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An Open Letter from a Teacher/Coach:

On Friday, April 17, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott declared that the 2019-2020 school year would not resume a face to face learning opportunity. A punch to the gut to many people no doubt. So many thoughts and emotions raced through my mind. Currently I am in a transition- closing out my time at Santa Gertrudis in Kingsville and beginning my journey to Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville. We’ve been in quarantine for a little over a month now. Each day may seem the same, but there have also been a few differences that have helped break up the monotony. One of the things that I’ve done that helps create something to look forward to and that’s hosting a live workout on Fridays with my current athletes at SG. The fact that they still want to get together, motivate each other, and get better gives me something to look forward to. Today’s workout was a tough one for multiple reasons. Number one we did a 20-minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) of Lion Makers (squats, overhead press, rows, and sprawl-to-push-ups). The second reason it was tough was my grip slipped off one of the kettlebells and bounced my knee of the patio… yeah that felt great (I’m fine mom don’t worry lol). Thirdly, the news broke about not going back during our workout. I did my best to put it out of my mind and finish but knowing this was pretty much how I would be seeing kids I love and care about, through a computer screen instead of face to face, was tough. I want to express a couple of thoughts to different groups of people so here it goes….

To students and student-athletes… Please understand your teachers love you, care about you and miss you. This is as hard for them as it is for you. We are all in this together, but you have to do your part. Get up every day and do something for class, for your education, for your health and for your personal growth. Some days will be easier than others, we all want to just stay in bed and binge out on movies or shows and snacks, but we have to do something to improve ourselves each day. Stop being lazy and hard to reach about getting work done. Teachers are available to help you, you have the power of Google at your finger tips, there is no excuse not to get work done. There is also no excuse as to why you can’t send an email or a text message to a teacher asking for help. You don’t have to have the fear of being singled out like in class or worry about sounding dumb. ASK QUESTIONS! If a teacher doesn’t know they answer they will find out for you. Take ownership of your education. Things can get taken away from us in life, but no one can take away your knowledge and your brain power. Put it to good use. Help your parents by taking one less thing to worry about off their plate. Help your siblings with their homework. Host a virtual study group… there’s so much potential to be a beacon of light in a dark time. Choose to be the light that makes a difference not the basket that dims or puts out the light.

To parents… We are not asking you to replace your children’s classroom teacher. Hold them accountable absolutely, help them access resources yes, but the expectation isn’t that you’re teaching algebra or chemistry to them, it’s that you’re helping present a united front with teachers that just because the school house doors are closed doesn’t mean that learning has stopped. Take this time as a parent to teach your children life lessons. Teach them things that we want to be able to teach in school but unfortunately due to standardized tests we cannot. Teach them about money, cooking, washing clothes, changing a tire, charging a battery, and being a better world citizen. Spend time with them outside, in the kitchen, wherever. Keep a schedule for everyone and sure take a day to just have a family day.

To my teachers, coaches, administrators… keep checking in with your kids and your colleagues. We are all needing that extra bit of affirmation and love during this time. Be mindful during this time that everyone may not have the same access and resources at home. Really think about meetings that can be an email instead of an hour long zoom session that only 10 minutes was actual substance. Time is precious for everyone and deadlines must be met but show compassion and understanding that most teachers are truly still working hard to provide as much quality content as possible.

Every day I am amazed at my wife and her teammate and how much thought goes into everything they do for their classes. They give me inspiration to do more and better each day. I know their students are still getting a quality education IF they put in the effort.

Effort, Faith, Hope, and Perseverance are paramount during this time. So today, take a minute to give thanks that you have breath in your lungs, your heart beats, and your brain still works. Eat something delicious, drink water, take your vitamins, get some exercise, and get work done. Where there is a will there is a way, but you must take the steps. Know you are loved and cared about. The expectation is still the same though… you are the master of yourself, you are capable beyond measure, but you must put forth the effort.

Learning is a lifelong journey that can happen anywhere and everywhere. All you need is a can-do attitude.

Quarantine Reflections Week 1

March 22, 2020

One week has passed since the news came from my district that we would not be returning from our Spring Break and extending another week off. This past Friday the teachers returned to their campuses to prepare materials to have either picked up or performed digitally. We are (as of writing this) participating in distance learning until after Easter Sunday. Some of my colleagues have embraced this challenge others seemingly feel put-off and resistant to change. As I write this reflection, I myself ponder- When a challenge arises in my life, how do I attempt to conquer it? What is my mindset? How do I overcome the adversity?

I believe challenges for me are something I take head on. My mindset is open and desiring to accomplish the task at hand. Where I believe I fall short is starting out strong and with passion and as things can get difficult, I taper off. Pacing and a mor thought out plan of attack are most likely what I need to better execute the tasks. Ultimately, I do complete the challenge, but did I complete it to the best of my ability? Did it receive all my talent and skill?

