Author: Coach Alercio

The first Monday after the season’s final game—unless you’ve won the championship—can be a melancholy day. Some scholars have suggested that Tuckman’s Teambuilding stages of “Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing” should include a fifth stage: “Mourning,” acknowledging the natural conclusion of a team’s season and the inevitable changes in relationships among teammates.

While mourning is a natural process, and we shouldn’t suppress genuine emotions, our society has begun shifting toward celebrating life rather than dwelling on loss. In our football program, we’ve intentionally chosen to embrace this perspective by celebrating the season’s end. This approach transforms what could be a grieving period into a meaningful commemoration of our seniors’ impact on both our team and our lives. We’ve crafted a conclusion that offers a positive, uplifting, and deeply personal experience for all teammates, particularly our graduating seniors.

The celebration begins on the field, where we bring out the ball bag and simply let the players play. It invariably evolves into spirited one-on-one matchups, with linemen challenging defensive backs or attempting to run routes as receivers. When players start lobbying to play quarterback, we know they’ve had their fill of fun and it’s time for the next phase.

We then gather on the midfield logo, where we ask our seniors to disperse to their most meaningful spots on the field while their teammates observe their chosen locations. Upon returning to the group, each senior shares the significance of their chosen spot, often revealing touching or humorous memories that shaped their high school football experience. The ceremony concludes with our underclassmen forming a line, allowing each senior to walk off the field one final time while exchanging handshakes, hugs, and heartfelt words with their “brothers.”

When we finally return to the fieldhouse to turn in equipment, the mood is noticeably lighter. Players leave with smiles, having supported one another through a positive celebration of their shared experiences and cherished memories. This tradition helps transform what could be a sorrowful ending into a meaningful celebration of brotherhood and growth.

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!  

I recently received a heartwarming message from a parent of one of my players, thanking me for the season and sharing some very kind words.  Along with the message was the photo shared in this blog.  I had never seen this image before and it struck me how it so perfectly embodies the Coach-Athlete relationship.  We give of ourselves to fill in the missing pieces of each of our players.  The real trick to coaching is determining which piece each player needs.  There is a great quote from Ric Charlesworth, a former coach and Olympic athlete from Australia.  “The interesting thing about coaching is that you have to trouble the comfortable, and comfort the troubled.”  In coaching, one size most certainly does not fit all, and square pegs do not fit into round holes.  

In the image, the coach gives yet another piece of himself to make the athlete whole, but at what expense to the Coach?  Coaching requires extraordinary commitment…  Long days, lost weekends, and few vacations.  (especially early in a coaching career). Because of this time commitment, coaches must sacrifice time with friends and family. Coaches often miss social functions, special events, and occasionally even birthdays.  We do not get these pieces back, but we firmly believe the investment in others makes it a worthwhile trade. 

Over time, we learn to try and find something approaching balance in our lives, but each of us recognizes many of the pieces we pass on are not our own, but the pieces our coaches passed to us, and their coaches passed to them. In many ways, not coaching seems as if it would be the more selfish choice. I’d like to think over more than four decades playing and coaching the game of football, I’ve found a way to pass on the gifts I was given, and still cherish the time I have with my family and closest friends.

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!  

The singing of a school’s alma mater is a nostalgic and unifying experience.  Early in my tenure at SJA, one of our assistant coaches who is a proud alum came to me with a suggestion.  We should sing our alma mater after the games like our Service Academies do.  Such songs serve as a tribute to the institution, evoking nostalgia and pride while reinforcing shared values and experiences that connect generations. Since then, after every successful outcome, our players and coaches gather, face our fans, and sing our alma mater.  All current students and fans in attendance join in from the bleachers and sideline uniting one and all in our collective success.

After our triumph in the 119th playing of “The Game” this past weekend making it 10 wins in a row, our cheer team rushed the field to join us while hundreds of alumni sang along from our sideline truly unifying our campus community.  The next day I received an email from one generous alumna stating, “You have restored in me the pride I used to feel when I wore green and white!!!”  

The lyrics of our alma mater highlight the values and traditions that make St Johnsbury Academy special.  The first line is my favorite.   “Our strong band can ne’er be broken formed at St. J. A.”

This cherished song goes beyond mere words and melody; it’s a cultural artifact that helps shape the school’s ethos. By singing the alma mater, members of the St. Johnsbury Academy community reaffirm their commitment to the ideals and aspirations that define the school, fostering a sense of pride and unity that extends far beyond game or graduation day.

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!   

Since the Fall of 1894, St Johnsbury Academy (SJA) and Lyndon Institute (LI) have played out their football rivalry making it one of the oldest in the country.  This Saturday marks the 119th playing of what is known in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont as “The Game.”

In 2013, my first year at SJA, USA Today conducted an online poll to determine the greatest rivalry in the nation.  SJA v LI easily won Vermont, New England, and Eastern regions, before finishing fourth in the nation.  

The day before the game, there will be a pep rally, a parade down Main Street, a bonfire, and an alumni gathering all building anticipation for the game on Saturday.  The respective towns adorn steeples with school colors at night, and fall leaves cast a warming glow upon surrounding hillsides and valleys each day. Student-athletes wonder how their performance will compare with legends of the past… Alumni often elevate their perception of their own (or their team’s) performance to legendary status… Rivalry football games are not just contests; they are steeped in tradition, and embody the spirit of competition and community, making them vital components of the football landscape.

Winning a rivalry game can solidify a team’s legacy and create lasting memories for players and fans alike.  SJA was the victor in the very first game in 1894 and has won the last nine.  We look forward to giving our best effort to make it 10 in a row.  

