To the people who have cared.

Almost everyone who has worked at a job long enough must have had his life positively influenced by the people around him.

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Just think of your family members, coaches, principals, clergy, teachers, close friends, etc. All of whom have brought something special into our lives--the things that have personalized us and made us the kind of people we are.

Allow us to list these special characteristics:

1. They led by example

Not only did they tell us the right way to act, but how to carry ourselves in a winning manner and with a great demeanor--all the positive things.

2. They had a passion for what they did.

They always seemed to be excited and enthusiastic about what they were doing. They were perfectionists with a passion for what worked best in life. I have played for and worked with several coaches who just loved what they did and dedicated themselves to showing us why it was so important.

They were the kind of coaches who, in spring, would post about three or four pages of clinic dates that would enable us to pick up a lot of good solid coaching information.

3. They were open, honest, and straightforward.

They always had the time to talk to you when you needed someone, or to tell you "like it is" even when you had a suspicion you did not want to hear it. If you were not very good at something, they would tell you exactly what you needed to do to improve.

4. They instilled confidence in you.

They had faith in you and made you feel that they believed in you. When you got that feeling from them, you were ready to run through a brick wall and say, "Thanks for the honor, sir."

5. You knew they cared.

Children don't care how much you know until they learn how much you care. Once they learn that, they will start doing the hundred little things to show their gratitude to you.

6. They worked hard, were structured, and were organized.

They worked hard at everything they did. There was no half speed. All they knew was full speed. They seemed to have a plan for everything. They maximized every minute, and made short-term and long-term goals.

7. They were not afraid to say, "Hey, I was wrong and I'm sorry."

This made them seem even greater because they showed that they were human and made mistakes, too.

8. They communicated well.

They made you know what was going on at all times and didn't talk to you like a top sergeant. They understood that everyone made mistakes. Even when their frustration level went sky-high, they still communicated in a respectful manner.

9. They had a positive attitude

By being positive, they were able to achieve important things. They always promoted a positive image and put a positive spin on things that needed it.

To all of these people with whom I experienced such things, I say thank you for positively influencing my life. To all of you coaches whose days we may have accidentally lengthened or worn thin, we apologize for hitting under .200 for the day--and promise to keep remembering all the good things in life that we learned from the experience.

By Chip Baker, Offensive Line Coach/Special Teams Coach

Conroe (TX) High School