Tag Archives: coaches

Historically, it’s who we are

By DAVID TEPERA, February 22, 2017

Out of all these situations, I’ve noticed a common statement from these coaches when being interviewed.

They are asked, “Coach, this team has never had a winning season. What changed and turned it around this year?”

Coaches reply, “Not only this team, but this school and the whole town has never been part of a winning season. Historically, losing is what’s expected each year. These players had to learn to believe in themselves and each other to change history.”

Now, the impactful word that empowers me is “historically.”

How many of you have developed bad habits because, historically, you feel it’s part of your family bloodline?

How many people think only rich kids become wealthy? Just because everyone in your family is obese and lazy, doesn’t mean that’s your destiny.

Where will this historically destructive pattern cease? Who is going to believe in themselves and realize the only person preventing success is in the mirror?

A better life is waiting right outside your front door.

That’s it. No more excuses. I’m getting off this “excuse” couch to change not only my life, but also my family.

You had no control of your childhood, neighborhood or schools attended, but you have control of your adult life. You’ve put a plan in place and set goals to reach success beyond dreams. Each day you take a step closer to better finances, healthier lifestyle, quality relationships, along with being a better role model for your children.

In the future years, when your relatives look back over the family tree, it will be your name that created the foundation for everyone’s success. It was you that fed and watered the roots which produced much fruit.

Today is the beginning of which your family will say, “Historically, we always find a way to conquer adversity and come out winners. It’s who we are.”

Players learn to be good sports through good coaches

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, February 4, 2015

When my son Dylan was 11 years old, I coached his youth basketball team. We had a successful season, all the players improved, had lots of fun, except for one situation. We were down to our last game and one of the players, whom I will call John, hadn’t scored a goal all season, even though he had equal playing time as his teammates.

Before our last game started, I talked to our opponent’s coach, Kevin Dapper, and explained the situation. I asked Coach Dapper, when the game is down to the last 2 minutes and if John hasn’t scored, would his team agree to let him score a basket? He gathered his 11 year old team together and they all happily agreed.

Well, the game was under 2 minutes and John hadn’t scored. I nodded to Coach Dapper, and he signaled his team.

You see, all of John’s family was at this particular game including, not only parents and siblings, but grandparents and out of town relatives.

We inbounded the ball, passed it to John, who proceeded clumsily down the court. The opponents acted like they were defending but giving John a pathway, and after a few attempts, made his first and only basket of the season.

I leaped about 5 feet in the air with the biggest scream. His family were on their feet yelling at the top of their lungs. John was running back down the court with the biggest grin imaginable.

It was the first time to witness 11 year old boys excited for an opponent to score against them.

We might have lost that game on the scoreboard, but you would have never known by the celebration we were having.

Just know, all these boys are in high school now, and Coach Dapper is still coaching youth sports and teaching good sportsmanship.

Coach Dapper, even after all these years, I still tip my hat.