Sad Endings

This has been a difficult week for those of us who are football fans and especially for those of us who have ties to Penn State University. It has come to this;  Joe Paterno will retire amidst the fallout of a scandal. Just weeks after he passed Eddie Robinson as the winningest coach in Major College football history, Paterno will be leaving not because of what he did but due to what he did not do. Not an act of commission, but and act of omission has brought down this idol of ethical behaviour in college sports.
As an alum of Penn State and someone who was on campus when many of the alleged acts were taking place and who has made the acquaintance of all of the major players in the scandal this issue has touched home. Let me say that I am not a Penn State apologist. I love the university and yet as an older Graduate student there I had a different view from many that had grown up wanting to be a Nittany Lion. As such I have an inside perspective that still looks at Penn State from a somewhat detached view. I have never considered naming my kids Nittany or Lion or even Joe. In many ways Penn State was and still is an enigma to me but I feel that having lived and experienced it I do have insights to the community and the athletic department that many are not considering in the talk show hyperbole and feeding frenzy that is taking place. Some of the issues that are troubling people are ones that can only be understood by looking at the unique culture that is Happy Valley and Penn State football. This in no way excuses the behavior of former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, but I hope it will shed light on the situation.

Artist removing Jerry Sandusky from a mural in State College

I have met and talked with Coach Paterno about coaching and helping out with the football program when I was doing my graduate studies. He was gracious in spending time with me on a few occasions and I was impressed by this simple man who lives a simple life in this small town where there is no escaping his celebrity. A modest car and an modest house, which everyone in town knows exactly where it is, befits this man. He is revered because he is one of the people and yet he is not, he is placed on an incredible pedestal in this community.

Jerry Sandusky

Jerry Sandusky was an outstanding coach who had offers to be a head coach at such places as Notre Dame, but remained at PSU in the hopes of becoming the head coach at his alma mater. While he was coaching he started The Second Mile foundation which works with at risk kids. When it became clear that he would not be the successor to Coach Paterno he retired to run The Second Mile full time. It must be recognized that through his leadership The Second Mile raised millions of dollars and had an incredible impact on kids throughout central Pennsylvania.  I had the opportunity to take kids from The Second Mile on some ropes courses and do team building exercises, working with Mr. Sandusky an a couple of occasions. The allegations therefore seem so hard to believe for me because I had total respect for Sandusky as his kindness, concern for kids, and warm personality were so far removed from what he is accused of. It has to be understood that, next to Paterno, Sandusky was possibly the most revered man in the community. From a football standpoint the decline of the Penn State program in the early 2000s coincided with his retirement and the locals believed that there was no coincidence in that. Many saw Sandusky as the heart and soul of the program at least on the defensive side.

Second Mile sign in State College

Tim Curley and Joe Paterno

The athletic director, Tim Curley and I also had opportunities to converse about various issues in sport administration and his desire to lead a quality program was evident. Mr. Curley is a State College native, Penn State alum and also one of Paterno and Sandusky's former players. The power dynamics of the relationships between all of these people could easily be seen and Mr. Curley actually talked about the difficulties of those past relational ties on one occasion.  The other player in the drama, Mike McQueary was a graduate assistant at the time when I was at Penn State and I had two classes with him. Ironically, one of them was Ethical Issues in Coaching. Mike is a bright student, both on the field and off. We talked a few times but the load he had between football, studies and whatever free time he may have had weighed him down. It has to be remembered that like Curley, McQueary  is a local State College product who went to school with Sandusky's kids and was a Penn State quarterback also under the tutelage of both of these men. To see what he saw in 2002 must have shocked him and shake the roots of his foundations of trust. I  imagine that it  made him question everything he had been raised to believe about Penn State and the men he looked up to.
These are the key players in this drama, other than Mr. Shultz the Vice President who is also indicted for lying to the grand jury, on the Penn State side. On the other side of the scandal are the victims and their families who my heart goes out to. There is no question that they have suffered and we need to pray for them and do everything we can to assist them in their healing process.These are kids who were vulnerable and no one is excusing the alleged behavior.

