Marino Casem

Nicknamed, “Godfather of the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC)”, United States Army veteran Marino Casem built a winning tradition as Alcorn State University football coach for twenty-two years from 1964-1985.  Casem’s list of accomplishments includes seven SWAC titles, four Black National Championships, six-time National Black Coach of the Year and sent over sixty-players into professional football. In addition to his coaching excellence, Casem also served as the Athletic Director at both Alcorn State University and Southern University. Inductions include Alcorn State University Hall of Fame, Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, SWAC Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame.

John Merritt

United States Navy veteran, John Merritt, became head coach for Jackson State University at the age of 26 in 1952 and remained an icon on the sidelines until his passing in 1983. Nicknamed “Big John,” Coach Merritt was head football coach for over thirty years, from 1952 to 1962 at Jackson State University and from 1963 to 1983 at Tennessee State University. Merrit led Jackson State University to back-to-back appearances in the Orange Blossom Classic in 1961 and 1962 before being hired by Tennessee State University.  His success at Tennessee State University includes four undefeated seasons, eight Black College National Championships, and 1982 NCAA Division 1-AA semi-finalists. Merritt is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Coach ‘Big John’ Merritt’s legacy lives on and is celebrated each year with the John Merritt Classic.

Collie J. Nicholson

In addition to the black military veterans impacting generations of players and communities as football coaches and athletic directors, United States Marine Corps veteran Collie J. Nicholson was instrumental in building the brand of the Grambling State University football team and its marching band. After serving as a World War II combat correspondent from 1943–46 in the Central Pacific, Nicholson began his thirty-plus-year career as the sports information director at Grambling State University and worked with the great football coach legend, Eddie Robison. His marketing genius helped Grambling State University football and marching band programs gain national and global recognition. Nicholson’s efforts included Grambling State University’s participation in the Whitney Young Classic in New York and the Bayou Classic in New Orleans. Recognition followed his success, and Nicholson received the Black Sports Information Directors of CoSIDA American Trailblazers Award. Hall of Fame inductions include Louisiana Sports, Grambling State University, and SWAC.

Links for Reference

https://www.amazon.com/Black-College-Football-1892-1992-Education/dp/0898658829
https://footballfoundation.org/sports/general/roster/marino-h—casem/176
https://www.johnmerrittclassic.com/about/
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/shreveporttimes/name/collie-nicholson-obituary?id=11762160

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Soldiers To Sidelines is honored to recognize Rashawn Quinzy as the first Soldier Coach of the Month 2024. Coach Quinzy is a retired U.S. Army Green Beret, who has poured his heart and soul into serving our country as a basketball coach. Rashawn certified with Soldiers To Sidelines almost two years ago and has attended many of our continued development workshops while developing his coaching craft in his local North Carolina community. He is currently the Head Men’s Varsity Basketball Coach at Freedom Christian Academy, Fayetteville, NC. Rashawn is the model of integrity, work ethic, studiousness, and growth mindset.  

Rashawn grew up in adversity which has shaped his perseverance and empathy leading to a successful military career. Now he brings his tremendous experience and lessons learned to build his players into the next generation of leaders. Coach Quinzy continues to inspire his players to be the best they can be and live a life of happiness through deliberate work. Read on to learn about Rashawn’s Incredible story and the impact he makes in his community. 

STS: Tell us the story of how and why you got into coaching? How has it impacted you as a person? 

Coach Quinzy: I was a foster child from the age of four and had many different parents throughout that time. Some good, some bad but the consistent positive thing throughout that experience has been my coaches. They gave me purpose when I thought I had none, taught me how to be a man when I had no father figure and cared about me and my situation outside of sports. With that, I understand and empathize with every individual as we are at different places in life. My goal is to meet people at that place in their life and provide value. 

STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach? 

Coach Quinzy: It has influenced the way in which I build a team. Instead of focusing on the individual and collective skill development for the particular sport, I initially focus on other things that will be the baseline for those things to happen. Things such as building discipline, improving physical and mental toughness, developing camaraderie and the ability to work as a team. 

