Lend a Hand

2/24/2013

 
On page four of this website I listed jobs that are currently available within our program.  To date, no one has contacted us to volunteer his or her time.  I'm not totally surprised by this news for a number of reasons including:


Time;  Very few of us have the luxury of unlimited time in our daily lives.  Our  work, children, home etc. all impact our day to day schedule.  Frankly, for most of us, just getting through the daily grind takes everything out of us so there really is little left for anything, or anyone else.  


I completely understand, and I do not wish to add any additional burden on to anyone's life.  However, if you feel that your schedule is free enough that you can lend support to one of the areas mentioned on page four, please consider dropping us a note.


The Job Description- Some of you may be willing to help, but you're a little unsure of how to do a particular task.  Have  no worries!  If you have an interest in helping out in a particular spot we will provide all of the help you may need.  There is no such thing as doing it poorly; we will always be at your side to help you out whenever you're feeling unsure of what to do.


So, with that being said, please consider lending a hand to help ensure our program runs smoothly for another season.


Thank you for all that you do for our program.


Sincerely,
Coach O'Hearn
 
I have always been proud of, and to be quite honest, a little envious of our school's football team and their incredible record of success for the past few decades.  Few programs in NYS can match their level of excellence on the football field year in and year out.


Obviously I would like the same level of sustained growth and prosperity for our girls' lacrosse program.  As a casual observer through much of the football team's glory, I have come to recognize some basic tenets that form the foundation from which they have built their program.


Tenet #1- Buy-in
All players at all levels believe that they are in integral part of the team's success, and if they do their part during practices and games, regardless of how large or small, then the whole team will be rewarded on the field.  


Tenet #2- Dedication
Success at all levels will only happen if all players dedicate themselves to hard work, discipline, and a commitment to the team.  They are taught that nothing will be handed to them, and any success will require years worth of hard work.  They know that the payoff could ultimately be membership in an exclusive club- proud alumnus of another championship Forks team.


Tenet #3- Program
Players are taught from the earliest age what Forks football is all about; the history, the excitement, the success- its all there for the players to be a part of.  The little ones watch their heroes and big brothers with a desire to someday follow in their footsteps and leave their own mark.  Watch a game on a crisp fall afternoon at the stadium and you'll see why this community lives for Forks Football.  


Tenet #4- Stability
Most players stay for their whole civic, middle school, jv, and varsity careers.  Coaches stay and bring in years worth of knowledge and experience.  Low player turnover leads to greater familiarity with team expectations and helps to create a stronger bond among the team and the coaching staff. 


Tenet #5- Off season work
Players and coaches understand that the game is now played year round in the form of strength and conditioning, summer 7 v 7 leagues, film study, pick up games, clinics etc.  There are no days, weeks, or months off if the team is going to be successful.

Tenet #6- Pride
Ask any middle school boy or girl why he or she wears a Forks jersey or other Forks apparel in school and they'll tell you because it's cool to be a part of Forks Nation.  To me, that's the ultimate sign that a program has not only arrived, but has permanently set up shop!


So, why do I bring this up?  As I wrote earlier, I'm envious, and I want the same for our girls' lacrosse program.  Won't you join me in supporting our girls this season?  Catch a civic game and see the laughter and excitement on the faces of our young ladies as they learn the game.  Enjoy the fast paced play of our modified team down on the Patch Rd. field as they hone and refine their stick skills while playing other local schools.  And finally, be our guest at a varsity game as we try to instill our high speed transition offense and shut down D on the Saints, Wildcats, Tigers, Lions, Spartans and other teams from Section IV.

Go Lady Blue Devils!
Coach O'Hearn
 
I'm often asked by my varsity players why we need to play lacrosse during the off season months from the end of the regular season up until practice starts again the following spring.  The answer is simple- the game today is evolving so quickly with many teams all looking to get a "jump" on the competition through extra gym time, club tournaments, and additional conditioning.  Failure to do these things at the jv and varsity levels puts a team at a serious disadvantage come opening day.  Lacrosse is no longer a three month sport, and a fierce dedication to self and team improvement is the primary reason it is also the fastest growing sport in the country.


The premier program in our area is Corning.  Each scholastic level is committed to playing lacrosse 10-12 months out of the year through tournaments.  Most girls on the varsity team have been playing together as teammates on Corning club teams for 4-5 years before they hit the varsity level.  


Corning's success is one I envision for our program.  While there are certainly differences when comparing the two schools, most notably enrollment disparity, I believe the same commitment to putting out a highly competitive team exists within our program as it does theirs.    It will take hard work, but I believe we are on a good road that will pay dividends in the very near future.


Thank you in advance for helping our sport to grow here at CF.  
Coach O'Hearn  



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    Coach O'Hearn is in his second year as the CF girls' varsity coach and his sixth year coaching lacrosse overall at Chenango Forks.

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