CFB-ISD Coaches Speak of Leadership, Overcoming Adversity
Posted by Philip Orwig
on Sep 06, 2012
Pictured left to right: CFB-ISD Athletic Director Renee Putter with head coaches Tyrone Larkins of RL Turner, Jay Cline of Creekview, Paul Ressa of Newman Smith, and Terry Smith of Ranchview
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club's time-honored tradition of hosting the CFB-ISD head football coaches for their annual update took place at the September 6th lunch meeting. CFB Superintendent Dr. Bobby C. Burns kicked off the presentation by recognizing former Club member Catfish Montgomery, whom the annual event is held in honor of. Athletic Director Renee Putter introduced the head coaches, who each gave the members in attendance an update of their respective teams.
Coach Terry Smith, head coach of the Ranchview Wolves, discussed how his goal at the onset of summer camp was to help his student athletes become better men, and to learn how to overcome adversity. He spoke of a set of covenants that each player on the team agreed to, including conducting themselves with integrity, being accountable for their actions, and exhibiting leadership both on and off the field. Coach Smith related how he and his staff are much more than football coaches. In particular, they are the "molders and makers" of young men.
Coach Jay Cline, skipper of the Creekview Mustangs, also has a set of covenants with his student athletes. Coach Cline gave each of his players goals to strive for: to be unselfish, to be tough, and to show determination at every level and in everything they do in life.
Coach Tyrone Larkins, head coach of the RL Turner Lions, spoke to the Club about how his 7th grade coach saved his life, so to speak. Larkins had come from a troubled home, and he recalled fighting with fellow students everyday at school. Finally, the football coach saw this and encouraged Larkins to get into football, where he excelled. Larkins' former coach even offered to put him through college if he couldn't make it on his own. Larkins asked himself how he could set a similar example for his student athletes at Turner. The Lions head coach decided to use his weight loss as the example for his players, and they have since committed to showing up early during the summer mornings for football practice, and have set a great example as student athletes striving for excellence in the classroom.
Finally, Coach Paul Ressa, head coach of the Newman Smith Trojans, talked about how his job is among the best in the world. He reiterated to the Club how his relationship with his players is not just about the X's and O's, or the wins and losses, but about their academic success. His kids have truly made him proud. Coach Ressa hopes that the community, and in particular the student athletes' parents, have a tremendous time this Fall watching the Trojans go to battle.
Finally, Coach Paul Ressa, head coach of the Newman Smith Trojans, talked about how his job is among the best in the world. He reiterated to the Club how his relationship with his players is not just about the X's and O's, or the wins and losses, but about their academic success. His kids have truly made him proud. Coach Ressa hopes that the community, and in particular the student athletes' parents, have a tremendous time this Fall watching the Trojans go to battle.