In preparation for this Sunday’s (May 19th) bonus Alercio OLine Clinic at West Orange High School in West Orange, NJ, I’d like to share a letter Coach Jim Meert sent following April’s OLine Clinic at the Hun School in Princeton, NJ. Coach Meert’s sentiments perfectly encapsulate what makes offensive linemen and OLine coaches so special:
“Coach, Once again I wish to thank you and congratulate you on a most successful O-Line Clinic. It is one of my most anticipated events each year. Our guys always benefit. It is most helpful to me by giving me an early opportunity to evaluate our upcoming line candidates. To see how quickly and effectively they take to coaching. I have learned a lot about our kids by watching how they do at the clinic. Most importantly they come away from your clinic with confidence that they have the tools and techniques needed to win.
Use this QR Code to register for Sunday’s Clinic in West Orange NJ!
I was coached by Joe Moore (the namesake of the award given annually to the best college Offensive Line) when I was in college and he was the head coach at Upper St Clair in Pittsburgh. He is one of my mentors and I often visited with him when he was at Pitt and later at Notre Dame. I asked him what separated him from all others coaching the offensive line. He told me ‘Because I can watch a kid’s feet for 3 hours and never get bored.’
There are only a few line coaches who have this capacity. You are certainly one of them. I’d like to believe I am another. Coach Moore also taught me the greatest joy that can be achieved in life is, ‘moving an opponent from point A to point B against his will!’ I have found that to be true.”
Coincidentally, 40 years and 40 lbs ago, I had a photo of Coach Moore and his Pitt OLine, which included my favorite, Bill Fralic, hanging in my home gym. It served as inspiration for what I wanted to be then and now.
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 