Breakfast with Coach U

well this morning I had the opportunity to have breakfast with one of my favorite coaches of all time. Mind you... I have had alot of them, but this man ranks number 2 sandwiched between Mr. Curci and Bob Turner. All of my other coaches have been soccer coaches and were always very nice to me, but these three men taught me how to be a better person. Mr Curci- well besides being a great friend and surrogate father, is just to special to put into words. Bob Turner coached me on travel team for only about a year, but made a lasting imprint. He cared about his players as human beings not just superior athletes. But the Coach who is right behind Mr. Curci is Coach Uhrich. I always loved running for Coach U, but it was not until I became a High School coach myself, did I begin to realize what he did for me. I did not even start running until winter track junior year. Now we had an already established strong team, and instead of just relegating me to the status of other athletes who ran track to keep in shape for their main sport, he gave me a chance. He allowed me to be a part of the top relay teams and participate in high profile events. yes- I had to earn my spot, but he saw that I had talent and pushed me. There were other second sport athletes that were never pushed. He also put up with the fact that I would have to leave meets early to go to a soccer game or whatever. Do not get me wrong, I would not miss a race, i just would not get to stay for the marathon Saturday at jadwin gym, watching all of the other athletes get their turn. When I decided to run cross country my senior year, he and the team welcomed me with open arms. Even though, I was going to eventually take someones spot. I just knew I ran, I liked being part of a group that won meets, I never knew how they scored them etc. As the season went on, there were 7 of us that would practice for the big meets. . Although I ran to better my time and for the team to win, it always took a back seat to soccer, we ended up winning the State Group III title that year. i remember bringing home my medal and showing my parents but never realizong how big of an accomplishment that was until I became a coach. Coach U has won 8 of these championships! What still is most astonishing to me is how he was able to keep the peace between all of the girls on his team, especially when an outsider like me came in. That is the mark of a great coach. One who is able to get the best out of each and every player and keep them happy at the same times. Seeing him today brought back those great memories. HS Soccer- although a team sport, I played for me, trained for me, and scored for me . While running Cross Country I was one of 7 runners that scored in a race run by individuals, even though I was not the number 1 runner, I still felt like an integral member because of my teammates and Coach. He taught me how to be a team player. Coach U knew that having the top runner was not going to win a state title, but having 5-7 runners who were very good would. He trained us and inspired us, I believe he taught each and everyone of us. Thanks Coach U-- for breakfast and for the life lessons!!