Trends and Issues in Extension

Today’s NY Times has a section devoted to college football (American). I’m a big fan of college football, but one article in particular caught my attention. A brief piece about Dan Hawkins, the head coach at Boise State (the place with the smurf turf).  An interesting case study in the development of a leader. We tend to think of football as a both a sport to develop leadership in a tough, top down fashion. Successful coaches rule their players military style.

This is different. It is very humanistic and reflective about how someone in power can influence others to their potential. Some people seem to have the ability to move others to great things. This is an example. Here are some quotes from the article.

 He had learned that a life dedicated to football wasn’t much of a life, and that a coach focused on three-technique linemen, zone blitzes and punt protection could not quite engage a team as well as one who mixed the minutiae with egg tosses, human pyramids and water-balloon fights.

 He realized a team that fosters democracy and trust is better than one that relies on fear and bullying.

 With a 44-7 record in his current job as the coach at Boise State, Hawkins has posted more victories in his first four seasons than any other coach in major college football in the last century.

 Hawkins and his wife knew sacrifice. They had paid their way though college and spent their honeymoon at Bodega Bay in Northern California, sleeping outdoors on a three-inch foam mattress until they bumped into Foster, who lent them a pup tent.

 Hawkins still treats his players like peers, as his mentors did, and most of the players call him "Hawk" instead of "Coach."

 But he treats his assistants like family, making sure they are well compensated and comfortable in their jobs. And Hawkins stays true to the Davis principle that players and coaches should not be afraid to make mistakes.

Implications: A great case study in how to be a leader. When you look around, there are lot’s of "how to’s" on becoming a leader, but few examples on the actual being a leader. Here is someone that has done it.

Honesty statement: I hope BGSU (my BA and MA’s alma mater’s key rival) will beat Boise State on September 21 (ESPN 2). Be aware that our current System Specialist’s nephew, Cory Lichtensteiger, is a potential All-American at BGSU.