Back in Black (and Blue)

I had one of these back in my freshman year, but got rid of it after the season. I should have kept it, but whatever. I figured I should have one of these chronicle what's going on with Pittsburgh's B-team as we fight for a spot at Regionals in 2009.

It's my first time having any serious leadership on a team. I've never coached before and never did much captaining, but things are looking good so far. From what I can tell, some of the vets are already impressed with practice turnout compared to last year. We are routinely getting close to 20 guys, if not more, out every Tuesday and Thursday. And even when the weather takes a turn for the worse, they still show up.

That's dedication. That's what this team needs to go somewhere in the spring.

A lot of the reasoning behind the increased commitment has to be because how the team is now organized. We have to two solid captains in myself and Trevor, who are handling practices and taking control of O and D lines. Asher is the unsung hero by organizing the money, tournaments and the like. There is a core of 5 or 6 guys who are assuming secondary leadership roles by helping out the rookies and throwing in input during team huddles and outside of practice. It's a good flow we have going now. It's just another part of what's going to make this team good.

As for the rookies, what can I say? Every one of them has made every effort to come to practice and are making huge strides in their game. Those who were cut from the A-team are dominating and showing why they'll be back in the running next season. The rest of the rookies are progressing nicely. I can already pick out 4 or 5 guys who, if they continue to practice and get better, will put up a fight for the A-team next year.

A lot of the vets have improved and are going to be instrumental in how this team finishes. They've all gotten better and have that never-give-up attitude.

As whole, it's making my job tough to figure out who will be the starting seven come gametime. And believe me, that's a good problem. Assuming a few more people who were off this semester come back in the spring and another 1 or 2 get cut from the A-team, we're going to have a solid B-team with the possibility of having to cut people off from attending a tournament.

Anyways, 3 months into my junior year and captain of the B-team, I have to say that I'm pleased with where we are. Very pleased.