Expect Excellence

I was watching MNF last night and they were interviewing a coach from one of the games Sunday.
The coach said a couple things I thought were important and thus will share them.

He said that each of his players expects excellence from themselves. The individual players work their butts off so they can better themselves as players and contribute to the best of their abilities to the team. They push everyday to improve. By one second, by one step, by one inch. Does this sound familiar? Remember when Tom said it's not about the name on the back of the jersey, but the club patch on the front?

He went on to say that his players expect excellence from each other. That no one is above improvement. Whether they are in the weight room, the practice field or studying film, they expect each of their team mates to be there, be on time and to work on making gains to improve.
They hold each other accountable for improvements. The coaches will never tell a running back his time in the 40-yard dash. They tell the other running backs. Not only is it motivation for them to improve, they will push that individual until they improve.

Have you improved this week? Do you hold your fellow players accountable? Do you expect excellence from them and they from you?

During the game, if an individual takes too many touches and loses the ball, do they give everything they have to get it back? or do they give up in frustration? Do you notice anyone taking a ‘break’ during a game? If players are yelling for a rotation and it’s not happening, do you get in that players face? If you’re open towards the goal and can’t get a pass, do you remind that player it’s their job to get you the ball? Are you first to the ball? If you see someone loafing at practice, do you remind them why they’re here?

The coach also said that part of expecting excellence is expecting to win. Every time his team takes the field they expect to win. They don’t care whether that team is 0-10 or last years Super Bowl Champion, they expect to win. They are prepared to win, know what they need to do to win, and expect to win.

When Sodium takes the pitch against LOSC, Rush, SSC or Arsenal, are you expecting to win? Or are you thinking; “Oh, these guys are good” or “They beat so & so last week”. I would certainly hope not. You are a talent stacked team with a solid reputation and great coach. There is not a team in Oregon that you couldn’t beat. Every time you step foot on the field of battle, remind yourself of the hours of preparation you have put in and the sweat you have left on the field. You deserve nothing less than victory.

Expect excellence from yourself and from your team.

See you on the pitch tonight.

GO SODIUM!!