STS: Describe an interaction with a player that has a special place in your heart -  

Coach Quinzy: My first year coaching middle school basketball, I coached a young man that was in the foster care system just like I was. Initially, he did not try out for the team because of embarrassment that others would become aware of his situation and he couldn’t afford basketball shoes. I spoke with the school’s social worker and called his foster parents to offer to take him home from practice and get him the gear necessary to play basketball. The following week, I showed up to his gym class to tell him my story and then presented him with new basketball shoes. He played for me his 8th grade year and currently plays in high school, I still keep up with him to this day. 

STS: What are your aspirations in coaching? 

Coach Quinzy: To serve at any level I can influence a generation to change our society for the better. In my case, I believe I would be the most effective at the collegiate level.  

STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching and what have you learned from it? 

Coach Quinzy: Dealing with parents wanting to get their children to college for sports. Throughout the many meetings with parents and their children, I’ve learned to get to the root cause of “why” they want them to go to college and play sports. Because with a big enough WHY, I can influence the parent and athlete to conquer the HOW that I prescribe. 

 STS: Describe your coaching beliefs. 

Coach Quinzy: I believe that being on a team develops a sense of community, belonging and promotes positive social values. Through this, they learn to work with others, respect authority and trust in one another. And just as the bible teaches us to honor God with our bodies, sports helps with the maintenance of good health, physical fitness and positive use of leisure time. My intent as a coach is to foster an environment that is safe, energetic and fun so that they want to play the sport they love, and succeed not only on the court but in life. Furthermore, support the legacy of positive influence passed from generation to generation that reforms our society from the inside out! 

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The Military Bowl has been celebrating the United States Military in the Washington, D.C area since 2010.  This year the Military Bowl is recognizing the tremendous impact of Soldiers To Sidelines by acknowledging four DMV area Soldier Coaches presented by National University. 

The game was wet with rain but soaked with fun and fellowship.  We had a tremendous turnout with a very special tailgate powered by Mission BBQ. The food was fantastic as we celebrated a day of football coaching and military service.  

Meet the four local STS Soldier Coaches honored at the Military Bowl presented by National University

Curt Kline 

A decorated Navy veteran with over 25 years of service, Coach Kline aspires to be the best football coach he can be. Curt Kline is the assistant Offensive Line coach at Georgetown University and Soldier Coach with Soldiers to Sidelines. In only his second season coaching since leaving military service, his apprenticeship at Georgetown through Soldiers to Sidelines has been “An amazing experience and priceless opportunity to learn the X’s and O’s of football.” Coach Kline is a great example for every Soldier Coach in any sport.  

Terry Carter Jr. 

An Air Force Veteran who served for 10 years and went on two Deployments from October 2012 to October 2022 has been coaching football for 9 years total. For the past five years he has been coaching running backs at Friendship Collegiate Academy a public charter high school in D.C. 

Eric Allie 

U.S Navy Veteran with five years of military service as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate coaches running backs at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.  He has coached football at the youth and high school levels for over 16 years.  Coach Allie earned coaching internships at Georgetown University and the NY Jets through Soldiers To Sidelines. 

Dr. Deborah Ellison 

SSG (Ret.) U.S. Army Deborah Ellison recently earned her Doctorate Degree and serves as a Veteran Service Officer, Disabled Veteran Outreach Representative, and local Veteran Employment Representative.  Coach Ellison also serves as Harundale Rebels Youth Football Co-Commissioner, Fundraiser Director, Coach, and Team Mom. 

 Virginia Tech broke the game open in the second half beating Tulane 41-20.

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Soldiers To Sidelines presents Kyle Brady the December 2023 Soldier Coach of the Month Award for his incredible commitment to pursuing his passion for coaching football.  Coaching collegiate sports is extremely difficult and requires tremendous sacrifice that most folks are unwilling to endure.  To date, Coach Kyle Brady has sacrificed tons of time and money to establish an entry into college football, which has paid off thus far. Kyle recently transitioned out of the U.S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii. Through STS, he educated himself to prepare for a move mainland to coach football. Kyle excelled in his preparation though STS seminars and membership development program which earned him an unpaid internship with the XFL.  His incredible work ethic made it possible for STS to help him become a volunteer coach for the Florida Atlantic University football team.  He has only been coaching for one year with a bright future ahead.