Beaver Stadium

However, the culture of Penn State also plays a huge role in this drama. As you drive into State College you cannot help but understand what makes this small city tick. From miles away one structure stands out above the community, Beaver Stadium. This monument to Nittany Lion football dwarfs every other building in the area. Seating over 104,000 people it stands on a hill as if it had been transported from outer space. It does not fit into the architectural landscape sitting in the middle of pastureland  owned by the University and used primarily for the cows, sheep and horses in the agricultural programs to graze on for most of the year. Those pastures however are transformed  on eight fall football weekends when every spare piece of land becomes tailgating central and the animals are moved, making way for the hordes of fans from Pennsylvania and beyond.

State College, PA

State College itself is a community of around 40,000 people which has to deal with 44,000 students who take over the town during the school year. The stadium therefore holds more people than actually live in the town. State College is also very isolated. The closest city is Pittsburgh, sorry Altoona you don't qualify in my estimation, which is 2 1/2 hours away. Baltimore and Washington D.C. are a 3 hour drive, Philadelphia, 4 hours New York City 4 hours and Cleveland about 3 1/2 hours. It is just south of I-80, one of the great dividing lines in Pennsylvania. Locals joke that there are more squirrels than people that live north of I-80 although that is probably a very accurate description.  Pennsylvania is also rated as the 5th most rural state in the United States and State College sits in the heart of that rural world. This is not to imply however that it is a community of uneducated country bumpkins which has been portrayed by some media commentators. The school system is top notch and people move their families from around the world to give their kids an opportunity for a great education in the elementary and secondary schools.

Old Main on the Penn State Campus

 The university plays a central role in the community. It is the primary provider of not only jobs, but also of entertainment. Almost everyone has some connections to the university and the university dictates what happens in the community. Health and sport clubs struggle in State College because the community has access to the numerous sport and workout facilities on campus. I played basketball during noon everyday in Rec Hall with people from around the community. I also played racquetball regularly with my pastor and others from my church in the courts in the Intramural Building and Rec Hall. The university is the gathering place for people in the community whether it be for sporting events, theater, concerts and other cultural activities. This collision of town and gown is a constant topic of discussion but is a realty that helps understand the unique cultural DNA of this community.

Many in the national media are pointing to the fact that Sandusky was still seen on campus as late as last week using the workout facilities as something that is unfathomable. To anyone in State College and with even the remotest connection to Penn State this is not hard to grasp at all. This is where you go to workout, it is where you go to meet people. To see Sandusky on campus is really not at all strange. People in the community regularly use those facilities as well as the library, the student union, the book store and the Creamery to get ice cream.The university thrives on this interaction. I grew up watching sappy movies about college life at "Good ol' State" and thought it was stereotypical  hyperbole that may have existed in the 1930s but was part of our historical past. When I arrived on campus in 2001 I realized that this was "Good ol' State" in the flesh.
From the Homecoming parade, which takes 3 hours to watch with float, alumni groups and incredible amounts of candy thrown out to kids and which ends in a bonfire, to pep rallies in Rec Hall where Coach Paterno and the players lead the way along with the band, cheerleaders and of course the ubiquitous Nittany Lion this place is like stepping back in time. In some ways due to that there is a sense of respect for the athletes and coaches in a belief that they are representing "us" because WE ARE PENN STATE!  
The isolation and the dominance of the university in community life leads to a culture that has elevated football coaches and players to celebrity status all the while making them inaccessible, well known in the community, and revered. In addition, through the influence of Paterno and the marketing of a brand, Penn State has always placed itself above the fray in terms of the issues of student-athletes.

