The New England Glazier Clinic was all we hoped it would be and more.
Following up on last week’s post anticipating the New England Glazier Clinic, here’s a recap of things we saw, learned, and shared.
On Friday (Feb 1st), I had the opportunity to sit in on a 4-2-5 defense presentation given by a long-time friend and colleague, Guy Bertola. I was flattered when Guy acknowledged me to his audience as one of the best OLine coaches in the country. I still consider coaching to be a privilege and while I appreciate the recognition that comes with our team’s success, I never lose sight of the fact that as coaches we need to earn our coaching privilege every day.
I looked forward to seeing some other presenters but was contacted by the clinic director to do an impromptu presentation on “Man-beaters” (How to beat Man on Man pass defense) in place of a coach who was stranded at a Chicago airport. Of the eight sessions I presented over the weekend, I think this short notice effort is the one I enjoyed the most. Grabbing my laptop, gathering my thoughts, I searched for some cut-ups and starting drawing X&Os. Our offense had a great deal of success this season isolating our top receivers in favorable 1-on-1 matchups so I had plenty to share. That session also allowed me the opportunity to reconnect with Coach Frank Stamilio who was in the audience. Frank runs the New England Nike Coach of the Year Clinic. He invited me to attend his clinic this year as a “bullpen presenter” in the event they have a speaker cancellation and asked if I would be on the schedule at the 2020 Nike Clinic.
The other session I really enjoyed was the 
Chalk War with Pat Fox, Head Coach of Notre Dame Prep in Pontiac, Michigan. We had such a spirited battle of wits that Pat suggested we continue it over dinner that night. Pat’s willingness to share his Offensive Spacing Routes as well as how he defends Double Wing, Flex Bone, and Wing T is truly what is best about our profession. He also shared a bit of philosophy in regard to staff, “hire good men and make them great coaches.” I pointed to our assistant coach Ray Richard and told Pat, “that is exactly what we did with him!” Though Ray may not have come to us with a broad coaching resume, he is a good man, a good friend, and has a hunger to both learn the game and help student-athletes grow into quality citizens. The New England Glazier Clinic was a great weekend of learning for Ray and the hundreds of coaches in attendance.
I appreciate all the follow-up emails from the many coaches who attended my presentations offering positive feedback and requesting more information. I am flattered by their comments and look forward to continued dialogue. Glazier’s slogan, “we help coaches win” is amplified by bringing coaches together from all over the country who share the same passion for doing whatever they can to help the great game of football and those who commit their lives to playing and coaching it.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss 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.
Don’t forget our clinics in New Jersey next month and Vermont in April. Get your brochure here: 2019 OLINE CLINIC BROCHURE.
Thanks for your time!
O Line Skills 