In October, 43 new Soldiers Coaches joined the Tribe with the completion of the 2023 Virtual Football Fall Certification Seminar sponsored by the NY Jets Foundation.
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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