Learn more about Coach Brady’s journey in the interview below.

STS: Tell your story about how and why you go into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.

Coach Kyle Brady: I’ve been in love with the game of football for as long as I can remember. The chaos of it is intoxicating, the ceremony and fellowship of gameday are unique, and I’ve found that it is a vehicle to motivate and create change in individuals and communities whose scale is hard to find elsewhere. Romance of the sport aside, I didn’t know I wanted to be a part of it until late in college when I pieced together just how much this sport can unite a community and how much change an effective one can create, but with no college-level playing experience, I didn’t know where to begin. I had followed a few social media football groups as a discussion board to listen in on coaching conversations and try and pick up as much as I could, which is where I first saw a post by Brady Nix about a unique organization called Soldiers to Sidelines. Years later, once I saw my time in the military was quickly coming to an end, I recalled the post and reached out to Brady to see how I could get involved. I completed my Football Certification Seminar, began one-on-one Member Development Program with Harrison, and found my way into the XFL with a SkillBridge internship through the generosity of Sean Hayes and the strength staffs in that league. The rest is history!

STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?

Coach Kyle Brady: The parallels between the military and high-level football are incredibly similar, which has made this transition that much easier. Much of the job I do here falls under the same agenda as when I was an officer in the military- accountability, delegation of tasks, personnel management, etc… But there’s plenty of hidden soft skills that the military instills in you every day that help this job tremendously that you wouldn’t think about: effective evaluation and feedback, how to efficiently brief your superiors, and how to manage the day-to-day stress of competing at an elite level every day.

STS: How has Soldiers To Sidelines impacted your life?

Coach Kyle Brady: Setting conditions, setting conditions, setting conditions- you’ll hear me say it a hundred times. Anyone in a leadership role in the military knows the best thing we can hope to accomplish is to set the conditions for our subordinates’ success of the mission- another parallel to coaching sports. Soldiers to Sidelines benefits the veteran community, not putting in the work for them, but by setting proper conditions for success through hosting clinics, the Member Development Program, and through their vast network of contacts that are generous enough to foster the development of young coaches in their program, such as Coach Ed Warinner and Coach Tom Herman were with me.

STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players, that has a special place in your heart?

Coach Kyle Brady: Getting to send off our seniors in our last game was a special moment for me. Standing on the sidelines as they jogged off the field, some for their last time ever wearing the uniform, and getting to embrace them and thank them for their work this year was a memorable moment for me and one that I’m honored to have gotten to be a part of. You spend way too many hours a season with each other, and all the friction and heartbreak that comes along with it, to try and win some games, but to be there when it all comes to an end helps you appreciate the people you do it for.

STS: What are your aspirations in coaching?

Coach Kyle Brady: Having been around a professional organization for a season with the XFL, and now a collegiate organization for a season, I’ve been the benefactor of seeing how different organizations at different levels are run and find where I fit best. Success for me in this sport is to lead a team that affects and inspires the community around it through winning games and I want to do that at the highest level possible to challenge myself and create and inspire new leaders around me.

STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching and what have you learned from that experience?

Coach Kyle Brady: The transition’s always going to be the hardest part. I think back to my first few days at The Citadel where I couldn’t tell my left from my right during Drill and Ceremony training; let alone be entrusted to lead Soldiers and plan and execute missions at a Battalion level and beyond. To live that life for almost the last decade, climb the ladder, fall on your face repeatedly, and rise to a level where you begin to feel comfortable and confident in your leadership ability and are looked to for answers; all to fall right back to square one in a new environment where you’re no longer a subject matter expert (or particularly useful for that matter) is a humbling adjustment. It was, however, a transition made a lot easier by a lot of people who took the time to teach me and provide guidance along the way. The takeaway here- for myself, those just starting out, and those who have been around this profession alike- is that this sport needs leaders who care about those they coach and who relentlessly look for ways to add value to the organization every day, because there are always ways to add value every day. 

The post December Soldier Coach of the Month appeared first on Soldiers To Sidelines.

In addition, we had 130 repeat certifications totaling 599 members of the military community completing our coaching certification seminars.

