The Work Never Ends

[ThomasDenton 79]

The work never ends

Posted on October 2, 2013
by Allen Gregory



To the outsider, the life of a high school football coach can seem glamorous.

From Wytheville to Lee County, these men are regarded as iron-willed leaders who can help lift the mood of an entire community.

And in Southwest Virginia, there is no stronger form of motivational magic than a successful high school football team.

That’s why coaches such as Harry Fry (Gate City), Ralph Cummins (Clintwood), Phil Robbins (Powell Valley), Tom Turner (Appalachia) and James Colley (Haysi) have commanded such respect. It’s all about regional pride and bragging rights.

Few folks realize the process behind the scenes, however.

In this politically-correct age, coaches must juggle more roles than ever. And if you want to chase a championship, there are no days off.

At many schools, the grind begins on Saturday morning with film review and grading, plus treatment of injuries.

On Sunday afternoons, many coaching staffs gather to research the tendencies of the next opponent and start formulating a game plan for Friday.

The serious work begins on Monday, as teams rehash their basic plays while simulating the formations of the opposition. Long after practice, there is more film study. Every coach searches to find a weakness.

It takes a reservoir of patience and an Alpha Male personality to handle the weekly juggling act.

The modern-day coach must counsel troubled teens, soothe angry parents, tabulate stats, maintain and mark off the playing surface, teach classes, wash uniforms, answer questions from reporters and serve as a recruiting coordinator. The list of chores goes on.

Naturally, the burnout factor is high.

Consider the case of Steve Wright. Over the past three seasons, this humble Virginia High School graduate has transformed the long-suffering John Battle program.

The emergence of the Trojans has been well-documented. There have been winning records, playoff appearances and overflow crowds.

And the beat goes on. This Friday, John Battle (5-0) will host the Honaker Tigers (4-0) in a showdown sure to attract another massive crowd.

Wright has earned the right to be a tad cocky, but it’s never gonna happen.

Wright simply goes to work – day after day. He studies, plans, adjusts and motivates – and his hardcore cast of athletes responds.

Somehow, Wright even found time to attend a Sunday afternoon concert featuring musical innovator Pokey LaFarge during the annual Rhythm & Roots Reunion in downtown Bristol.

This Monday afternoon, Wright was back at his post in the ancient John Battle coaches office.

After holding practice, Wright met with a reporter and attended the junior varsity game against Abingdon. He then went back to his scheming-and-dreaming routine for Honaker and its veteran coach Doug Hubbard.

The lone regular season loss for Battle last season came in a 20-7 decision at Honaker, while the Trojans recorded a dramatic 22-19 homecoming win over Honaker two seasons ago.

“We’ve had good games with Honaker the past two years,†Wright said. “Honaker is big, well-coached and plays with confidence. They have a good quarterback, a solid kicking game and good skill players. I don’t see any weaknesses.â€

Battle is coming off a 35-6 victory Friday in one of the biggest games at Patrick Henry in over a decade.

“It was a good atmosphere for both teams,†Wright said.

For football purists who appreciate the game behind the game, the chess match between Hubbard and Wright offers intrigue.

“Coach Hubbard is one of the deans of Southwest Virginia football,†Wright said. “Honaker is used to winning, and that always helps.â€

Thanks to their hard-working coach, the expectations on Battle Hill have climbed and the mood has improved.