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Jack Welch
I was recently asked to write about my college football coach. This brought out so many memories. It was hard to begin but once I started, it was hard to stop because my college coach was a giant of a man to me.
Sam Sample was my college football coach and he is more than a coach. He serves as a mentor and teacher. During my time spent with Coach Sample, I became a much better person. I attribute my desire to coach and share the game of life through football to him.
Coach did not just talk the talk; he walked the walk. He followed a local person as the head college football coach and when changes were made, not everyone liked his decisions. While we were on a road trip playing an away game, some local knot heads shattered his car windshield and windows. Coach did not rant and rave but actually prayed for the individuals. I am glad they were finally caught and paid for the damages. I am afraid I would not have handled the situation with grace like he did. His example still radiates in my mind when I have been treated wrongly.
After graduating from Taylor University, I began my coaching journey at West Texas State University. How could I get a job like that, right out of college? It was because of Coach Sample.
He did not stop there though. He always knew how much I loved playing the game and had my best interest at heart. Without my knowledge, Coach Sample never quit chasing my dream for me. He stayed in touch with NFL teams and received an offer from the Cincinnati Bengals to sign me as a free agent. He knew my chances of making the team were slim, so he encouraged me to keep my coaching options open if things did not work out. His words were wise. The rest is history.
Coach Sample has always answered my call. Many years after college graduation, I asked him to come to Texas and visit with my coaching staff with encouragement and wisdom. He graciously accepted my request. Then another time, I discovered he was coming to Dallas. I asked him to come speak to the Lions Club where I was serving as president. Although I lived over three hours away, again he graciously accepted. Then, when Taylor University honored me with being inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame, I called him and asked if could be in attendance. He dropped everything and flew up from Florida. I am forever grateful.
Coaches and players develop a lifelong bond. Sam is like my second father. I’ve learned to trust my gut and follow my heart under his guidance and leadership. He has helped create my coaching philosophy. I will always be in his corner and I know he will always be in mine.
People who volunteer their time freely are rarely paid for all they do. Coach Sample is one of those people. He is a person walking the walk. What he has done and still does to help others is a testament of how Christ leads him in his life. There is no question in my mind, when his time comes to be called home, he will hear the words my good and faithful servant.
If I can be half of the man Sam has been in the life of his players, I will consider myself a very successful coach. His dedication has not gone unnoticed. He did not just coach the game, he coached the game of life to all his players and constituents he served. His dedication and mentorship have changed lives. As I move forward in life as a coach, I hope I leave behind half the legacy as Coach Sam Sample has done in his career.
Thought for the week, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Isaac Newton
Dr. Jack Welch is an educator and college football coach. His doctorate is in educational administration, and he has been an educator, administrator, and football coach, mentoring young minds, for over 40 years. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching. He can be reached at jackwelch1975@gmail.com.