The ripple effect created by Soldiers To Sidelines has helped 1474 Soldier Coaches positively impact nearly 74,000 athletes this year.

Check out some of our other incredible accomplishments this year.

We completed our NFL Salute To Service Event with NY Jets covered by Fox5NY

We hosted a Live Football Certification Seminar presented by Wounded Warrior Project covered by CBS L.A.

We designed and launched our new website soldierstosidelines.org

We hired U.S. Navy Veteran, Alexandra Kemp as the STS Membership Development Program Manager

Military spouse, Elizabeth Woods, volunteered as a Public Relations Coordinator

We completed three Coaching Workshops on Military Bases (Ft. Carson, Ft. Liberty, Ft. Sill)

We completed our first Rugby Coaching Certification Seminar

We completed our first Soccer Coaching Certification Seminar

We have lofty goals in 2024 that we can achieve with your help.  Consider donating to Soldiers To Sidelines and help us certify 500 new Soldier Coaches next year.  With your help we will develop 10,000 Soldier Coaches impacting 1 million athletes nationwide.

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In addition to his Director of Lacrosse duties Coach Urik is a Soldiers To Sidelines board member and one of the most recognized figures in the DMV lacrosse community. Coach Urik delivered several informative technical sessions within this year’s seminar.

“I signed up for the Lacrosse seminar in hopes of learning a little about the game my kid has fell in love with that I now find myself a coach of. I was blown away by the quality of not only the lacrosse material but also the how to be an effective coach. The most valuable piece might just be the supportive community I now find myself in. I will be doing more coaching certifications through Soldiers to Sidelines in the future.”  Anthony Matt

West Point Lacrosse standout,  Major General (Ret.) John “Sonny” Uberti, highlighted Day 2 with a great “You Make The Call” session.

College coach presenters were a reoccurring theme the rest of the seminar.  Day 3  Richmond Head Lacrosse Coach Dan Chemotti, did an outstanding segment on Clearing. Chemotti led Richmond to their fifth NCAA tournament appearance and the 2023 A-10 title.   Air Force Academy Assistant Coach Will Corrigan presented on Face-Offs.  Another highlight in Day 3 was Goalie Skills presented by PLL Goalkeeper, Scott Rodgers.

“I’m very grateful to Soldiers to Sidelines Lacrosse Coaching Seminar presenters and organizers. The seminar provided me with an opportunity to interact and learn from some of the best Lacrosse coaches in America. This will definitely improve my abilities and make me a better coach.”  Sean Harmon

Colgate University Head Lacrosse Coach, Matt Karweck provided technical advice on Rides and Clears.

The seminar wrapped up with University of North Carolina Defensive Coordinator, Dave Pietramala..

“Thank you so much i really enjoyed this seminar. it has motivated me for the upcoming season and given me info i can bring back to my staff to help build our program.” Erik Fries

Congratulations to the newest members of the Soldiers To Sidelines Tribe!

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Soldiers to Sidelines is excited to award Marcus Carlstrom the Soldier Coach of the Month honor for his steadfast patience and persistence to master the art of coaching.  Coach Carlstrom is in the very beginning of his coaching journey yet growing rapidly.  He recently transitioned form the U.S. Marine Corps but began honing his coaching skills while on active duty to prepare for his transition.  He found Soldiers To Sidelines and executed the system exactly as intended.  He quickly demonstrated tremendous aptitude and earned a volunteer coaching position with the UNC football team.  We asked him a few questions as a reflection on his experience. Below you can learn more about his incredible journey. 

STS: How long have you been coaching?  

Coach Carlstrom: Almost 2 months (since Aug 28th) here at UNC, but have coached youth football, basketball, and baseball for 4-5 years before my current position. 

STS: Tell your story about how and why you go into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.  

