Enlightening, inspirational, game changing...grateful I'm here! #uncommon @RachelsChalleng @CalRipkenSrFdn
— Kip Koehn (@KipKoehn) July 18, 2014
Last week, July 17-19, was our Uncommon Coaches Clinic in partnership with Rachel’s Challenge. About 150 coaches and athletic directors from across the country joined us in Castle Rock, CO, for an inspirational few days.
The founder of Rachel’s Challenge, Darrell Scott, kicked us off on Thursday evening, along with keynote speaker Jody Redman, associate director of the Minnesota State High School League.
Jody Redman from Minnesota State High School League addresses the #Uncommon Coaches Clinic with “Why We Play.” pic.twitter.com/OxPEGLED5P
— Rachels Challenge (@RachelsChalleng) July 18, 2014On Friday, Bill Ripken energized the crowd and explained the 4 tenets of “The Ripken Way,” based on his father, Cal Ripken, Sr.’s style of coaching:
#uncommonathlete - Cal Ripken, Sr Foundation - keep it simple, explain the why, celebrate the individual, make it fun
— Justin Briggs (@CoBriggs) July 18, 2014We need to celebrate the fact that kids are different, not try to fit them into a single mold. Bill Ripken #uncommon pic.twitter.com/y2mTjNj1VE
— G.A. Buie (@gabuie31) July 18, 2014There was a panel discussion with Paul Angelico, commissioner of the Colorado High School Activities Association; Gary Musselman, executive director of the Kansas High School Activities; and Steve Savarese, executive director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association.
The afternoon keynote came from Phillip Fulmer, former University of Tennessee Head Football Coach:
Coach Phillip Fulmer shares his story as an #uncommon coach. "Challenges are not obstacles they are opportunities." pic.twitter.com/NNLg8Oy2Kn
— WHY WE PLAY (@MSHSL_Coaches) July 18, 2014Then it was time for the big reveal…
The Uncommon Athlete program is unveiled by @ChipHodges with @RachelsChalleng and @CalRipkenSrFdn #uncommon pic.twitter.com/YeMdfmdDo4
— Jeffrey Breslin (@Jeff_CRSF) July 18, 2014The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and Rachel’s Challenge have been hard at work on the Uncommon Athlete program. Stay tuned, but until then, here’s a sneak peek for the rest of you:
#uncommonathlete pic.twitter.com/x1sPeuHDc3
— Trussville Athletics (@HewittAthletics) July 19, 2014On Saturday, we were joined by two former NFL players. Cris Collinsworth started the morning off with some laughs as well as some heart:
Everyone gets knocked down. Have the resolve to get back up. - Chris Collingsworth #uncommon
— Cynthia Corn (@miss_corn) July 19, 2014The clinic ended with a powerful presentation on transformational coaching from our friend Joe Ehrmann:
Why do you coach? @JoeEhrmann76 - America's Coach - closing us out here at the #uncommon coaches clinic pic.twitter.com/6vjT9wU84e
— Flynn Burch (@Flynn_CRSF) July 19, 2014Been a great couple days at the Uncommon Athlete conference. Great speakers, great message...definitely some things to incorporate #uncommon
— VP Softball (@VP_Softball) July 19, 2014And what will our #uncommon coaches remember to take home to the kids they coach?
@JoeEhrmann76 - "If you want to be a better coach, you have to be a better YOU" So true! #uncommon @CalRipkenSrFdn @RachelsChalleng
— Englewood Pirates (@EnglewoodHigh) July 19, 2014If you never win a game as a coach or player, as long you have a Team you are ahead @RachelsChalleng @CalRipkenSrFdn @CSUSAJonHage
— Travis Bolden (@CHUCKSLUGG) July 18, 2014@Janice_CRSF not about your record, it's all about the kids! Success is determined by how successful your kids are after they play for you!!
— Coach Cluley (@Coach_Cluley) July 22, 2014
Thank you to all of our amazing speakers and to all the uncommon coaches who joined us!