If you looked at the top of the STJ Football Summer Calendar posted last week, you saw the words “What It Takes.” Our defensive coordinator, John Lovett, took it upon himself to write those words when he created the document. We never discussed it. He just did it on his own. Coincidentally, I was planning on using those same words as our motto for the season. Perhaps after working together for a half a dozen years, we are rubbing off on each other.
Although we chose the same inspirational words we both had a different idea of what they meant. As Coach Lovett explained the calendar at our Spring meeting, he informed our players that following the schedule of OTAs, 7v7s, camps, etc is what it takes to be successful and get us back to another state championship. For me, it was not about doing what it takes but rather having what it takes.
While at the USA Football National Conference this year, I heard University of Minnesota football coach, PJ Fleck, recommend John Eldredge’s book “You Have What It Takes.” Those 52 pages inspired me to begin seeking those on 
our team who have what it takes and identify those who can be inspired to have what it takes. Our job as coaches is to help those who have it to reinforce it, and those who don’t yet know, to find it, and to recognize both that they “have what it takes…” and that it must be both cultivated and for all to know it must be protected.
Having what it takes can be defined in a number of ways. For the Hilltoppers, having what it takes means you are willing to work hard on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom, you are tough physically, mentally and emotionally, you make good decisions in practice, in games, and in the community. Ultimately, it means that we can count on you to do what is expected of you; to place the interests of the team above your personal gain.
Do you have what it takes? Do your coaches? Do your players?
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. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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