Following this season’s success, I have had a number of conversations with questions along recurring themes and thought it might be useful to share them here…
Q: How do you feel about being voted coach of the year by your fellow coaches around the state?
A: I am humbled and grateful for the recognition from my peers. Further, the outpouring of support, thanks, and congratulations from parents, former players, colleagues and members of our community has been remarkable. That all having been said, our success is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment displayed individually and collectively by our team, staff, and school. While I’m pleased with this year’s success, the real prize is the chance to witness longer term success of our players and program.
Q: Did you ever think you would find yourself a State Championship Coach and Coach of the Year at St Johnsbury Academy after your challenges at Castleton State?
A: One of my former players at the Academy texted me the day of the state championship game and reminded me of the first motivational speech I gave prior to my first game at St Johnsbury. I shared with the players, “I do not know why I am here coaching this team, but I know there is a reason, and that God has a plan…” He finished the text by stating, “Tonight is the reason.” I’ve been the beneficiary of an extraordinary group of teachers, coaches, and mentors who saw potential and invested in me. One way or another, I’ve always felt it important to return the favor and invest in others and leave a legacy far more important than wins and losses.
Q: What’s next…Are you headed back to the College Coaching Ranks?
A: The opportunity to coach these kids, two of my sons, and bring a state championship to this community, has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I feel extraordinarily privileged to have this opportunity and plan on making the most of it. What’s next…? Preparing for next season… In fact, I just published a blog about a coach’s responsibilities for closing out the season and kicking off preps for next year. You can read it at www.olineskills.com.
Additionally, I’d like to share a recent PodCast I did with Coach Keith Grabowski on “The Coach and Coordinator Podcast.” We go in-depth on lessons learned from the 2017 season and you can listen here: Coach Alerio on The Coach and Coordinator Podcast, or via your favorite podcasting app.
Lastly, I’ll be publishing my upcoming list of clinics (January and February) where I’ll be speaking live on many of the topics covered here as well as diving deep into the X’s and O’s, and we’ll have brochures ready for the 2018 Alercio O-Line Clinics.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss team building, coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for your time!
O Line Skills 