A mere glimpse…..
Twenty-five years ago, I had the best job in America.
As a mentors family, friends and carefully refined football greats, gather to pay tribute to their teacher, an unaccomplished volunteer coach hones in on “a mere glimpse” of what matters most. The path that extended to this time, and to this place, started many years prior. A young volunteer coach was given an opportunity to coach under “the man,” all had assembled to honor.
The day pulls in powerful reflection that leads to a realization. Coach Lou Saban was passionate about all students willing to listen and take notes. He would often say “coaching is coaching.” The meaning of what he meant was suddenly clear. The stature of the student is of little concern as coaches coach and leaders lead.
As stories were shared by many, ironically, none could serve as a more meaningful message than a scene that was born on this very morning. On a day of farewells and memories, Butch Byrd and Paul Maguire sat shoulder touching shoulder, in a North Myrtle Beach Church.
Over Forty-three years ago, Butch Byrd returned a John Hadle punt seventy-four yards for a score late in the first half, to help Coach Lou Saban’s Bills win their 2nd consecutive AFL Championship. The year was 1965. The Bills were considered by most to be heavy underdogs. Number fifty-five, Paul Maguire delivered a devastating block for his teammate as number forty-two, galloped into the end zone against the San Diego Chargers. The win prompted the AFL Commissioner to say; “Lou’s boys did everything right today.”
On April 4, 2009, these two men along with many others were still playing for the Coach and doing “everything right.” Each sat quietly while paying their respects to their leader; Head Coach Lou Saban.
In the locker room following the 1965 AFL Championship, standout safety George Saimes provided a telling message when he said; “the Chargers have all the talent but we have something money can’t buy.”
Coach Saban’s “guys” still have something money can’t buy.
Once exposed to that “you gotta get it done” intensity and passion, you are affected for life.
I once had the best job in America. I was a volunteer Coach that served and learned from Head Coach Lou Saban – A Hall of Fame Coach forever more to the many he touched.
Who might you learn from today that could help make your job the best job in America?
