In the spring of 1997, a new Valley Christian football staff was to meet for the first time. I found that I was the only member of the staff that had any history with VC football. The spiritual part of the football program was, I felt, what made Warrior teams different from anything I had ever been associated with. I felt that I owed previous coaches like Damon Gilliland, Bob Riddell and Ron Kellner the effort to see that this spiritual part of the program was continued. I wrote the following “Words” for each of the new staff to encourage them as they made plans for the coming season.

I PRAY THIS WILL ENCOURAGE YOU AS YOU BEGIN THE FALL SEASON

(This is I Peter 5:2-4 from the NIV with my thoughts added in Bold type)

”Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your card, serving as overseers”

(Be leaders of the young men God has put under your care, serving as coaches)

”Not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be”

(Not because you are forced to coach, but because you love your sport and the kids and are willing to coach as God wants you to)

”Not greedy for money, but eager to serve"

(Not because you are paid a fabulous amount, but just because you are eager to coach

Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but by being examples to the flock”

(Not trying to make your players think you “know it all”, but humbling yourselves and being an example of a Christian servant)

”…and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

(…and when the Real Head Coach appears, even though we may not have won a league title or a CCS championship, He will give us the most important trophy of all, the crown of glory that will never fade away.)

I encourage you to pray for your team…right now. Remember that Hebrews 11:6 says, “God is the rewarder of those that diligently seek Him"

Coach Hitch