Coach's Notes

Saturday, 10/3/09 - Varsity Soccer Clinic

Click here for notes from Jeff regarding the clinic and upcoming collaboration efforts with the Recreation and Town Travel teams, which was a big success.

Friday, 9/4/09 - Coaches Against Cancer

From Jill Bucinell - Coach Ormsbee has asked us to support his effort in Coaches Against Cancer by purchasing T-shirts which we will wear as uniforms when we play Burnt Hills. The shirts must have numbers on them, so I’m asking each player to send me (or give to Ben) $15 to cover the cost of the shirt and the numbers. Any extra money will be donated to the Coaches Against Cancer fund. Please bring me the money at Tuesday’s game or by Thursday’s at the latest.

Monday, 8/31/09 - Local Family in Need

See email below. I want to thank John Moskov and Kitty for bringing Jacob Shell's situation to everyone's attention. Jacob is my next door neigbor and the same age as my own children. He has a form of cancer known as Neuroblastoma which affects the cells responsible for building nerve tissue in small children. He is currently going through a very aggressive chemotherapy regimen which has been emotionally, physically and financially taxing on the Shell's and everyone close to them. I know that I can speak for Matt and Kim Shell when I say thank you to all of you for taking up this cause. I am more than happy to collect money and will be sure it gets to John.

Kitty is coordinating donations from the varsity soccer team. If you would like to write a check, it should be made out to "Niskayuna High School". For the Varsity team, could you please give your donations to Ethan to bring home. I will give the donations to John on the first day of school, next Tuesday.

email from John Moskov:

Matt Shell is a teacher and head football coach for the Burnt Hills school district. Three years ago he was diagnosed with cancer and fought through the disease. He is now cancer free. This past spring, his eight year old son was diagnosed with a rare and very serious form of childhood cancer.

The Burnt Hills community has held several events to raise money for Matt and his family. The treatments for their son are very extensive and both Matt and his wife have had to take time from work to be with their son.

The Niskayuna football team is collecting donations for Matt and his family. We have asked that all fall athletes, on every level, donate $5. We would like to open this up to the entire district and invite all faculty and staff to donate $5, as well. Coach Shell will be presented with a check on Friday Sept. 11th, prior to our home football game vs. Burnt hills. We will also dedicate the game to his son.

Your help is greatly appreciated. All donations should be delivered to me at the high school no later than Thursday, September 10th.

Thank You

John Moskov

Thursday, 8/27/09 8PM (NHS Rm. C251) - Parent Meeting

Coach Ormsbee called a varsity parent meeting to kick off the season and expressed appreciation for everyone's attendance and for supporting their sons over the years in the soccer program.

He reviewed the Values Pyramid (see attachment below) which was presented to the team at Saturday morning's practice, and it outlines the goals and values he would like to instill in his players, not only from a soccer team perspective, but values which they can also apply throughout their college and professional lives. This is based on the philosophy of the men's soccer team at Messiah College, multi-year Division III National Champions whose program is well-known for a sound ethical approach and good attitude toward the game. Team members are treated with dignity, honor, and respect and are thus expected to treat each other in the same way. Sportsmanship and fair play take precedence over winning games, with winning emerging as a by-product of doing things correct.

He also reviewed a list of guidelines and expectations for achieving a high performing team, also attached below.

Other topics covered (and included on various pages within this site) include:

• • Team Events - Hiking/swimming at Keene Valley, pasta parties, senior night, banquet

  • Game Schedule - Two non-league scrimmages added in pre-season schedule, 9/12/09 game time may be rescheduled due to morning ACT

  • College Soccer - Jeff indicated that anyone interested in playing collegiate level soccer can set up a meeting with him to discuss opportunities

  • Trainer - Anyone in need of a trainer for minor injuries/rehab/physical therapy can see Mr. Shaw. He works at the Physical Therapy Associates of Schenectady and is available at no charge to NHS athletic teams

  • Team Contact List - Information collected, communication primarily via email, Jeff has all player cell phone numbers

  • Soccer Apparel Orders - Orders collected during meeting, mandatory jerseys, shorts and socks, also jacket and warmup pants for those who don't have them from last year, rain jacket optional

  • Volunteer Opportunities - Anyone interested in helping with activities please contact Karen or Kitty

  • Website - Plan to create a varsity soccer team website for communications, volunteer signups, photo sharing and general information