A Positive Coaching Relationship: A Tribute to Coach Mike Max
September 13, 2021
Coach Mike Max was featured in an article by his friend and fellow coach, Luke Gideon, in the Fall 2021 Issue of "Nebraska Coach" magazine.
Check it out here: https://ncacoach.org/.../09/Fall-2021-Magazine_Web.pdf...
A Positive Coaching Relationship
A Tribute to Coach Mike Max
Luke Gideon – Burwell – Football
Being a part of the coaching community is a brotherhood
that many words can’t begin to describe and something I wish
everyone could experience once in their life. The relationships
that a coach develops with his/her coaching staff, parents, and
student-athletes is one that I will forever treasure, which is why
this article is so difficult for me to write. I am writing this in
honor of not only my fellow coach, but best friend, Mike Max
who passed away suddenly this spring. The insights I am sharing
in the article are a tribute to him.
Thirteen years ago, I was fortunate to have Coach Max walk
into my life and at the time I had no idea how big of an impact
he would make on not only our sports programs, but myself.
Coaching football and wrestling with Coach Max was truly an
honor and in that process we made many memories that I will
hold near and dear to my heart forever. A positive relationship
is one that influences the lives of countless people and Coach
Max did that. What Coach Max did for not only our school, but
for my family is something that I am forever grateful for. My own
children looked up to Coach Max like he was a second father to
them. He always made time for them, let them know he cared
for them, and was always COACHING them up in all aspects of
life and that simple action helped me out not only as a parent,
but also as a coach.
Our relationship was extremely close due to our willingness
to make each other better. We learned a lot from each other and
both felt that positive communication was the key to success
as coaches and friends. In fact, it could be compared to a good
marriage. We were always together, laughed together, solved
our differences in coaching behind closed doors, and made sure
that we both knew we would do anything for each other. A story
that highlights how much we would do for each other and one
that makes me laugh is our time together at the All-Star game
in 2019. One night during the week I fell under the weather and
instead of saying his normal “toughen up”, Coach Max took
care of me like he was my own mother. That to me is a perfect
example of who Coach Max was as a person and the heart that
he possessed.
One of the most important qualities a person can have is
loyalty. To me, this is a quality that Coach Max possessed and
displayed daily. Max was someone who you could count on
when times were hard, and you needed someone or a person
who would push you to be the best person you could be. Coach
Max was that guy that you wanted standing behind you or in
your corner in the middle of battle because you knew he had
your back in any way you needed.
Although Coach Max and I had different coaching
philosophies at times, they meshed well due to our willingness
to learn from each other. I always admired his fire, passion, and
motivational tactics that he brought to our teams. Max stressed
the importance of keeping your emotions up and if anyone has
ever been to a Burwell football game or wrestling meet, they
have heard the famous “GET YOUR EMOTIONS UP!"
“Don’t be afraid to do the hard work it takes to be successful.”
This was one of Max’s favorite quotes to live by and he
embodied this in every way. He was the man that was willing
to be at school every morning to support our weight program.
He did so many things in big and little ways to give students in
our program the opportunity to work hard to be ready for the
next step on the field, but also in the game of life. Coach Max
didn’t care what sport or school activity anyone participated in,
he appreciated hard work and heart and believed that was the
key to success. Coach Max would coach you hard, but love you
harder. He didn’t care if you were the star of the team or the
student manager. He held everyone to the same standard and he
did it with consistency and love.
A relationship is only a positive relationship if it is genuine.
You always knew where you stood with Coach Max. He never left
a stone unturned, and you always felt every emotion that he had.
He was the true definition of a “Big Teddy Bear.” He loved his job
and that was clear in every action he took.
The things that I will miss most aren't the wins or the
championships, it’s the hugs and the “I love ya man.” Coaching
is about building relationships and Coach
Max gave me one that I will never forget and one I will
forever look back on. Coach Max and I weren’t ever afraid to
give each other a hug whether we won or lost a game. This was
a true testament of the bond and love we had for each other and
one that was recognized by our players, community, and opposing
teams. This to me is key to a successful program, life, and one thing
I hope you all are fortunate enough to experience one day. Coach
Max is a once and a lifetime friend and I am a better coach and man
for having him in my life.
A Positive Coaching Relationship
A Tribute to Coach Mike Max
Luke Gideon – Burwell – Football
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