 During my time there a conference was hosted by the Rock Institute on campus that discussed ethics in sport. There were sessions with coaches, administrators, and players who discussed the evils lurking in collegiate athletics from performance enhancing substances and recruiting to balancing the rigors of sport and academics. Being the skeptic that I am I struggled with the sessions because it seemed as if everything concluded that these things are going on at other schools but not here at Penn State. I also knew better as I had athletes in the classes that I was teaching who had communicated to me the realities of those issues. Practice requirements that far exceeded NCAA rules, benefits that pushed the envelope of NCAA regulations and other issues contradicted the seeming party line being espoused by those in charge. It was just too good to be true and I had a hard time drinking the blue cool-aid. Although it was clear that the leaders here believed that they were morally above those at other schools who were getting caught for various violations, they did have pure intentions but possibly the allure of success also allowed them to push the ethical barriers to extremes.

Joe Pa leading his team

At this same conference Coach Paterno was the keynote speaker and shared stories many of which I had heard many times before but are always entertaining. At the end he held a question and answer period and it was in this that I saw the true ethical position that guided Paterno throughout his career; situational ethics. This is a position that appears to be a strong ethical stand but can be manipulated when needed based upon the situation.
The question asked of Paterno that day was if one of his players intercepted a pass and was coming down the sideline in front him and right there, directly in front of him, clearly stepped out of bounds, seen by all of his players, but continued on to score the game-winning touchdown, would he say anything to the referees who had missed the call?  Did he have a responsibility to do the right thing as he taught his players and back up his words with action?
Paterno's answer struck me and has remained with me to this day! He at first joked that if he was in front of 104,000 people in Beaver Stadium then there was no way! But then he clarified it and said that while that seems like a funny answer it is true. He explained that for a Pop Warner coach then yes they should do that, but in a college football game with so much at stake then no he would not say anything. He also elaborated that it was not his responsibility to make the calls. That responsibility fell to the referees and if they blew their job then it had nothing to do with him. It wasn't his problem so he didn't feel that he had any cause to tell them. If they couldn't see it then it was their problem not his. When the questioner pressed him as to what this communicated to his players who all knew he had seen it and was therefore not abiding by the ethical standards he spoke about,and in essence was communicating that it was ok to do whatever it takes as long as you don't get caught, Paterno explained that in that situation his players would understand that winning the game would take precedence over what he saw or didn't see and they would understand that it wasn't his fault that the refs didn't do their job properly.

Bill McCartney

I immediately thought when I heard former University of Colorado coach Bill McCartney speak at a Promise Keepers conference.about the year when his Buffaloes won the National championship largely due to a blown call by referees that gave his team an extra down at the end of a critical game that kept them undefeated. He told the audience that not saying anything, when he knew that it was a wrong call would haunt him forever as he knew that the title was tainted and he felt he lost the respect of his players and that it communicated something less than true integrity to them. He believed it was the low point in his career.
In light of this I wonder if this moment in 2002 will be Paterno's low point. When Mike McQueary came to him and told him what he saw it seems that Paterno employed the same ethical decision making process that he had explained during the conference that same year at the Rock Institute conference. He did what he needed to do legally in reporting it to Tim Curley. But in many ways the words that he spoke haunt my mind. If those above him did not do their jobs in dealing with Sandusky then did he believe that it was not his problem? The situation dictated that the program remain untarnished and thus there was no need to push things further. It was out of his hands and therefore not his responsibility. I wonder what this communicated to McQueary? I wonder what it communicated to the other coaches, because it is hard to believe that Paterno was the only person McQueary spoke to about this.

