Great coaching originates from many different places. Coaches can get their start on the field of play, in leadership positions, or in this case-- the math classroom. That’s right. You see, seven years ago when Coach Keith Allen signed his son up for little league, he was informed of a coaching shortage. Teams would be dissolved if volunteer coaches didn’t step up.
Despite the fact that he had never coached or even played baseball, Coach Allen answered the call. He hit the books and began preparing for the upcoming season. The selflessness and dedication that such an act entails is why we chose Coach Keith Allen, of Oxnard CA, as our Coach of the Week.
“Success is sweet, and sweeter if long delayed and gotten through many struggles and defeats.” Amos Bronson Alcott
This quote is the cornerstone of Coach Allen’s philosophy. He coaches the T-ball age Rookie Dodgers, and believes that it is far more important to learn the game of baseball than concentrate on winning each game. He makes certain to give each child a chance in every position across the diamond.
He has also instituted a great “helmet sticker” system, to recognize the play of his athletes. This is just like OSU football, where a player gets a sticker for making a great play. “The children really respond to it”, says Coach Allen.
Coach Allen believes that his job as a math teacher really helps him to teach his athletes: "I think that my teaching background is the framework for my approach in coaching. I feel that my primary responsible is to teach every child on my team the basics regarding the sport that we are playing. Some children come to me with no skill or experience, and I hope that they leave the experience pleased with themselves, and eager for more physical activity experiences."
All of the team parents love Coach Allen. His philosophy with parents is as follows: “They want their children to be treated with dignity and respect, and they want their children to learn about the sport that they are playing. Winning is fun, but it isn’t everything." We totally agree, Coach Allen.
Great job from Weplay.com, Coach! Good luck in 2010!
Coach Allen's Keys To Success:
1 - Learn the game. Knowledge and fun are much more important than winning.
2 - Get each player experience at every position.
3 - Treat everybody with respect and dignity, and KEEP IT FUN!
