13 May 2012

Crossroads after semi-epic failure

Yesterday was my 10th district track meet as a coach.  Ten years of coaching high school track.

It was the first year where I have not had an athlete I coach move on to the sectional meet the next week.

First time in 10 years.

I guess, I can kind of count the high jump/long jumper who made it since I coach him in the sprinting portion and when he listened to what I said about technique yesterday, he moved from 6th place to 2nd place.  But, I also can't really count him since he is one of the athletes who prefers not to listen and practices his way rather than the way that is called on by the coaches.  One kid was a thrower, three were distance girls (two have kind of worked with me, but not extensively), and one was a pole vaulter.

It was our lowest number to make it through since I have been at this school.  And I have nothing to show for the hard work I have put in with our sprinters.

I know there are excuses I could use - we didn't have a track this year since it is still under construction; the kids really worked less hard than any previous year, our District consists of athletes that will easily place in the top 8 at the State meet in two weeks so we had really tough competition yesterday, one of our best guys was suspended a week ago and couldn't compete yesterday.  But there are also things that went well this season - we did have a decent place to practice, there were improvements seen in several of the athletes, the kids have competed well against some of the kids they competed against yesterday, the weather this season has been so great that there were not really many times where we had to cancel meets or practices, and there could be tons more.

Part of me is really disappointed in my results from yesterday.

Part of me doesn't really even care anymore.

I have been at this crossroads with coaching for over a year.  Perhaps these emotions, or lack of emotions are a sign.


#SOCsunday

This is my Stream of Consciousness post for the week.  I didn't follow the prompt since this was on my mind, but you can see the prompt and other link ups for the week at allthingsfadra.  You can also take part - 5 minute free write on the prompt or whatever is on your mind.


10 comments:

  1. I can only imagine how it feels after the long season that is track. You've written about your challenges before. My daughter was a sprinter who qualified for state all four of her high school years. The team routinely qualified 14 individuals, all races and all relays...until this year. The coach said it was a brutally long season. He's going on year 25. Will cross my fingers for your next year.

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    1. Congrats to your daughter! That is impressive. Glad to hear (though sad to hear at the same time) that I'm not the only coach having trouble this year. Thanks for the encouragement!

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  2. Aaah - but what counts is the fact that you did your best - you can't do better than that. You were there for these young people, and you made them in some small corner of their being, even if they did not work hard or listen, feel worth your input. You should be proud of that - it's wearing when you don't see a big prize for your work, but that does NOT make it ess worthwhile.

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    1. That is so kind of you to say! I really appreciate those words and will remember these thoughts whenever things aren't well in class or on the track - I really do hope they understand/recognize that they really are worthy!

      Thank you.

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  3. I commend you for coaching as it is not something that everyone can do, or would be willing to do. You give your time, skills, and heart to each student you coach. That is really all you can do. Sorry the results weren't better, but as they say...maybe next time. Leading the kids after they didn't perform their best will be just as important.

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    1. Thanks! Like you said, maybe next time will be better.

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  4. The sensation of sort of "spinning your wheels" at a thing frustrates me at my job, at times. Maybe you'll conclude it's time to follow a new path, and maybe you'll decide to stick it out for another season with, perhaps, kids more invested in the process. Either way, I wish you well in sorting out your thoughts and feelings about this, and choosing whatever feels right for you.

    And thanks for turning me on to "Stream of Consciousness Sunday." I dig the concept of the weekly prompt, maybe I'll chime in now and again! :-)

    Some Dark Romantic

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    1. I really do feel like I'm spinning my wheels.

      Thanks for the kind words of encouragement and I'm glad you like the SOC Sunday. Try it out, it's a pretty good way to empty your mind of whatever is clogging it.

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  5. as a teacher and former high school sprinter, i appreciate that you are so invested in their success. i totally understand being ambivalent though... for me it either means it's time to push myself or it's time to move on. good luck with your next steps!

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  6. Thanks!

    Ambivalent is a great word for how I'm feeling - thanks for putting a good word to it. Those are definitely the options I need to consider.

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I share my thoughts and would love to read your thoughts, too.