We need more men like the Moropoulos in every aspect of education and community, not just as team sports coaches. My step-father, George Chelini, was born here in 1931 and grew up in the Milpas area. He was the head of the Santa Barbara Boys and Girls Clubs for a number of years during which he began not only team sports programs, but camping, woodworking, among many others. Even after he retired, when I'd be out in Santa Barbara with him it was common for adult men of all ages to come up and thank him for changing their lives for the better, from leaving the gang they were in, to taking school seriously and getting through college. One night my husband and I took him to the ER and the male nurse said, “George Chelini! You kept me from a life of crime. I stole a skateboard once and you made sure I never would do it again. And look at me! I love my work and my life.” George passed away in 2020. But like any man who teaches young men how to be men - not to be bullies and criminals (and corrupt politicians) or apologize for their gender like too many men do today, but to be men - George's work lives on in Santa Barbara. And it ripples out from here to the rest of the world in a positive, truly masculine way.
Thank you for reminding us of that today. This is before your time - my step dad's best friend from his Milpas childhood was Donny Yee, who came to SB from China with his mother. No dad, no siblings, only his Tiger Mom. Donny was about 5'5” but a Big Man on Campus at SBHS and a proud Don. He played on the football team. My step dad said he could really run and had a lot of fans who'd show up to watch him.
Wonderful article Tim. Your continued interest in supporting the benefits of athleticism in our youth is very much appreciated by all of us who directly and indirectly benefit from your dedication.
SBCC Athletics needs to guard against UCLA's coach Red Sanders 1930's quote: "Winning isn't everything, it is the only thing". From official athletic program recruitment sanctions to disingenuous bond campaign promises.
Thank you Tim for an excellent article. I think back to another example I experienced in Coach Crow and I know your your dad Max (and original coach!!) is smiling.
Phil, my dad was my first coach. He taught me so many valuable lessons before I ever stepped on a football field. You’re right, he is smiling right now!
I agree, coaches have an important role in school, aiding the development of students. I wish I was more physically able to be active when I was young ... had terrible hay fever, sneezing all the time.
Tim, I am in tears reading your article because coaching really is one of the best jobs on the planet!! I miss it very much. It is a job of a service, mentorship, and great reward when you see children develop, grow in confidence, and figure out the gifts and talent the good Lord has given them. I have often referred to it as “mining for gold” when we help people find their identity and what they can do. Many people believe satisfaction comes from the outside-in. Coaches, teachers, mothers, fathers, and mentors know that true satisfaction comes from the inside out. What a wonderful remembrance of how important a role this is for your people and why fighting the good fight in the schools today is so important! Kids still need this and this has been under major attack.
Christy, thank you! You are so right! I had the privilege of coaching football for 10 years. I saw former gang members turn their lives around become great teammates and students. I saw them years later and they thanked me. There is nothing more satisfying!
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
We need more men like the Moropoulos in every aspect of education and community, not just as team sports coaches. My step-father, George Chelini, was born here in 1931 and grew up in the Milpas area. He was the head of the Santa Barbara Boys and Girls Clubs for a number of years during which he began not only team sports programs, but camping, woodworking, among many others. Even after he retired, when I'd be out in Santa Barbara with him it was common for adult men of all ages to come up and thank him for changing their lives for the better, from leaving the gang they were in, to taking school seriously and getting through college. One night my husband and I took him to the ER and the male nurse said, “George Chelini! You kept me from a life of crime. I stole a skateboard once and you made sure I never would do it again. And look at me! I love my work and my life.” George passed away in 2020. But like any man who teaches young men how to be men - not to be bullies and criminals (and corrupt politicians) or apologize for their gender like too many men do today, but to be men - George's work lives on in Santa Barbara. And it ripples out from here to the rest of the world in a positive, truly masculine way.
Polly, you are so right! Our coaches are such an important part of the fabric of our communities!
Thank you for reminding us of that today. This is before your time - my step dad's best friend from his Milpas childhood was Donny Yee, who came to SB from China with his mother. No dad, no siblings, only his Tiger Mom. Donny was about 5'5” but a Big Man on Campus at SBHS and a proud Don. He played on the football team. My step dad said he could really run and had a lot of fans who'd show up to watch him.
Great article Tim. These two men definitely deserve the praise.
To coach and be effective you have to be willing to help and accept the entire school.
To coach and be effective you have to have an intuitive understanding what is in front of you (talent an if not there how to develop it).
Breaking down game films and seeing what develops at game time, has saved a lot of people in combat. (you see what is not supposed to be there
The good ones know it, the capable ones can learn it. Mike and Craig are examples.
Look around you and you will see winners and losers, also ran's.
Reality is not a computer screen. Team sports are a valuable tool, and the coach's are the oil that make them work.
Nice catch Tim. (what are grass drills? *s*)
Wonderful article Tim. Your continued interest in supporting the benefits of athleticism in our youth is very much appreciated by all of us who directly and indirectly benefit from your dedication.
SBCC Athletics needs to guard against UCLA's coach Red Sanders 1930's quote: "Winning isn't everything, it is the only thing". From official athletic program recruitment sanctions to disingenuous bond campaign promises.
Thank you Tim for an excellent article. I think back to another example I experienced in Coach Crow and I know your your dad Max (and original coach!!) is smiling.
Phil, my dad was my first coach. He taught me so many valuable lessons before I ever stepped on a football field. You’re right, he is smiling right now!
Great article
I agree, coaches have an important role in school, aiding the development of students. I wish I was more physically able to be active when I was young ... had terrible hay fever, sneezing all the time.
When interviewing candidates for a position with my firm over the years, if they have a sports background it gives them a “leg up.”
Team work, discipline, “paying the price,” goal setting, never give up… These are all positive attributes when beginning a career!
Tim, I am in tears reading your article because coaching really is one of the best jobs on the planet!! I miss it very much. It is a job of a service, mentorship, and great reward when you see children develop, grow in confidence, and figure out the gifts and talent the good Lord has given them. I have often referred to it as “mining for gold” when we help people find their identity and what they can do. Many people believe satisfaction comes from the outside-in. Coaches, teachers, mothers, fathers, and mentors know that true satisfaction comes from the inside out. What a wonderful remembrance of how important a role this is for your people and why fighting the good fight in the schools today is so important! Kids still need this and this has been under major attack.
Christy, thank you! You are so right! I had the privilege of coaching football for 10 years. I saw former gang members turn their lives around become great teammates and students. I saw them years later and they thanked me. There is nothing more satisfying!
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.
Another great article Tim and I couldn’t agree more. Coaches are like sport centric mentors. The focus may be on practicing the skills of the sport but even more important skills are being developed such as teamwork, resilience, commitment, and discipline.