Mike McQueary

Something this tough to see must have needed further outlets for McQueary to communicate. Unfortunately the Latch Football building housed the secret for almost a decade. And now the decision to let the situation dictate the right thing to do has led to the ouster of Paterno, truly an undeserved way for this man to leave. He has done amazing things for the university and students and should be remembered for those things and not this failed decision. However it does serve as fair warning that we need to be aware of what our philosophical underpinnings can lead to.
While Paterno and Sandusky both made critical errors in judgement which have led to the harm of many people, I find it hard to accept the media's answers to the situation.  Many are blaming McQueary for not doing more. Pundits such as Herman Edwards and Colin Cowherd on ESPN are saying that they would have rushed in and taken the child away and done whatever possible to save these kids. While the bravado sounds wonderful and heroic I doubt that faced with the situation they would have acted any differently than McQueary. Here was a young man in his early 20's living on little sleep and working long hours for little remuneration who walks in on a situation that I am sure was confusing at best. In front of him is one of his heroes, a pillar in the community as well as a former coach of his and the father of his friends whose house he had visited many times, in some sort of compromising position with a young boy. He must have questioned what he saw and I am sure he did not study it extensively. Embarrassment, fear and confusion probably reigned in his mind. The question of what is going on and what did I just see must have flooded his mind.  I am sure he retreated and tried to gain perspective. Here he was a graduate assistant, the low man on the totem pole seeing something happen with someone who held true power and influence in this small community. His word against that of a legend. In that case he did what most of us would have done, he called someone he trusted, his father and sought advise. His father then told him to speak with Paterno which he did.

It is nice to say  "I would have done this or that" and yet when confronted with realities we often fall far short of the heroics in our mind. I know. I experienced it first hand. I had an encounter on a recruiting trip in Hawaii that humbled and devastated me. I had a short break so I went down to a beach on the west side of Oahu to sit and enjoy the beauty that is Hawaii. The beach was empty and I was enjoying the solitude until someone came and approached me. At first thought it was a woman but as the person sat down next to me I realized that this was a transvestite dressed as a woman. He asked how I was and tried to start small talk.  I tried to communicate that I wanted to be left alone in a nice manner. It was then that I was disarmed as he reached out and grabbed me. I started to react and fight but he reached into his bag and grabbed for a weapon, a knife, and showed it to me. At that point, all my macho bravado left me and I felt completely helpless. My body went completely numb as he molested me and I just hoped that someone would come along and scare him off. Finally, he left and I remember sitting there in embarrassment, fear and confusion just as I am sure McCreary experienced.  Anger also crept in, at myself. How could I have sat there and done nothing? What kind of a man was I? I understood for the first time the vulnerability of rape and molestation victims and how wrong I was about how strong I was. I had always pictured myself as being superhuman in those situations and how I would be heroic. The truth was that I wasn't. I was human and I failed myself! So I have little patience for those who like to talk about what they would do and would ask them to remember that they were not faced with the situation and therefore can not surmise what they would have done.
This is an incredibly hard thing to share and I have only shared this information with three people in my life until now. But I hope that by sharing it I can communicate that I do not take the abuse represented in this case lightly. I understand better than most the pain, anguish, and isolation felt by the victims. I am not trying to make light of what they have experienced nor minimize it because I do know personally the feelings they have dealt with and will continue to confront.

Joe Paterno Statue

However, it is also important for people to slow down and approach this situation from a reasonable standpoint and do what we can to make things better. To broadly paint Jerry Sandusky as a monster who everyone should have clearly seen as a pedophile is unfair. If the allegations are true, then he clearly has problems and needs to honestly confront and be held accountable for his actions and the pain he inflicted. But he also needs the prayers and support of those around him. Let us not forget that he also did very many great things in the State College community and changed lives in a positive manor as well. Yes the balance sheet does not favor him right now but let us take on the heart of Christ and demonstrate compassion and hope that he can be redeemed.
Would we have liked for McQueary, Curley, and Paterno to have done more, absolutely. Paterno himself has said that in hindsight he wishes he had done more, but who of us can't say that about some situation in our lives?  Let us remember what Jesus told those around the woman caught in adultery, "let him without sin throw the first stone." We were not there we do not know the complete situation and for us to judge is probably unwise. We should learn from this and hopefully more of us in our own communities will be more concerned about injustices that are right in front of our eyes and do something about them.
Finally I must address the Board of trustees decision to fire Joe Paterno. I respect their authority to do so, but I do not believe it has done anything to help the situation. It does nothing in the short term to assist the victims or their families. It seems to be a hasty decision for public relations purposes and hurts more people than it helps.