Coach Carlstrom: Ever since I began playing football at age 8, I have been intrigued with coaching – the strategy, the game planning, trying to outsmart your opponent, etc.  I was a three-sport athlete throughout high school – football, basketball, and track – so the desire to teach, coach, and mentor others has never waned.  Immediately after high school, I attended college at the Virginia Military Institute on a 4-year NROTC (Marine Option) Scholarship.  While at VMI, I played club football and basketball.  These experiences continued to stoke my fire to coach.  After graduating and commissioning in May 2008, I went on to serve on active duty as a Marine Corps infantry officer for just over 15 years.  This included three deployments: Afghanistan (2010), and Okinawa/South Korea (2015 and 2016).  In May 2022, I attended an STS virtual football coaching seminar and became a certified Soldier Coach.  In Sep 2022, I enrolled in the STS Membership Development Program where I worked one-on-one with Harrison Bernstein and Del Smith on the art and science of coaching football.  On August 28th, I checked in at UNC as a volunteer defensive assistant.  Throughout all my experiences in high school, college, the Marine Corps, and working with STS, my yearning to coach has grown stronger and stronger.  Ultimately, I have a burning desire to help others.  At first, the military was my way of doing so.  Now, I have chosen sports (football, specifically) to serve as the vehicle to do so.  Throughout my entire life, I have had coaches who have influenced my life directly and drastically.  Some of these coaches were great, while others were not so great.  Regardless, I have learned countless lessons from all my coaches on how to communicate effectively, how to treat others with dignity and respect, how to prepare for the upcoming competition, how to help others navigate life and strike a balance between playing sports and whatever else they are going through personally, etc.  

STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach? 

Coach Carlstrom: As a Marine Corps officer, I was put in a leadership position/role everywhere I was assigned.  My experiences as a leader in the Marine Corps further reinforced my aspirations to coach, while also helping me to hone my leadership and coaching skills.  Much like the coaches I have had, I had a mix of good leaders/commanders and ones I did not care for.  I was able to learn invaluable lessons from each.  These lessons have enabled me to fine-tune my leadership style, which directly lends itself to my coaching style.  I have learned that coaching is all about leadership – the two are inseparable. 

STS: How has Soldiers To Sidelines impacted your life? 

Coach Carlstrom: The impact STS has made on my life is almost indescribable.  STS has served as a critical support network for me from teaching me the basics of coaching to placement here at UNC through their personal relationships and professional network.  They have stood in my corner since the very first day of the virtual seminar I attended and continue to do so to the present day.  They have made themselves readily accessible for any questions or concerns I have, are always there to provide suggestions and recommendations, and have been open to any feedback and updates I have for them. 

STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players, that has a special place in your heart?  

Coach Carlstrom: In addition to assisting the defensive support staff, I work for the Cornerbacks Coach when we break out into position groups.  In my opinion, there is not a better man and coach for me to learn from and emulate on the UNC staff.  He has been phenomenal in my journey, welcomed me warmly, displays great patience with me as I navigate this experience, and has demonstrated what it means to coach young men – in many instances when the topics have nothing to do with football. 

Additionally, a few members of the defensive support staff have been extremely helpful throughout my journey.  I will be eternally grateful to them and for them. 

Lastly, a couple of cornerbacks have dealt with personal and mental health issues throughout the season.  Being a part of the conversations with them and the Cornerbacks Coach has been inspiring and immensely educational because I have been able to observe how to handle those types of conversations.  These interactions have allowed me to build close, personal relationships with those players and the Cornerbacks Coach, and have provided me with invaluable experiences on ways to handle similar situations in my coaching future. 

STS: What are your aspirations in coaching? 

Coach Carlstrom: I am still unsure of what level of football I want to pursue, but so long as I can have a platform from which to help young people learn valuable life lessons through sports, I will be content.  I do have aspirations of gaining coaching experience on the offensive side of the ball – specifically, with QBs – and one day becoming a head coach.  I remain open-minded to whatever opportunities I can find, but also place a high priority on being able to strike a relative balance with my family life. 

STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching and what have you learned from that experience? 

Coach Carlstrom: Two challenges come to mind: 

1. My first day was the Monday before our season opener against South Carolina, so I had to hit the ground running about learning as much as I could as fast as I could, to add value to the team without getting in the way.  This challenge has taught me how to be agile in my learning process, be judicious in when to ask questions and ask for projects that I know will help me learn more, and to be patient and trust the process.  I have learned that I have a ton more to learn and need to give myself some grace when I get frustrated that I have not learned as much as I would have liked to by this point. 

