America loves a winner.
Maybe that's true in other countries, but it's the only country I've lived in. From youth sports to the professional level, the emphasis is always on winning. That's perfectly fine for professional athletes who are highly compensated for their performance. In college sports, especially football and basketball, it's natural for a rational fan to expect better results, given the financial incentives currently given to players.
But at the high school level, “amateurism” still dominates (for now, though I believe NIL will soon) and the emphasis is often on growth and development. Naturally.
During a three-week high school football preview series, The Dispatch spoke with more than 20 area coaches and assistant coaches, all of whom were confident their teams would improve and join the championship fray in 2024. And, frankly, if you don't believe that, what's the point of spending a month sweating through the sweltering heat of August preparing for the season? But if you read through what the coaches are saying, you'll find their messages are remarkably consistent.
All of these players want to win, of course, but they're interested in more than that. In the words of first-year West Point head coach Brett Morgan, “There's a standard and a level that you want to play and compete at, and there's a character that you want to show on the field.” If a West Point coach who has won seven state titles in the past 15 years is focused on something more than wins and losses, you should be too. In fact, the Green Wave have only been undefeated once in those 15 years, and they've played a tough schedule and continued to thrive in it, even with a few bumps and bruises along the way.
When you talk to some coaches, you hear a lot about “culture.” Coaches like new Columbus head coach Valin Simpson are working hard to build a culture. “Having discipline is the biggest thing we're working on,” Simpson told The Dispatch. “I know the kids can play, but having discipline and a 'give nothing, take everything' mentality is what it takes in this sport. That's what I'm trying to build in my kids.”
Sometimes, learning to win means learning to lose. Simpson correctly pointed out that the Falcons had chances in every game last season (1-10) but never managed to pull off a win. Despite the disappointment, Simpson believes the process is worthwhile because it means there is room for development.
“I have a lot of energetic, passionate, knowledgeable coaches who love working with kids…” he said. “We have 120 kids, and we're all in charge. We try to develop a program that suits each kid.”
Starkville is no stranger to a tough schedule, either. Veteran Yellow Jackets head coach Chris Jones knows what's important: To be the best, you have to play against the best and not be afraid to lose. “The goal isn't to not lose,” he said. “… We want to get better, so when we go to the district tournament or the championship tournament, it's not the first time we've played at that level of competition.”
Reintroduction: Bully Jokes
What the world needs right now is… another podcast. And we've got a podcast for you, dear reader. After a nearly 18-month hiatus, The Dispatch has revived our new Mississippi State University sports podcast, “Bully Banter.” Every week, high school reporter (and host) Collin Damus, MSU correspondent Benjamin Rosenberg and I will discuss everything you need to know in the Bulldog sports world with access, experience and familiarity you won't find anywhere else. Our focus in the fall is (obviously) on football, but we're not ignoring other sports.
This week, we bring you a preview of the football season, along with record predictions and position battles of note. Based on the record, I think State will go 5-7, but check back to see if Collin and Benjamin are a little more optimistic. Bully Banter is available on The Dispatch website. translation:or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Philip Poe is sports editor.
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