Coming off two wins, the North Allegheny varsity football team is off to an impressive start. But the season is long and tougher competition lies ahead, making it necessary for the boys to be not only physically prepared but also mentally strong.
Recognizing this, Head Coach Art Walker wasted no time during summer training.
“We start to focus on situational football,” Walker said. “[We] put our players in situations that they will be in during games. It is tough to simulate during practice, but we try our best to create realistic scenarios.”
The team’s philosophy is to practice as they play, and from the mental point of view, Walker wants his players to focus on the big picture.
“Manage your time,” he said. “School, football, and family. Focus on what is important. You only have one high school athletic opportunity, and it goes fast, so make the most of it.”
Sound advice from Walker and his coaching staff go a long way on the practice field and in the locker room, but under the lights on game night, athletes must also deal with the audience. When they are surrounded by family, friends, and scouts in the stands, the pressure can become immense.
“Once the first game takes place, it gets easier to manage, but it is all a learning experience,” Walker said. “With maturity and experience, athletes gain focus, regardless of the venue.”
Many players take their coach’s advice to heart, and eventually, they start to build habits for staying focused and loose during the season.
Brady Brinkley, Walker’s starting quarterback, offered his insight.
“While I’m in football, I try my hardest not to overthink and press myself on certain things,” he said. “You have to stay calm in tense situations, so other people stay calm as well. If you start getting nervous and freaked out, then the rest of the team will too.”
Brinkley’s focus on the team aspect of the game is of key importance.
“Talking to teammates, seeing what happened wrong or what happened well, and getting their opinions on a play are things that help a lot,” Brinkley said.
Among the most physical of sports, football tests athletes’ fitness and endurance. But like all sports, football is a mental challenge as well. And if the Tigers prevail tonight in their home opener versus Penn Hills, it will be due Walker and his staff’s commitment to preparing their players for all phases on the game.
