VIRG FOSS: The challenges of coaching

During my college days, I debated whether to pursue a career either in journalism or coaching.

I reported for the city newspaper on a part-time basis, wrote on sports for the college newspaper and interned in the college news bureau as well, so I had a beginning taste of journalism.

I played on the college football and hockey teams, but had the same head coach for both sports, the stern-but-caring Tom Porter.

So it dawned on me that to expand my knowledge of coaching, I should take a college class on the subject. It wasn’t all about strategy. It was more about dealing with the people you’re coaching and how to motivate them for best results.

I hadn’t thought about that college class for many years, maybe not since college. I eventually chose a career in journalism. That coaching class retreated to the recesses of my mind.

As I’ve written recently, I have signed myself and my dog Lena up for a six-week course of obedience training.

It’s where at times I think Lena basically teaches me that she’ll do whatever she pleases and whenever she wants.

We’re halfway through the course, Lena and I. On our Week 3 adventure Tuesday, I had a flashback to that college course on coaching.

I’m trying out the techniques the instructors gives us to motivate our puppies to follow our commands. I’m beginning to see the connection between a coach motivating his players and this old guy relating to his puppy.

Coach Porter was tough on discipline on our college teams. Yet he would reward even a football bench warmer like me with a few words of praise for something I did to his liking.

I’m finding that works with Lena, too. She’s a bright girl, eager to learn, no doubt anticipating the doggy treats when she follows commands.

Performance, praise, prize (treat).

It’s the ritual Lena and I have been going through for three weeks now. I am quite pleased with how much she’s learned.

But it’s as much about my learning to be a good master (coach) as it is her honing her skills to be a better puppy (player).

I’m working to be consistent in rewarding Lena with praise and prize when she completes the task I ask of her. Coach Porter would be proud.

The hope is that a diet of steady commands and praise for a job well done will reach the level where Lena doesn’t need an edible treat to follow through.

So yes, my college would be pleased to know that 54 years since I took a course in coaching, I’m putting my knowledge to work coaching little Lena.

Doggone right my college education is paying off.

Virg Foss reported on sports for the Grand Forks Herald for 36 years until his retirement. He writes a column exclusively for the Herald from October through April. Contact him at virgfoss@yahoo.com or (701) 772-9272.