Keeping Competition in Perspective

This past weekend was my son's first floor hockey game of the season. He met the day with a lot of anticipation. He was excited for the opportunity to get out and compete with his fellow 5 and 6 year old athletes in a "good ole hockey game". Many times we hear that kids don't know the score, that they don't care. I even read an article that quoted a USA Today/NBC survey that nearly 75% of kids between the ages of 10-17 would not even care if the score was kept. That seems strange to me because even though there was no score board at my sons floor hockey game every single 5 and 6 year old knew the score.

Competition is a positive thing when kept in perspective but I can't help but wonder if the reason we have become such a anti competitive society is because that perspective has been lost. I think it is important that as the Athletic Director and a Dad that I spread the message that we are to be competitive but not at all cost. In other words, whenever we take the floor or field in a practice or game, we should be focused on competing and working towards the ultimate athletic goal which is to win. Conversly, we should not be pushing so hard that we damage the relationship that we attempt to establish with our players or children.

Keeping this perspective is difficult when you are talking about our own children or athletes, because we all want them to experience the joy of victory and avoid the agony of defeat. The beauty of competition that should always be remembered is that there are lessons learned when you win and when you lose.  Don't avoid the "Agony of Defeat" teach to it so that our students learn to handle the ups and the downs that life offers. Competition should and can be positive. There are many life lessons that we learn when we compete hard but the perspective should not be loss in an effort to win at all cost.

Waterford Athletic Department

Backyard Battle Tonight

Its time to settle it on the court. The Backyard Battle is turning 3 and will take place again at the O-Rena at Oakland University tonight. The girls game will start at 6:00 pm with the boys game following at approximately 8:00. This years contests has some intriguing match ups. The Kettering girl's team is coming into tonight's game undefeated at 7-0 while both the Mott and Kettering boy's teams are undefeated in the KLAA North Division. Tickets will be $5.00 at the door for both game there is not a better bargain around. We hope to see you all tonight at the O-Rena.

Waterford Athletic Department

Meet Matt Hamill Mott Boys Soccer Coach

High School Attended: Niles High School

Occupation: Science Teacher at Mott High School

Sports played in High School and College: Soccer, Basketball and Track at Niles

# of years coaching: 8
# of years at your current spot: 3

Hobbies: Running, weightlifting, water sports, watching ESPN, coaching high school sports

Favorite food: Taco Bell Favorite Music: 90's Alternative

Favorite College or Pro Team: Michigan State University

What I like best about Waterford: You feel valued in your work both in the classroom and the field. We have a great staff and great kids.

Coaching Philosophy: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

Mentor and why: Tom Izzo, he is an expert at taking above average talent and blending it into great championship teams and he does it the right way.

Waterford Athletic Department

Get Your Backyard Battle T-Shirts Now!!

You can now pick up your "Backyard Battle" t-shirts at both the Mott and Kettering main offices. Remember the shirts are $10.00 and will be your ticket into the game. If you are wearing the t-shirt you do not have to wait in the ticket line you will walk right in. The t-shirts are being sold on a first come first serve basis so when they are gone they are gone. We want to thank this years sponsors for the game Best Source Credit Union, Buffalo Wild Wings and Teams Sports of Ohio.

Just a reminder the game is on Friday, January 14th the girls start at 6:00 followed by the boys game at approximately 8:00. If you have any questions you can call the office at both Mott and Kettering during regular business hours.

Waterford Athletic Department