime you switch jobs,, there is always an adjustment period.. I'm sure you will do fine.

I agree with Jaybird on this...

Now is the time where the parent becomes more of a friend. Its time for your son to fend for himself as much as possible. Just be his support when needed.

Speedy recovery for your son . You will survive just all fathers before you ( no matter what you do for a living ! ) ..