I became the Head Coach of the Beloit Memorial boys hockey team in 2014. While we've had some success over that time, including a trip to the Sectional Final in 2017, our past two seasons have found us on a downswing. Which, in turn, had me questioning, after 23 years in the coaching profession, whether it was time for  me to turn in my whistle, so to speak.

And then I came across Coach Jackson's books CDS 1&2.

 

What a shot in the arm!!

 

Being a Co-op program (we have players from 5 different schools), I always felt that our challenge in bringing players together as a "team" was more difficult due to the players not being in the same school and around each other through the day. Through CDS 1&2, I came to realize that our main challenge wasn't one of locations, but of a lack of INTENTIONALITY.

 

We failed to be intentional with our actions and expectations as a staff when we were together with the players. I was focused more on the negatives of the issues than in finding a solution to them. Coach Jackson's books, along with other resources he has available, have helped me retake ownership of the program that I have a lot of pride (it is my alma mater) in being a part of it.

A few of the concepts from Coach Jackson that we will look to institute into are program this season are:

- Mission and Vision statements both verbalized and written throughout our facility

- Everything Matters Everyday

- Leadership Council (giving the players a stake in the program and through which to teach accountability.

Along with many more.....I can't thank Coach Jackson enough for not only recharging my battery, but
providing a detailed BLUEPRINT on how to transform our program into one that not only our team can be
proud of, but the school and community as well.

​

Kurt Buchs

Head Hockey Coach 

Beloit Memorial

Beloit, Wisconsin