 This team has a game this Saturday against Nebraska which has been overlooked. But more importantly there are over 100 young men who had nothing to do at all with this scandal who are being penalized. Those football players came to Penn State to play under a coach who they respected and believed in. Yes he fell short, as we all do, but they now do not have the opportunity to watch and learn how to deal with adversity and hard times from one of the wisest men in this country. They have made him an outcast and they did it over the phone.

Paterno

To my knowledge the trustees have just repeated the mistakes they are punishing Paterno for. Paterno should have gone directly to Sandusky when he heard of the allegations, and maybe he did, we don't know that for sure. But the ability to confront a friend and colleague no matter how difficult the subject is demonstrates true leadership. Did Paterno fail in this? Probably. But the trustees have made the exact same error. They did not consult or meet with Paterno to find out what his side of the story was or what should be done to move forward. Paterno had already said he would step down at the end of the season.

Paterno Library at Penn State

Instead they sent a messenger to his house with instructions to call a number where they succinctly told him your services are terminated. Doesn't 61 years of service to the university deserve more respect that that? Doesn't raising the funds to build a wing of the library, a spiritual center and a sports museum carry with it the dignity of a face to face conversation? Shouldn't the trustees have at least recognized the efforts of a man who has consistently produced the highest graduation rates in the nation for his football team and has evaded NCAA sanctions?

While I would disagree with Paterno's philosophical stance of situational ethics, I do recognize that he has been good for football, good for sport and good for Penn State and its students. I hope that as we move forward as both Penn Stater's and those who are outside and trying to figure out this strange culture that has assisted in the development of this scandal that we will take a deep breath, sit down and pray. Pray for the victims first of all that healing and God's love will come quickly and completely. That as a community we can embrace them and help them through a difficult time. Secondly we need to pray for those accused of various offenses regarding this scandal. We must pray for forgiveness and for clear guidance in helping them understand the implications of their actions and inaction's, but also that they will find comfort in the arms of Christ. And finally we need to pray that we can find peace within our hearts, and in humility and grace sort through the facts and issues of this case as we move forward.

The Day After!

                The phrase “the day after” is so filled with suspense and intrigue because we know that a major event has just transpired that changes everything from that time on. Therefore there is a sense of mystery, foreboding and anxiety. We want to know what comes next as the day after is now the start of a new chapter in the story. Whether it is September 12, 2011, the day after 9/11, the Saturday after Good Friday when Christ was crucified or December 8, 1941 the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor we wake up wondering what this new day brings. It is not like any other day because when we refer to the day after, the after in the sentence alerts us to a major shift. It may be the day after a new couples wedding or the day after a baby’s birth for parents. The day after never has the same impact as “the day”. It will not be remembered in infamy as FDR spoke of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7^th.

Sampsa and I discussing Special Teams

 In many ways the day after has more to do with the future than does the actual day of a momentous event.  September 12^th was the day that decisions began to be discussed as to what should be the response to the attacks on the Pentagon and the Twin Towers.  Those discussions changed American and global political structures forever. It is important to note that the day after does not often bring immediate change. Rather it is a day pregnant with possibilities. It is a day to regroup, re-evaluate and take time to set a new course.  The choices made in the following time period grow from our thoughts and feelings that we begin to evaluate on the day after.

As football coaches we face these day after moments weekly, some of them are momentous such as after a crushing loss or a close victory. Most are not, we merely readjust our course and move ahead. Football unlike many other sports has a time lag to reflect and adjust. Basketball and baseball for example play games so soon after a big game that the shift is often difficult to discern. But in football a full week of practice and preparation follows a loss or a victory so there is time to licks ones wounds, change plans and readjust. At the end of a season or in the playoffs however that time is extended as a full off season begins. The evaluation is more complete, the planning more complex and the questions of what went wrong more severe.  Today is a day after for me and I approach it with frustration, fear and wonder. Last night was a sleepless night as I replayed the game over and over in my mind. The next few days will be the same if my past experience is to be trusted and a sense of loss for what might have been will grow.  I know that I should approach this day differently, filled with faith, remembering that God has a plan. But I am more often like the disciples, hiding out from the Romans and Jewish leaders wondering If I am the next to be crucified or arrested. I struggle like them to imagine a world of resurrection where hope reigns.

