Sailing into a Sports Blog

September 23, 2013

As communications technology and the opportunities it creates continue to steam ahead, those closest to high school sports programs are looking for more ways to stay in touch and up-to-date with the latest happenings and changes. 

First-year Grand Rapids South Christian athletic director Curt Copeland is taking on the challenge of providing regular info with his "News from the Athletic Office" blog that debuted over the weekend. Copeland, formerly at Fowlerville, did something similar during his tenure with the Gladiators. 

Not only does he use this space to keep in touch with Sailors athletes, parents and other supporters, but he also is able to provide insights as he relates athletics to the bigger picture of teenage and young adult life. 

Click to check out Copeland's first installment

Noel Dean on Parental Expectations

July 9, 2012

At Lowell High, football parents who think their child should be playing more get an opportunity to convince coach Noel Dean of the same -- but must do so in a meeting with the parents of the player who would lose time in the process. 

Dean, who has led the Red Arrows to three MHSAA titles, recently spoke with the America Football Coaches Association about managing parental expectations and providing a wider view of his program and the decisions that must be made to parents who often see through a more narrow scope.

Click on the link below, and especially pay attention at the 2:30 mark as Dean talks about his strategy for discussing playing time.

AFCA Two Minute Warning