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
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
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