Yesterday was a momentous day for me. We lost 50-36 to the Helsinki Wolverines in the Semi-finals of the Maple  League here in Finland.  The loss means that I am the coach responsible for the end of a dynasty. It is never easy to be at the helm of a team when a run of six straight National Championships ends, but it is even harder to be that person in a country where personal displays of emotion are rarer than winning the lotto. In fact I don’t know if Finnish people even display joy when told they have won the lotto and are now millionaires.   So as everyone retreats to their own personal space of mourning  I am facing the day after with all of the usual questions.  How did we lose? What could I have done differently?    What is next? 

      

Along with those questions comes others such as will the team bring me back? What am I going to do when I get back to the U.S.? Where will I live? Do I pack things as if I am not coming back or leave some things here? Will anyone speak to me? Have I completely let everyone down? It all seems silly because this is just a game and yet this game requires so much from players and coaches. It is an all encompassing sport which demands that you be physically, mentally and emotionally invested. For baseball players a loss is not the end of the world. In fact in major league baseball teams with records around .500 are doing well, they are in the playoff hunt. There will be another game tomorrow to avenge the loss. But in American football as a player, chances are I will not be walking well tomorrow much less playing another game. Hopefully by the middle of the week I will feel that my body will respond to the urging of my mind. By the end of the week I should be able to move once again at full speed just in time for the game. As a coach you are trying all week to get into the mind of the opponents to understand what they are trying to do in order to anticipate what they may do in the upcoming game.  So when you lose in the playoffs all planning comes to a sudden stop, there is no planning or regrouping so the evaluation takes center stage.  Here in Finland that is even more pronounced as contracts are on a year to year basis.  So there is no planning or building for the next season right after the game ends.

Mickey Kyei with a big play vs. the Wolverines

So today starts that evaluation. Plays recalled in your mind, drills that could have been run to improve tackling or blocking and conversations that should have happened to improve communication. In reality I understand that the loss falls on my shoulders. There are many circumstances and situations that I would like to place blame on but it really comes down to not having my team as prepared as they could be. In this instance I think we schemed well against the Wolverines but we were out-athleted. Their American players made big plays and broke from tackles throughout the game. We needed to emphasize strength and power even more than we did in the offseason and retain our strength throughout the season. Their Americans were too strong for us and with the reality that every offensive touch for them went to those three players our lack of stamina and strength became too much to overcome.  It was a good game and our players played their hearts out. They gave everything they had but it was just not enough on the day. We are disappointed and I feel badly that we were not able to bring home the seventh consecutive National Championship to Porvoo.  But our players need to hold their heads up and realize that what they accomplished this season may be even greater than any of the championships? They rose above all expectations to finish 9-1 and in a tie for the regular season championship.

For me I was reminded this past week that my focus must also be on more than winning a seventh championship. I read I Thessalonians 2: 19-20 one day while sitting at Walgrens after lunch. Paul writes to his friends at Thessalonica, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed you are our glory and joy.”

This sentiment is exactly how I feel now. While I would love to have that seventh championship medal around my neck I know why I am here. I am here to love people for the sake of Christ. My ultimate goal has been to love people here in Porvoo and to build community around the Butchers.  We have faced a lot of challenges this season and yet have remained together. One of the weaknesses of many teams here in Finland is that they fracture in times of trouble. The Butchers have not and I hope that what we have built will continue and grow because these players, this team is my glory and joy. The relationships that have been built will last for lifetimes, the memories and stories of games, practices, and road trips will live on. My hope is that the lessons of perseverance, working together, putting forth great effort and an attitude of love will carry over to these men’s lives and that they will understand that there is more to life than the prizes of championships.  They are nice to have but they are mere reminders of battling with brothers for a common goal. May we continue to strive to battle together in games and lives and make a true difference in our world and in others lives.

