Yes, There Are Second Chances
- Todd Gordon
- Apr 19, 2021
- 4 min read
Yesterday we celebrated the 2020-21 Greene County Girls Basketball Team and season. I think it Is fitting to revisit a post from early February on the day I took the team back to Harlan Community High School for a game. Granted, the game was all Harlan Cyclones but the meaning of the game and lessons learned were not lost. I was reminded of the lessons again as I reflected on what the season meant to me.
In October of 2005 my mom became ill and died suddenly. It was a rough, rough time. She passed away right before the basketball season. I think the busyness of the season kept me distracted but I never did really grieve the sudden loss of my mom. I wasn't prepared for her death and I think I put on a mask hiding the grief.
The season went alright. I think we won 15 games during my oldest daughter's senior season and went to rival Denison for a postseason game. We were overwhelmed early and down by double figures at half-time. At the half, my emotions boiled over in a very negative way yelling at one of the players on the team. It was not one of my finer moments and I am still sorry for my outburst Nobody deserved it and I apologized to the girls who had to witness it.
It would be my final season as a head coach. The next fall I began my journey as an Athletic and Activities Director in Treynor, IA. I would continue to coach as a varsity assistant coach with the boys team in Treynor and enjoyed that, but have always had the bad taste in my mouth with how I left my final season as a head coach of a program.
I didn't plan on or think I would ever be a head coach again since I had become a full time athletic administrator nine years ago. It had not entered my mind until this past June. Unable to find a head coach for our girls program, I decided to take it on for one year. It has been a fantastic experience. Side note: I have great respect the AD's out there who continue to coach and carry on with the AD duties as well.
Here are three things I have appreciated and learned returning to the bench. One not so serious but nevertheless true.
1, Game Prep Has Changed
The addition of a program called Hudl has made scouting and preparation a bit easier. I used to love scouting in person and preparing from detailed scouting reports but with Hudl it can be done at home in comfort just like being there. The statistics that are put together after each game are amazing. If Hudl would have existed 20-30 years ago I may have geeked out on some of the things Hudl can do. But it has been a fun year using it for the first time.
2. Kids Still Respond To A Coach That Cares
I have been demanding and competitive but have always cared about the kids I have coached. I cared during the 2004-2005 season in Harlan, but I don't think I realized how much I had going on inside of me until it boiled over in that half-time locker room. Getting the opportunity to coach again made me realize and see that kids (all people) still respond to someone who cares about them and expresses it. Being able to care again about the players on a team on a day-to-day basis during a season has helped me to realize the third thing I learned.
3. If You're Fortunate You May Get A Second Chance.
I have been fortunate. I'm not sure I deserved it but I'm thankful to God that he brought me to Jefferson, IA and Greene County Yes, I've been given a second chance to coach, to lead a program and give back to a game that has given me so much. But the real second chance has been given to me by the girls. They have trusted me, been willing to be coached and worked hard to get better, trusting me to lead and teach them. That has been the true second chance.
When this season ends it will more than likely bring an end to my coaching career. Even if it is my final season on the bench, I have been given a great gift. I am thankful to God first and foremost, His plan. His grace. I am thankful that He brought me to Jefferson. I am thankful for the Greene County girls basketball team and the blessing they have given me.
There are no guarantees that we get a second chance. One lesson should be that you shouldn't rely on getting one and try to do the right thing the first time. But if you're needing one and you get it, be thankful, appreciate it, and be blessed by what it gives you.
Comments