Letter from the Editor

Success Breeds Success
© More from this issue

          
What’s the secret to having a successful football season? What’s necessary to be a consistently winning program, year-in, year-out that produces a playoff caliber team? Is it strictly talent on the field or a combination of other ingredients? Many coaches will list the following and not in any particular order:

• Talent – the skills that perform on the field
• Assistant coaching staff – a loyal, professional staff
• Resources – fields and practice facilities that can make a difference
• Administrative support – right down from the president
• Strength and conditioning program-a must at every level
• Recruiting – getting the best players for your program
• Character – making sure they’re the right fit for your program
• Academic support – a rapport with the academic side
• Chemistry – your staff and players are all on the same page
• Fan support – from booster clubs to tailgaters

While each situation is different, some combination of the above-mentioned items are necessary for a consistently successful program. This month American Football Monthly examines the subject of winning in a variety of ways. Our August issue feature our annual ‘Hot Coaches’ listing which includes 80 of the best coaches primed for success. Ten coaches at all levels – high school through the NFL – are profiled.

Another feature that involves two successful programs is ‘Point-Counterpoint.’ The result is a strategy session between two highly respected and successful programs: John Curtis Christian High School in River Ridge (LA) and C. W. Post College, an outstanding Division II program on Long Island. JT Curtis, head coach at John Curtis Christian, has won 19 state titles with his veer option offense while Post’s Bryan Collins has orchestrated one of the most consistent defenses throughout the nation, specializing in the 4-4.

A third feature explores the ‘Secrets of Winning.’ Record-holding coaches and legendary names from across the country were asked what are the ingredients necessary to having a consistently successful team. A variety of coaches were asked what does it take to be a winner. One coach felt having the right communication with the parents of her players is tantamount to success. This coach should know. Leta Andrews is a legend among high school basketball coaches and has the most wins of any active girls prep coach in the country.

How can any coach argue with that.


Respectfully,

Rex Lardner
Managing Editor
American Football Monthly
rlardner@lcclark.com
(561-355-5068)

American Football Monthly would like to thank the following people for their guidance in the selection of this year’s listing of LRSSports ‘Hot’ List: Richard Scott, Division I-A; Matt Dougherty of The Sports Network, Division I-AA; Brandon Misener (d2football.com); Pat Coleman (d3football.com); Jason Dannelly (NAIAfootball.net); Hank Ives of JC Gridwire.com; and Jamie DeMoney, Editor and Publisher of PrepNation.com.

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