 Peace and blessings to you!

Jim

The Young Ones!

The Young Ones!

Mac Daddy- our Comic genius!

                This was the title of a very funny British Comedy from the 1980s and is at times an appropriate analogy to our team as many times what happens on the field and off is comical. Yet the difference between a comedy based upon four young college students and young Finnish players playing at the top level of American football in Finland breaks down in the reality of our young ones and what they have accomplished. Although it may seem like a script from a studio our young players are creating real drama!

                With the retirement of amazing players this season from the Butchers came a void in experience. As a result the national pundits placed us as coming in 6^th place in the Maple League this season. I know that many of the leaders in our organization hoped that we might somehow make it to the playoffs. What has actually transpired is quite remarkable. As we head into the last game of the regular season against the Oulu Northern Lights we find ourselves in a tie for first place and an 8-1 record. We have already locked up a home game in the playoffs next week and the # 2 seed, due to our loss early on in the season to the Crocodiles. While we have heralded the late season return of some veterans such as Tommi Padatsu, Marko Luoma,  and Ville Palikainen the young players on this team continue to lead. I am not minimizing the effect of these veteran players, but rather illuminating the growth of the young Finns who have shown Sisu! I want you to meet some of  them as they are the heart of our quest for an unprecedented 7^th consecutive national championship.

Arttu Celebrates!

                Arttu Tennberg moved this season from our left tackle spot to center on the offensive line. As the center he has taken on a huge leadership role.  While Pasi Lautala and Sami Moilanen provide amazing expertise, Arttu has become the leader of the line. He understands everyone’s assignment and is a coach on the field for our other young lineman such as Haris Budzalek who is developing in his own right to be a great player for the future. But Arttu has displayed incredible skills on the offensive line. He has a big frame and can put on more weight as he develops. His footwork is amazing and he has the talent to play college football in the United States. Our hope is to get him there next year, which would be a blow to the Butchers but great for him and the development of the Finnish game.

Niko Roiko

Roiko sets the tone against the Roosters!

                Niko Roiko returned last year in June after a year at a high school in the San Juan Islands in Washington State. He immediately stepped into a role on our defense as a safety anmd played a significant role in our championship role. Unfortunately he was injured in a B Junior game and missed the playoffs as a result. This year he worked out hard in the off season and has come back better than ever. He has matured into a formidable force in the secondary delivering huge hits and becoming a leader for our entire defense. While Tero Kontiainen is our leader as the Mac backer Niko has led the secondary this year. His running mate at the safety position has matured even more in the last year.

Toni Wrapping up Squilini

                Toni Nystrom also spent last year in the states at a high school in St. Louis, Missouri. With the loss of Sampsa Mahkonen this year Toni has had to become a full time starter. I knew he could do it but he has exceeded my expectations. He has a great nose for the ball and has made some incredible touchdown saving tackles, even running down Anthony Squillini, one of the better receivers in the league, on one play last week. He is fearless in taking on running backs and will deliver as good as he gets. Toni has also been drafted in as our backup quarterback and has done a great job with his opportunities there. Both Toni and Niko also have the talent to play college football so we will see where they end up. They are a joy to coach as they work hard, are reliable and deal with criticism in a positive way by improving. They are as much a key for our success as anyone on the team.

Niko Pennanen Celebrates with Toni Haukkamaa

                Niko Pennanen is another of the young studs. Niko has had a challenging year as he has played all over the place. Running back, corner, outside linebacker and nickel back are all places he has had to play. While there are some games he has not started because of the defense we are running to start the game he is my 12^th starter. He has done a phenomenal job of learning all the different roles and brings toughness to the team that is usually found in older players. He is currently in the army and so is balancing that responsibility with playing on the team and is so reliable that it makes a coach smile. He has improved throughout the season and fills many roles for us! All of them, crucial to our success.