1. Being away from my wife and kids has been a challenge.  Not a challenge that is foreign to me, but a challenge nonetheless.  I cannot say I have learned anything new from this experience since I have a ton of reps at being away from them, but it has reinforced the necessity to make sacrifices to achieve this dream of mine.  Having a strong and independent wife and agile kids has allowed me to make this sacrifice. 

STS: Is there anything else you can share with us about your coaching story? 

Coach Carlstrom: I have undoubtedly been able to leverage my military, leadership experiences and skills, even in my short time with UNC, to help individual players and coaches, and the team as a whole.  As I continue to build my knowledge and experience as a coach, my confidence level will grow too, and will be able to make an even larger impact on the individuals of the team.   

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Football Director, Del Smith, brought together an incredible array of presenters, including 2x NFL Super Bowl Champion Tom Coughlin and NY Jets General Manager Joe Douglas.

“This prepared me in ways I didn’t know or could dream of. I learned multiple ways to teach and coach from the youth level to the highest level of the sport. The presenters that came on were amazing and engaging. The energy was fantastic and I would take this seminar over and over.” Trever Edwards

With two decades of coaching experience in the sport, Smith provided football talent from all levels—NFL, College and high school—and a diverse range of positional topics.

The seminar kicked off with former NFL All-Pro Ali Villenueva’s keynote address, and Day 1 ended with Soldier Coach and current UNC defensive analyst Marcus Carlstrom talking about his inspirational journey.

“For me as someone who is looking to get started in coaching after retiring from the service this course was awesome. I got to learn first hand from coaches who have succeeded at every level from the NFL to high school. This course is ultra motivating and will definitely get you fired up for coaching football.” Eric Piper

Day 3 highlights included Coach Coughlin’s keynote talk and then sessions with Bryant University OL Coach Steve Ciocci discussing Pass Pro and Rush Concepts and NFL Consultant Jerod Kruse breaking down routes and coverage.

Day 4 delivered once again one of the most popular segments, the positional breakouts. The offensive breakouts were led by former NFL player Mike Pollak (OL), University of Indianapolis Coach Mike Engle (QB), Trinity College Coach Denver Williams (WR), West Virginia State’s Andrew Workman (TE/HB) and Bridgewater University’s Coach Joseph Denney (RB). Defensive breakouts were led by former NFL Coach Blake Williams (DL), Georgetown University Head Coach Rob Sgarlata  (DB) and Wagner College Coach Tom Masella (LB).

“Phenomenal course. Very humbling course even to the most experienced coach. You think you know the game from your couch or local high school football field till you hear the presenters talk and you realize why they are at the level they are. So many topics were discussed that I never considered thinking about, and it was incredible. I encourage every single person coaching or thinking of coaching to take this course. Earn your whistle.” Daniel Jackson

Day 5 concluded on Thursday with NY Jets GM Joe Douglas and former Army Football Coach John Mumford.

“I recently was asked to assist in coaching our youth football program, which is a feeder into middle school and high school. This course has prepared me to excel and make me a better coach. I cannot wait for next.” Michael Gerber

Mumford broke down the tools of the GoArmy Edge platform available to all the seminar participants, thanks to the support of seminar partner Higher Echelon.

Soldiers To Sidelines is thrilled to welcome this class of Soldier Coaches to the STS Tribe!

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NY Jets Salute To Service and Soldiers To Sidelines Weekend Workshop

The weekend workshop began Saturday evening, November 4th, in Lyndhurst, NJ at the local Marriott hotel. Thirty Soldier Coaches were in attendance plus staff and special military guests. We shared food, drinks, and fellowship to set the tone for an inspiring weekend.   

The following morning, we woke up, and filled our tanks with coffee and local hot bagels. Then, we boarded a bus to MetLife Stadium for a full-day intensive workshop covering the essential aspects of coaching football.  The NY Jets rolled out the green carpet for our Soldier Coaches. Upon arrival, MetLife Stadium was adorned with Soldiers To Sidelines and Jets Salute To Service signage. Once inside, we were greeted by Eli Hodges with the NY Jets Community Relations. He then surprised the class with a VIP tour of the NY Jets locker room. Each locker was outfitted with Jets gear, and our Soldier Coaches’ names were displayed on the lockers. A bigger surprise unfolded when the class learned that they could keep all the gear and a $200 gift card from Ticketmaster. 

