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Lessons are learned in steps, and putting it all together can take a long time - even for coaches.

Back in 1986 I took a group of five senior athletes to the Easterns at Hofsta University on Long Island. We got there the night before the meet and had a full day to kill because the first event wasn't until late the next afternoon. We spent some time together on Jones beach and at the time I picked up five smooth stones and placed them in my pocket, one representing each of the athletes.

These athletes were not only incredibly successful (they were state champions and among other placements at Easterns they won the 4 X 100M), but also challenged me as a coach. They absorbed and put into practice all of my knowledge thus forcing me to work harder and learn more.

This signaled the end of a very special era. I was doing a lot of deep thinking at the time. Following is an excerpt from a poem I wrote about them – and our relationship.

They are rough stones

  No two the same

  Collected by chance

  In the same eddy.

  Each works upon the rest

  Grinding, floating, rolling

  Nudged along by the stream

  Whose rushing water adds no substance.

  Yet influences each

  In ways controlled by their own shape

  Creating polished gems

  Of unique character.

For those few who aren't into symbolism, I'm the water.

I think I captured the gist of my sentiments, most importantly that a coach doesn't make an athlete what they are. A coach helps them become what they are already capable of being.

What I neglected to mention is what the stones do to the stream. They alter the direction of the water. This group challenged me to become a different coach and my life was changed because of it. I retired from spring track at the end of the season because I thought it could never be the same. Of course I was right in one respect. Remove rocks from a stream and the water will never flow in quite the same way again.

Two years later another stone (Marcy Merigold) prompted me to return to spring track. She was in need of polishing and let me know it. In return she dramatically altered the course of my life by helping me realize that I had strayed off course. That 400M of red rubber is as important for me as it is for the athletes who I try to polish.

I'm not sure the correct term is ”symbionic relationship”, but I feel its close. The coach/athlete relationship has benefits for each. The athlete is moved in ways that bring out the best of their potential while the coach is enriched by the process.

I was reminded of this the other day on my way back from the freshman/sophomore meet. I have returned to indoor track coaching after a hiatus if 15 years. It has defied my attempts to turn it into outdoor track. It is its own entity. I admit to having been thrown off course by the events of the day. Despite some good performances I was caught off guard by some events that did not turn out as expected. No “biggies” but enough to put me in an unusual funk. Had this been twenty years ago I might have pulled out my hair. People who know me realize it is no longer an option.

On the ride home Capts. Leah Seward and Jen McNamara were in the seat behind me. They started to talk about their introduction to track and a little about what the last four years have meant to them. They are two of the best and most dedicated athletes this program has seen. But rather than talk about what they had accomplished they were more interested in talking about the people who led them there. I was quickly returned to my course.

I think my lesson that started in 1979 and of which I wrote in 1986 is nearly complete. As proof I add the following.

It is the stream

Most influenced by rocks

Their slightest movement

Forever changes its (my) course

Had neither come in contact

All would remain unchanged and stagnant

But as long as the stream flows

Both rock and water

Will change

On Saturday I worked at the small school Auerbach Freshman/sophomore Meet. The most exciting aspect of the day was watching the faces of the Canton yearlings as they had an outstanding day. They have found it hard to compete with the “big dogs” of the Hockomock for a while now, but I still remember them beating us for the league dual meet championship in 1984. Coach Coleman has them on the right track and she was as excited as they were. It would be wise to take them seriously.

Friday night a couple of NA track alumni had good results. Caitlin Hurley has brought the talents she displayed at NAHS to URI and placed third in the 55M. I was ecstatic to see that Janet Pailes won the 800M in 2:21. Janet was best known for the 400M during her high school years and was a two-time league champion in the triple jump. After an outstanding freshman campaign at URI she has battled injuries. Only someone who loves the sport would have continued. Janet has -   and all I can do is tip my hat and say “Great job!”

This weekend brings some early morning fireworks to Franklin Fieldhouse. The girls from Franklin and North Attleboro (both at 3-1) square off with undefeated Oliver Ames (4-0).