During this novel Covid-19 pandemic it has been amazing to see the coaching and education fields embrace this opportunity to clinic and converse with each other to grow the mind. You can wake up every morning and find someone looking to engage and exchange ideas. It is an amazing time in the coaching and education fields with so many resources just at your fingertips. Seeing so many coaches and educators at a young age and even some older “dinosaurs” (I’m borrowing Kevin Swift’s term for himself) gives me hope that they continue to grow and learn and hopefully one day assume positions of power and influence and affect change for the better. Create more opportunities for minority coaches as well as fix the broken education system where we focus not on a test but truly molding the best all-around student we can the same as in the weight room the focus is not on sport specific but whole athlete development.

I certainly have my worries too. I worry about my family especially my parents still picking up pieces from Hurricane Harvey. I worry about my wife’s family in Austin, DFW, Cuero, and Victoria and elsewhere, some are sick, some are going through losses, we both wish there was more that we can do for everyone. The best thing we can do at this point is stay home and continue to pray and be strong in faith that what God’s will is will be done.

I strongly urge students and student-athletes to take this time to grow and learn. Heed the messages and lessons I or another adult of influence has taught you about having a growth mindset and apply yourself. This is a golden opportunity to learn just how amazing and resourceful you are. Continue to keep a schedule, communicate with friends, family and those who you seek guidance from.

Coaches and teachers continue to reach out to your students and athletes. Host Zoom, Skype, Google Hangout sessions with them. Many see you as their second parent or in some cases their only source of love and acceptance.

I hope and pray once this virus passes that reform and renaissance takes place that reshapes education and the viewpoint people have on schools and athletics. It breaks my heart knowing there are children out there in hard situations because the school or field house isn’t open. That’s their refuge their place of safety and food.

My last thought for this reflection piece is how amazing my wife has been in embracing a foreign concept of digital learning and created YouTube videos, a google classroom, and seeking how to do it all better. She gives me strength and motivation to continue to persevere in the challenges that lie ahead. I know that together through Faith we will overcome and prosper.

I pray that everyone reading this receives blessings of safety, health, compassion, and healing for whatever ails them mentally or physically. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you desire to talk more, please reach out to me via Twitter or Instagram. My handle for both is @coachnoon45. Here’s to a strong cup of coffee and the spirit to go get ‘er done!



My favorite podcasts for football

https://twitter.com/MDGAPodcast Make Defense Great Again

https://twitter.com/RunThePower Run the Power

https://twitter.com/KYPDPODCAST Keep Your Pads Down (DL focused)


Valuable Twitter Accounts to Follow for personal growth:

https://twitter.com/THSCAcoaches THSCA

https://twitter.com/Coach_G32 Justin Grandenetti aka The Zoom Clinic Master

https://twitter.com/txhsfbchat #TXHSFBCHAT the Godfather of Football Twitter Chats

https://twitter.com/CoachShiffman Tony Shiffman Co-Founder of #Hogfbchat

https://twitter.com/coach_harvey18 Adam Harvey Hutto HS DC

https://twitter.com/NoFlyZoneChat1 No Fly Zone Chat Defensive Back focused FB Chat

https://twitter.com/kdawgswift Kevin Swift aka The Knowledgeable Dinosaur

https://twitter.com/CoachRegalado Marco Regalado aka the Football Tic Tok King

https://twitter.com/linebackerchat Linebacker Chat

https://twitter.com/WildBunchChat Wild Bunch Special Teams Chat

https://twitter.com/CoachFore Chris Fore one of the greatest advocates for the game of football

https://twitter.com/coachjordan03 Corey Jordan DB Coach & Recruiting Coordinator at McKinney High School

https://twitter.com/2inagap Steve Fox the man who knows a lot about a lot and how to make the most out of not much

https://twitter.com/mekkaworldpeace Meka Okafor the Humble Giant who knows OL play (He blocked for Patrick Mahomes in college)

https://twitter.com/Matt_Stepp817 Matt Stepp the TXHSFB journalism legend!

https://twitter.com/CoachSleeve Coach Matt Gildersleeve COD & Efficient movement guru (in my opinion)

https://twitter.com/BigDuke50 Duke Manyweather if you want to learn how to play OL follow him!

https://twitter.com/JonGordon11 Jon Gordon, author & motivational speaker

https://twitter.com/MackeySpeaks Stephen Mackey, Founder of 2 Words, Excellent character content for your athletic programs


Favorite podcasts for personal growth & knowledge

The Order of Man

Warrior Poet Society

Joe Rogan Experience

Primal Armour

Hybrid Unlimited

Mind Pump Media

Mark Bell's Power Project

Darren Daily On Demand