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!   

This weekend marks our seniors’ last home football game.   It is a special and emotional event for athletes, teams, and their supporters.  It marks the final time that our senior players will compete on their home field, highlighting the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.  

Before the game, each senior’s name will be announced and they will make the Walk of Honor escorted onto the field by family members and/or mentors.  They will receive a framed photo of their fellow seniors, and then our Director of Marketing will take photos of each player with their families as well as one of the entire group.  

This season is one of our smallest and most diverse senior classes.  We only have seven seniors, and only three of whom have been with us all four years.  We have a female player who was with us for three years, a player who stepped away from the game but missed it so much he had to return, a player who joined us midway through his junior season having never played football before, and an international player from Mexico who joined us his Junior year.

Each of them brings their individual story to the team, and to the game. Each enjoyed opportunities, achievements, setbacks, and surprises. They found a team and culture welcoming them and asking only that they perform at their best, and put the good of the team ahead of their own interests. Such an ask is not always an easy one, and as we have discussed, for some, it’s too much.

As coaches, bringing together a diverse team requires fostering an environment where individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives can work together effectively. If we can foster a sense of unity and inclusivity it’s possible to build a team and culture capable of extraordinary success. While a winning record or playoff berth, are important short-term goals, coaches also look to reinforce the aspects of character, leadership, and interpersonal skills that will help teammates be successful long after their last home game.

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!   

“Be demanding, not demeaning” is a reminder of the difference between pushing others to meet high expectations versus belittling them. Being demanding is about setting clear standards, pushing for excellence, and motivating others to rise to the challenge. On the other hand, being demeaning involves undermining someone’s self-worth. 

During halftime of a recent road game, a member of the school’s chain gang commented to me that he loved the way I coached our team.  He went on to say that he liked how I get on the players then followed by saying the coaches at his school are not allowed to yell at players.  

In some environments, such as sports, yelling can be used to rally people, motivate teams, or instill a sense of urgency. Coaches raise their voices to energize groups and individuals fostering enthusiasm and reinforcing performance.

It’s important to note that Coaches often push student-athletes beyond their perceived limits. There’s an old Tom Landry (Dallas Cowboys Coach & Hall of Famer) quote, “Coaches make players do more than they think they can in practice, so they can achieve more than anyone thought possible in games.”

The concept of being demanding not demeaning encourages leaders, teachers, and individuals in any position of authority to push for success while maintaining dignity and respect for those around them. One of the most powerful things a former coach ever said to me was, “If I seem to hold you to a higher standard, it’s because I believe so much in your talent and potential.” Decade after decade, I’ve tried to incorporate such sentiments and we’ve been rewarded for setting and holding high standards.

As we have discussed in previous posts, there are significant generational differences between the way my coaches were coached, the way I was coached, and the way I’ve coached my student-athletes over the last 35 years. Sometimes as coaches, we wonder when or if we have gone too far and may have crossed a line, and then you get an unsolicited text from a player like the one I received earlier this week:

I feel confident I speak for most coaches when I say we’re here to help build teams, win games, and develop quality student-athletes who will one day be the leaders of our communities. When we hear feedback directly or secondhand that our efforts and investments in others have helped them become even just a little bit better as players, teammates, or friends, our concerns fall away and satisfaction (and a little pride) can’t help but bring gratitude for the opportunity.

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!  

The benefit of our team’s participation in this past Sunday’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s goes far beyond the financial donations raised and time spent in contemplation and care.  The opportunity to give back provides our players with a sense of both purpose and accomplishment while at the same time creating a stronger connection to our community. One might hope such a contribution to the community will in turn lead to community support of our players on Friday nights this Fall.   

Our blogs often reference the importance of contributing to or being a part of something greater than oneself.  With more than a decade of involvement and participation with the Walk, more and more people have witnessed our acts of kindness and community support and thankfully seem to have been inspired to join us.  This ripple effect has led to a stronger and more resilient community and created a legacy of giving that continues to thrive long after our current players move on.  

I would ask you to consider how your team, family, community group, or even individuals can make a ripple of positivity in your community? At a time when so many seem so polarized by such a panoply of issues, I believe anything we can do to help unite our community is in our collective best interest.

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!  

Football isn’t just a game; it’s a profound expression of our human need for belonging. Our ancestors evolved in tight-knit tribal groups, shaping our social instincts over millennia. This deep-seated desire for connection finds a powerful outlet in team sports, especially football.

Being part of a football team taps into something primal within us. It provides a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends individual goals. When players don the team jersey, they become part of something larger than themselves. Every practice, every game is an opportunity to contribute to a collective vision.

This sense of belonging is transformative. It shifts focus from self-centered concerns to a shared mission. Players find themselves pushing their limits not just for personal glory, but for their teammates, their school, or their community. The struggles and triumphs shared on the field forge deep bonds, creating trust, interdependence, and dedication among teammates. Combine such feelings with the transformation that coincides with adolescence and there is a potent opportunity for good.

Shown here is an email I received this weekend from Kathleen Higgs, our Fieldhouse Director,   It is a reminder of why we do what we do.  

Football teams, in essence, become modern tribes. They provide a platform for individuals to find their place, to matter, to belong. In a world where many feel increasingly isolated, the camaraderie and shared purpose of a football team can be profoundly fulfilling.

So when we watch or participate in football, we’re not just engaging in a sport. We’re answering an age-old call for connection, purpose, and belonging. For many who are searching for both belonging and meaning, football can be the catalyst that changes lives.

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!