Some parents were upset with the coach, but when they heard
the coach’s explanation, they supported him.
Coach Labrum suspended his team because of reports of physical and cyber
bullying, and attitude problems both in and out of school. The coach did not like what he was hearing
about his players and decided that there were more important lessons to be
taught to these young men than playing football games. The entire team needed to refocus their
priorities.
So, how did the coach do this? The day after the suspension (a Saturday), he
met with his team and explained to them that if they wanted to play for him,
they had to sign a contract in which they agreed to do the following:
- Perform acts of community service such as pulling weeds in flower beds around the school, go to nursing homes to talk with and read to the elderly, clean school hallways, and wash windows.
- Attend character building counseling sessions
- Take classes on character
- Memorize a poem about character
- Do more things with and for their families
By the end of the week, all but nine players had signed the
contracts and were reinstated to the team.
The newly reinstated team elected new team captains for a new beginning.
The Union High players who are going through this experience
may not fully understand what Coach Labrum has done. At a time when they needed him most, he stood
tall for them. When they were at a
crossroad, Coach Labrum pointed them to the road less traveled; the road that
leads to success not necessarily on the playing field, but in the field of
life. When the going got tough, Coach
Labrum stepped up and put his job on the line for them; risking his livelihood
and the financial security of his family.
One day each of these boys will know the full extent of Coach Labrum's sacrificial love for them. And I hope they look him up and shake his hand.
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