I recently had the chance to sit down with the head coach of the Niagara Storm bantam (ages 13-14) youth football team, Marcus Stake, to discuss his teamβs progress to date, as well as his recent transition into a brand new organization/league. Enjoy!
James Ryan (JR):Β Hi Coach, thanks for taking the time to speak with me. How are practices going?
Marcus Stake (MS) :Β Practices are going very well, James. We have some really good athletes and theyβre all working hard. I canβt wait to get the pads on them and see what weβre really working with. Iβm excited about the balance that we have across the board. I seriously think this might be the most balanced team that Iβve ever coached. I think we could very well end up being one of the most balanced offensive teams in the entire OFC bantam division. We have a quarterback that can throw, and at least two wide receivers that are 5β10 with good speed and hands. We have a good group of backs as well. Itβs hard to get a really good sense for our defense in the gym though. But like I said, I canβt wait to get the pads on them.
JR:Β Yes, getting the pads on will be a definite plus in evaluating the defense. But it sounds like youβve got a got a great group of players so far. This year represents a big change for you and your coaching staff. In previous years, you were all coaching in the NRMFA and you even sat in on their executive board. What has been the biggest surprise or challenge since you have joined the Storm?
MS:Β It is definitely a big and welcome change for us. We wanted to challenge ourselves by taking advantage of the opportunity to coach a team in the OFC. In joining the Storm, I have been very pleased to see the co-operation that exists in this organization. Itβs nice to see everybody working together towards a common goal. In my experience as a board member of the NRMFA, that direction was not always clear.
JR:Β You had a record setting day for any Storm team on the first day of recruitment. The response by both players and parents was amazing. But with so many options for young football players these days, particularly in the Niagara Region, why have you been able to achieve such great success at this level? In other words, what are your coaching philosophies and what can players expect from you as a coach?
MS:Β I think a lot of our success in recruiting has to do with the reputation that we have worked very hard to establish. We are well aware of the life lessons that can be learned by playing the game of football. We show the players that we care about them more than just as another chess piece to help us win a game. We tell the players that we evaluate our success based on our growth. We donβt care where we start, but we always want to make sure that we finish better than where we began. We evaluate that growth, not only as a player, but as a person. We realize that winning is never the goal, but rather a by-product of the hard work put in by all those who associate themselves with the team. In a word, what really matters the most to our parents and players, is that we care.
JR:Β Well said, Coach. What would you recommend to any potential players who were still thinking about joining the Storm but might be unsure? Are they able to attend a couple of practices first to see what itβs like? Where are your practices currently being held and when?
MS:Β I would absolutely recommend that they come out to a practice or two and try us out without any obligation. Weβve already had a couple of players do that, and Iβm happy to say that they liked what they saw and registered with the Storm. We are currently running indoor practices at Oakridge Public School in St Catharines on Monday nights from 6:30-7:45 p.m. and on Friday nights from 7:30-8:45 p.m.
JR:Β Sounds great. I appreciate your time and I wish the Storm bantam team every success this year. Is there anything else that youβd like to mention to the readers at this time?
MS:Β Thank you. I just want to thank the Storm for this opportunity and Iβm really glad to be a part of an organization that puts the players first. And I also wanted to say that I think you will do an excellent job with your new position as the OFC Media Coordinator. Iβm glad that they have given you the freedom to be yourself. I always admired the fact that you donβt sit on the fence. Youβre not afraid to state the facts and to voice your opinion with complete conviction. I know youβve faced your share of criticism and ridicule as a result of this. I may not always agree with you, but I always respect your opinion. I just wanted to encourage you to keep fighting the good fight.
JR:Β Thanks Marcus! Much appreciated.
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