Intensive Study

Then the work began. The class dove into an intensive study.  We learned how to accurately draw plays, break down film, scout opponents, analyze strategy, teach drills, and operate a successful punt unit. Soldier Coaches had the opportunity to practice coaching the drills we were discussing and receive constructive feedback.  

Another unique component of the workshop was a practical tutorial on how to design playbooks using GoArmyEdge. It’s a free computer application that can bring playbooks to three-dimensional life. This tool is another method to help teach players a better way to learn football. Each Soldier Coach had the opportunity to use the application and bring the plays they already drew by hand to 3D animation like an offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator.  

Most of the football instruction was spearheaded by Soldiers To Sidelines Football Director, Del Smith. Supporting Coach Smith was former NFL Coach and College Head Coach Jerod Kruse and former USMA West Point Football Coach John Mumford. These decorated football coaches imparted knowledge to our Soldier Coaches unlike any other coaching workshop in the world. This is a big statement…but just ask those who attended.  

To cap the weekend, we spent hours analyzing the Los Angeles Chargers both offensively and defensively by position like the NY Jets coaching staff. This four-hour task prepared our Soldier Coaches to watch the Monday Night Football game through the eyes of an NFL Coach. We bussed over to the stadium at 4 PM for a fun tailgating experience before entering the stadium with a private security escort. Monday Night Football was filled with excitement and regalia for the NY Jets Salute To Service Game.

NY Jets Salute To Service

In the second quarter, the entire Soldiers To Sidelines class took the field to be saluted by a jam-packed MetLife Stadium crowd. This was truly a weekend to remember, and we are already looking forward to next year.

Current NY Jets Coaching Staff.

The post The NY Jets Salute To Service Partnership with Soldiers To Sidelines Delivers Another Amazing Football Coaching Experience! appeared first on Soldiers To Sidelines.

Johannah Zabal Leads STS Sports Performance Clinic at Commanders Park

The depth of content covered and talent represented some of the foremost experts in the field and have left an everlasting impression on the attendees.

“The wealth of information, combined with the passionate energy by the experts, that were the presenters in the course, made me feel grateful for the opportunity to listen and learn from this individuals. In addition, the other coaches, as well as myself, had an opportunity to engage throughout the seminar, which made the seminar, feel more like a community experience learning from each other, and realizing everyone else has similar situations or situations, that would help you understand better” , Melissa Klotz

The seminar was made possible in part thanks to the support of National University.

Serving the Military, Veterans, and their Spouses/Dependents Since 1971

“As a military Active Duty physical therapist, my eyes were opened to so much. I am utterly thankful that so much knowledge, experience, and talent were able to come together and that aside from the time spent, I got to benefit for FREE.” , Rita Sircar-Valdez

“I find it amazing that these courses are provided to soldiers and veterans free of charge. This information is incredibly valuable and I have gained so much from it as a coach. I have a job interview for a coaching position tomorrow actually so this was fantastic timing. I mentioned in my application that I have taken courses through S2S and my potential new boss was very impressed.” Kimberly A Matunis

The “dream team” of Endurance Sports presenters included:

A keynote presentation by Martin Rooney, two segments by Marc Hoffmeister which included Periodization and Programming Long Endurance, Energy Systems with Giovani Urutia, Periodized Nutrition Endurance by Carla Criste, Eating Disorders and RED’s in Endurance Athletes delivered by Stephanie Mull, Sleep Performance by Allison Brager, Periodization and Programming Short Endurance by Liam Collins and Periodization and Programming Mid Endurance, Todd Jennings.

Carla Criste, USNA, Assistant A.D. / Physical Mission

“This seminar was the best thing I could sit through and it provided me with a vast arsenal of knowledge to make my team and my staff better at what we do for the kids and the community.” Lon Parrish

Congratulations to the newest members of the Soldiers To Sidelines Tribe!

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