Came across an article in USA Today that talks about major college athletic programs taking great financial hits due to the struggling economy. As I read the article I started to realize that no program no matter what division (I-III) or financial backing was safe from the economic down-turn. Mike Cleary, executive director of the 6,500-member National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics had this to say on the topic,
"I don't care how big and how wealthy they are, this is going to impact everybody."
Looking at the economic situation I realize that this might be a serious problem that affects people associated with athletics for the next few years. I can tell you that this year especially more then other years there are not many jobs available at the collegiate level. No one within an athletic department is safe from these cuts and these dwindling funds and we must make the best of the situation.
Many major sports programs are seriously considering cutting lesser sports and only retaining the more revenue producing sports. I think as coaches that we have to realize that we are here first for the students. The last thing that will be cut is a whole athletic team. If it wasn’t for the students we would be out of jobs completely.
A problem with many young coaches is they look for “instant gratification”. At an economic time like this instant gratification is very rare. We must weather the storm and support our athletic department and do what is best for the student-athlete. We will pull through these hard times and we will be stronger coaches because of the experience.
Many times when I see other young coaches trying to make it to the “Big Time” they are not willing to put the time or effort in. These individuals are not willing to do the small things that will lead to the big things. At this time many young coaches because of the economy might have to take a giant step back in their career and take a pay cut or a lesser job. If you are one that believes in yourself you will stay the course and become a better coach in the long-run because of these early struggles. I strongly believe that one of the most special things in life is accomplishing a goal that was extremely hard to obtain. If you are a true coach and are doing it for all the right reason this small bump in the road will not keep you away from a great profession.
Looking at the economic situation I realize that this might be a serious problem that affects people associated with athletics for the next few years. I can tell you that this year especially more then other years there are not many jobs available at the collegiate level. No one within an athletic department is safe from these cuts and these dwindling funds and we must make the best of the situation.
Many major sports programs are seriously considering cutting lesser sports and only retaining the more revenue producing sports. I think as coaches that we have to realize that we are here first for the students. The last thing that will be cut is a whole athletic team. If it wasn’t for the students we would be out of jobs completely.
A problem with many young coaches is they look for “instant gratification”. At an economic time like this instant gratification is very rare. We must weather the storm and support our athletic department and do what is best for the student-athlete. We will pull through these hard times and we will be stronger coaches because of the experience.
Many times when I see other young coaches trying to make it to the “Big Time” they are not willing to put the time or effort in. These individuals are not willing to do the small things that will lead to the big things. At this time many young coaches because of the economy might have to take a giant step back in their career and take a pay cut or a lesser job. If you are one that believes in yourself you will stay the course and become a better coach in the long-run because of these early struggles. I strongly believe that one of the most special things in life is accomplishing a goal that was extremely hard to obtain. If you are a true coach and are doing it for all the right reason this small bump in the road will not keep you away from a great profession.
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