[Bobcat_Dad]

1. Having a system in place from top to bottom- The best of the best usually have a strong feeder system with knowledgable and enthusiastic coaches, they usually have a JV program, and they usually have a coaching staff who has implemented their beliefs and input into all levels.

2. Administrative Support- Never underestimate the value of having the school administration system support the program. All it takes is one administrator to undermine the entire direction of a program, conversely when the entire administration is behind you see very special things happen.

3. Community Support/Boosters- When the community supports a team the sense of pride kids develop instantly make them better in tough games, and more resilient after a tough loss. Additionally, when a coach doesn't have to worry about funding for his team it exponentially relieves pressure off his shoulders.

4. Strength and Conditioning- The best programs not only have a well defined strength and conditioning program, they typically have trained staff members to implement this program.It's amazing the difference between a team that is one step faster, 10 pounds stronger across the board, and half a step quicker.

5. Confidence and Experience- Your best teams are typically teams who win the close games and win the big games. They have a workman's attitude, they play within themselves, and even when they are trailing and things are not going their way, they still ahve confidence in their coaches and their teammates.

IMO 2 and 3 are not that important, nice to have but not a necessity. Here at Bell Co. I think we struggle with 2 and 3. We have very little administrative support. We have the lowest paid asst. around and 1 of the smallest school funded budgets also for football.

As for community support that is not what you think it would be either. Thank goodness we do have the support of just a few businesses and fewer parents or they would be lucky to do anything as far as funding. W/O that select few parents Bell's program would be lucky to do any extra things for the players as far as meals and etc. :Clap: