View From The Dugout

A College Coach's Perspective

Brian Tompkins is the Head Coach of Men's Soccer at Yale University in New Haven, CT. See full bio

June 18, 2008, Sport and Competition

Inspiration From a TV Newsman

Reflecting on the influence of Tim Russert

This blog might seem an unusual place to bring it up but Tim Russert's recent death stopped me in my tracks. The shocking news brought an abrupt end to a burgeoning admiration I had been developing for several months and left me wondering which way I was now going to turn for accurate, trustworthy information.

I didn't know Tim Russert personally and am in no way a political animal so why would I be so affected by news of the death of a television political analyst? The simple answer is that he was a master connector and communicator and in numerous ways embodied the essence of what many coaches, myself included, would like to be.

To my untrained eye, the world of politics, especially during a presidential campaign season, seems full of those seeking to manipulate, shape and sometimes distort information in the name of partisan expediency. Finding truth and authenticity amid the spin and bias can be grueling and even discouraging.

Thank goodness then for Tim Russert and his ability to get to the root of things and communicate facts in a palatable, forthright, non-condescending manner. Watching the past few months I was increasingly impressed with his ability to confidently and authoritatively rivet attention with his knowledge and enthusiasm. Each morning I would tune out the drone of partisanship until Russert appeared to hold the nation rapt with his distillation of what's important.

Coaches dream of being able to communicate so consistently and effectively while holding the willing attention of their players.

The posthumous plaudits have been heartfelt and manifold but most intriguing has been the almost unanimous testimony of his "team" of reporters and staff to Russert's no-nonsense approach, hard-driving professionalism and high standards coupled with a deep and genuine concern for their personal well-being and that of their families. They all worked hard for him and his professional vision because they knew he cared about who they were and what they did.

Coaches also dream of cultivating that sort of effective and compassionate work environment with productivity, loyalty and esprit de corps.

Many in our profession constantly seek new avenues towards effectiveness, feverishly studying and lauding the methods and accomplishments of the world's great coaches, business leaders, military strategists and others.
Although he moved in the most influential of political circles Tim Russert was neither glamorous nor an attention-seeker. What he was however, was living proof that, regardless of our profession, unlikely inspirational people who embody and exercise the power of example surround us every day if we choose to look.

I'm glad he caught my eye; coaches need heroes too.