So, now I'm a coach

I’ve played rugby for 12 years dating back to my high school days for Kitsap, near Port Orchard and then during my glory years at Washington State University. The majority of my greatest moments involve rugby: the people I’ve met, the challenges I’ve faced, the fun I’ve had, and the friends I’ve made.

This last year though, I noticed a decline in my abilities. I was always a decent player, but I found myself not being able to do well, the few things I could do well. Rather than bang away as a lame-duck player with a blown out knee, I knew it was time to step away from the game as a player, and get involved in coaching.

I anticipated helping a youth club this year, perhaps as an assistant coach for Seattle, or Kent. But, one day at men’s practice, two youth players from the Bellevue Tyrants (now Eastside Lions) appeared and announced that their coach (and club originator) Matt Hudson, was moving back to Pullman, thus leaving a coaching vacancy.

Matt and I go way back, having played rugby together for one season at W.S.U. We exchanged emails regarding the situation with Bellevue / Eastside and agreed to speak later regarding the coaching vacancy. A few days later, Matt called and offered me the head coaching position, which I accepted.

Once the excitement wore off, reality hit me and I had the obligatory first thought, “So, now I’m a coach?”

And now, “So, I have a blog?”

I’ve learned quite a bit in the few months since I have taken over as head coach of the Eastside Lions – about preparation, presentation, and players. I changed the name of the club to be more inclusive and welcoming to the players who make up our squad.

Having the opportunity to coach these boys is an absolute honor to me and a second life with the game that was quickly getting stale. I now view every game and highlight through the eyes of a coach, paying attention not just to “what” is going on, but “why” it is happening.

I have more to learn about rugby than I could have imagined, and have a renewed sense of purpose regarding the game. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to give back, and hope you find my blog useful/inspiring/thought-proving/fun. I intend to hit on many topics related to coaching, and sometimes, the world beyond the pitch. I plan to use this tool as a way to reflect and share ideas, and gain feedback, if anyone cares to read and comment.

Thanks for giving my blog a look. Cheers and good luck with your players and season.