Dealing with tragedy

OL Coach,

In additon to being a life long football coach, I am also and ordained minister. At times like what you and your team is experiencing presently, mere words seem woefully inadequate. Everyone deals with death at their own intellectual plateaus. For most of us, and especially the young folks that we coach, it tends to serve as a very alarming reminder of our own mortality. This experience will not ever be forgotten by any of you who are living it. In time, it will diminish but never be forgotten. The young men under your tutelage, look to you for solace and inspiration. This is a task that has been thrust upon you
as their leader. Firstand 10 offers some excellent advice when he says, basically, just by being there for them you are accomplishing a great deal. Let them talk, hear what they are saying and act accordingly.
Don't try to be someone your not, just blend in with them and let them draw from your strength. These kids we coach may look like men these days, but they are still just children, for the most part. Time is the healer, and let the good Lord embrace all of you in His loving arms and impart His wisdom and strength to you, as their coach. God Bless all of you.

Rev. J.C.(Coach) Easton

I'm with Coach Lyle this past season we lost a player at practice and one of the most devastating times in my career. The best thing we did was have a separate ceremony with players, parents and counselors only. We had numerous peopple talk to the players and even had players stand up and say what ever they felt. This helped our kids and coaches much more than anything else that we could do. Coach Campbell - our prayers are with you, your team and their families.

I want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and input.
We're having a coaches meeting tonight and will be meeting with the players tommorrow.

I'll be sharing your thoughts and suggestions.

Coach B.R. Campbell,

Was wanting to let you know that we have not forgotten you and your team. I know it has only been a week or so, and things are still fresh in everyone's mind. Just wanted to let you know we are all pulling for you, and want you to get through this and get things back to some sense of normalcy.

Coach Easton