Almost 100 athletic coaches from school districts across eastern Oregon gathered in Pendleton on Thursday, August 10th, to learn about resources, complete trainings and collaborate about their craft.
Coaches who work with 6th-12th grade athletes in InterMountain ESD’s component school districts were eligible to attend the free Coaching Symposium at Pendleton High School. The event was organized by IMESD.
The event kicked off with breakfast and Keynote Speaker Tom Bendt, who is the founder of Conversations and Coaching in Portland and spoke on “Culture Starts with You.” Bendt said coaches should think of new, creative ways to coach their teams, be active listeners and “be coachable” themselves, able to accept feedback. He also emphasized creating a positive culture with student athletes and building connections with them during the off season so challenging them during the season is more effective. “You may be the only positive adult a kid sees all day, so make it count,” Bendt said.
Rob Younger, Executive Director of the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association (OACA), also spoke at the symposium and reviewed resources OACA provides to coaches in Oregon. Younger said this school year OACA is focusing on recruitment and retention of coaches, mentoring coaches, sports clinics and encouraging schools to have emergency action plans.
Sam Newbold, cheerleading coach at Weston-McEwen High School, said she attended the Coaching Symposium because she is trying to re-start the cheerleading program at her high school and is looking for ways to re-engage students after the pandemic to get involved in activities again.
Wrestling coach Zac Brown from Heppner High School is starting his second year of coaching and came to the symposium to get new perspectives and ideas. “I liked Tom Bendt’s ideas about the importance of a positive vibe on your team and how to create it,” Brown said.
The afternoon of the symposium provided time for coaches to collaborate with other coaches in their same sport.
Troy Jerome, Superintendent of Pilot Rock School District, worked with IMESD to organize the event. “If coaches who attended today took away one or two things that will help them this year, that is great!" Jerome said.
