Hours, days, weeks, and months of preparation culminate tonight as we turn the page from pre-season, to begin a new chapter: “In Season.” The Vermont high school football season kicks off tonight at 6:00PM on the campus of St. Johnsbury Academy as we welcome our rivals from down Interstate 91 the Hartford Hurricanes.
While today is but another day on the calendar, it’s one we’ve all waited for with anticipation. Coaches, players, parents, faculty, and staff alike have sacrificed their time, talents, and treasure to help our team prepare for tonight’s game and the start of this year’s season. Individual and collective skills… lessons in character… teambuilding… efforts to foster a culture of interdependence, and a belief in something bigger than ourselves…
Tonight we step on the field with a common vision of who we are and want to become. Common values: a belief in each other, and a belief in our team. A shared sense of purpose, and a belief in what we together, can achieve.
On our locker room board, we have a sign with our motto… “Play For 11.” It is a daily reminder for our players to play for the 11 on the field and never for themselves. To practice every day to be one of the 11 on the offense, defense, or any special team depth chart. To play for the 11 letters in St Johnsbury, our town. To play for the 11 letters in Hilltoppers, our team name. To play for 11 games which would have us in the championship game. And to play for 11 wins making us undefeated state champions.
Tonight marks an important step on our journey; a journey not to be taken lightly, and one best taken together. “Play for 11.”
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!
O Line Skills 