In today’s age of crime, drugs, and many other challenges that face our youth, it is very clear that sports can be a very positive influence in a young person’s life. As a coach involved with a variety of sports
In today’s age of crime, drugs, and many other challenges that face our youth, it is very clear that sports can be a very positive influence in a young person’s life.
As a coach involved with a variety of sports in the Lihu‘e area, I am very proud to be part of such a worthwhile, and rewarding endeavor.
The feeling of being a coach and a mentor to not only my own children, but to the many other children in the community, gives me such a sense of pride that I can’t really explain in words.
It is these types of sports-related activities that we need to continue to focus on, if we are to guide our youth in a positive direction.
With that said, there are some unsung heroes within our different sports programs that are the backbone of all sports programs. These individuals go unnoticed, and many times unappreciated during the season, and I just wanted to take some time to recognize these individuals.
To all team moms, and business managers throughout the island, I applaud you! It is because of your tireless efforts, and unwavering commitment, that our sports programs are as successful as they are.
Over the years I have worked with many team moms and business managers, and can honestly say that without them, many of us coaches would probably be going insane.
They are the ones that have to deal with all of the parent-related issues, which many times is such a time consuming and demanding job, that it can literally drain you.
From arranging snack schedules, communicating practice dates, coordinating fundraising activities, collecting monies that are due, issuing tickets that need to be sold, consolidating all financial information onto spreadsheets, writing receipts for parents, arranging travel plans (ie, ground transportation, air transportation, lodging accommodations, meal coordination, travel itinerary, etc.), fielding questions from parents, and the list just goes on and on.
It is an endless job that takes up so much of a persons free time, that not everyone is able to do it.
To all of the team parents that have helped me during the last few years, and to those around the island, Thank you! (I was thinking of trying to name them all but did not want to leave anyone out).
In particular, I would like to thank three individuals who have been working night and day this Pop Warner season, and who I am truly lucky to have in our corner.
To team moms, Darnell Aquino, and Leila Kuhaulua, and business manager, Crystal Kaya, thank you for all that you are doing, and all that you have done. Not only for me personally, but for our coaching staff, parents, and most importantly, the children of this island.
I would like to go one step further, and single out Crystal Kaya, who is just plain ‘crazy’ in regards to her commitment.
For the past two Pop Warner seasons, she has been our business manager, and doesn’t even have a child playing.
She has been with me during the early flag football years as a team mom, and during the last two years, has been helping me coordinate the Police Activities League (PAL) sponsored flag football for the entire Lihu‘e area.
I just continue to be amazed at all that she does, and am truly grateful to have her as part of our team.
These individuals are truly the ‘backbone’ of our sports programs on the island.
Brian Kohatsu is the Lihu‘e Patriots Junior Pee Wee Pop Warner Head Coach.
