With school and athletics soon to start I’m reminded of what my Theory of Coaching Football professor and Northeastern State football coach Tom Eckert said.

“All kids can be great kids but all kids are not great athletes”.

Coaches and parents need to realize that when coaching the younger kids. Their influence, both positive and negative, has ramifications.

Remember that little Johnny is only in the second grade and not a varsity senior. Let the game be fun and enjoyable. Once it becomes unenjoyable that student will remember that and may choose not to play sports of any kind based on that one incident. Make playing and teaching the fundamentals fun for our students and watch the difference it makes in participation. It will create memories that athletes will remember for the rest of their lives.

Tom Eckert retired as football coach at Northeastern State University Monday after more than 30 years on the Redmen staff. Eckert, 60, was head coach of the state college team for 16 years and compiled a 105-60-3 record. Northeastern won the NAIA championship in 1994 and was runner-up in 1995.

1-2-3 break.