The Kind Of Coaching

We Can Always Use

To the Editor:

In a day and age where kids’ sports seldom makes headlines unless a coach or parent is attacking another player or referee, I would like to bring attention to an incident that took place last Sunday, Mother’s Day, at my twin sons’ Bantam league lacrosse game. An incident that, in my opinion, exemplifies what coaching is all about. After an exciting and well-played game, the coach, Eric Lambert, who is also the Bantam league coordinator, gathered the team of third and fourth grade players in a close huddle at the end of the field for their customary postgame pep talk. I noticed he was handing out something to each of the boys but couldn’t tell what it was.

As they emerged from the huddle, we realized he had given each player an individually wrapped flower to present to his mom for Mother’s Day. Fighting back the tears, my wife, and the other moms, went to thank him for this small but poignant gesture and he responded quite simply, “My job isn’t just to help the boys become better lacrosse players but also to help them become better young men.” This is the true essence of coaching and Eric gets it. Leading by example both on and off the field. Thanks Coach, for doing a great job with our sons and for “coaching” all of us last Sunday!

Tim Weber

84 Currituck Road, Newtown                                           May 16, 2007