Coaching high school sports is not easy

Dear Editor:

Having been a member of several athletic teams a long time ago, I am always interested in how Nevada sports are doing. The softball game I attended several months was unbelievable and the support given that day couldn't have been better. But, for some time now, I always hear of parents complaining about the athletic programs and their coaches. I guess, as I was always told, everybody has opinions and excuses. The only difference between some of us is I have given many hours of blood, sweat, and tears to these athletic programs and my teammates. Therefore, I not only earned my opinion, but I am entitled to my opinion.

Athletics teach our kids lessons that include discipline, work ethic, and teamwork. An athlete is supposed to develop and practice his skills throughout the year in hopes of reaching his maximum potential when the season begins. This takes a constant dedication year-round in becoming the player a lot of parents seem to think their kid already is. It takes the type of dedication the coaches of these sports give year-round! Specifically, dedication like the men who began the youth football program or the people who started that softball team out together. I am lucky, because I personally know the head football and basketball coaches and have for several years. I can only say that I wish my kids were old enough to play for people who care so much about the kids themselves. An old coach of mine figured it out once and he estimated that he was paid about $.40 per hour for as much time as he spent coaching in the preseason, off-season, evenings and during the season. I suggest the next time a parent of a Nevada High School athlete wants to complain, look yourself in the mirror and see if you have done everything you could to help your child achieve his goals. Then, grab a job application and sign up for a coaching job, or just tell a coach thanks. It's not the easiest thing in the world. Otherwise, I would suggest supporting the kids and coaches who do put in the time and effort. Then, volunteer and do whatever you can do to help develop kids at young ages into the athletes and people they deserve to be.

Just an earned opinion,

Chris Smith

Member -- Nevada High School Wall of Fame