Micky Kyei hauling in another pass.

                On the offensive side of the ball has been Micky Kyei who also spent last year in the US at a high school in Minnesota. He is one of the fastest players in the league and has been a dominating force in the Juniors as a running back. He has played some there for us this year but needs a bit more size to endure the inside running game. We have also used him at the slot receiver where he has become a true threat. He has good hands and his quickness creates mismatches against linebackers. He has drawn double and triple coverage at times this season allowing other receivers to be freed up.  One of those receivers is another of our young studs, Phung Nguyen.

Phung rivals Micky’s speed and they complement each other well. He not only can catch the deep ball but catches the tough balls over the middle as well. These two players have very different styles but create huge problems for opposing defenses.

Phung with another huge catch

There are others who are also contributing in a huge way for our team this year, but these players are not only stand outs on the field but are also becoming leaders. That is a trait that we need more of as these young players take over from the veterans and continue the run that has been started for them. This will be their team and they will need to step into the roles vacated by former champions. I look forward to seeing their careers develop but also to see them continue this Cinderella season to a championship! And that is not a joke or a comedy routine!

Jim

NFL Lockout Horror Evaded!

NFL Lockout Horror Evaded.

                Society has been saved! The National Football League (NFL) lockout has ended and players and owners have come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. For fans of the NFL this is wonderful news. The season will proceed, and players and owners will once again be able to accumulate millions of dollars for their hard work.

Ray Lewis

                The great news however, is that society will now be safe.  Safe from the predicted crime wave that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis warned us would be coming if the season did not proceed. Lewis knows a bit about crime as he was present during a homicide in which he never clearly explained  what happened, so when he speaks about crime I listen. After all he is in touch with those groups of people more than I am so if he says that if the NFL doesn’t play it would create a major crime wave as fans would have nothing else to do but commit crimes, I listen.  It makes sense because if I can’t watch games on TV on Sundays I guess my only other option is to knock off a liquor store or commit some other crime.  Some people would mistakenly believe that people may choose to do something like go to a beach or a lake or spend time with their family if no games were on. Others might fantasize that people might  get to know their next door neighbors and create real communities as they might be outside working or playing rather than being glued to the television.  However, they would most likely be wrong as Lewis probably has a better sense of the pulse of the average football fan.

Mackenzie McGrady Hurdling a Rooster!

                After all, I am sure that Roger Goodell and the marketing departments for the NFL and its teams would concur that the primary target group for NFL fans is those who commit crimes when bored.  After all aren’t those the people who will be spending their hard earned, or rather stolen, money on the variety of products that sponsors hawk on television and at the games? What organization would not be proud when their team gear is represented in mug shots? I haven’t done the research yet, but I am assume that Lewis did since he has spent time in higher education at the University of Miami, probably as a criminal justice major, that if we look at statistics we would see a sudden decrease in crime every fall. As football season ends in the late winter/ early spring we probably would see a huge spike in criminal activity as the NBA obviously can’t detract fans violence prone behavior as well as football. I am so happy that the lockout is over as I now feel as if I will be able to once again walk the streets in safety, leave my doors and windows wide open, and leave my keys in my car where I won’t lose them anymore. America is once again safe from crime! Way to go players and owners for your wonderful civic consciousness!

Adrian Peterson

                In other ways though, I am sad that the lockout is over. Despite the great lack of crime we are about to experience, we have once again signed players to contracts that still place them into an unacceptable social position. As Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings running back, so aptly observed during the lockout players are once again relegated to a form of slavery that is unacceptable for any forward thinking person. After all, how are these players supposed to live free lives when they have to live in the city where their employment is for six months out of the year?  I mean imagine if you were working for Microsoft and they actually expected you to move to the Seattle area just because their headquarters are their? How crazy would that be?    Peterson is right,  Kunta Kinte would be appalled at his working conditions.  How could any owner expect his players to live under such horrific conditions?  Paying them millions of dollars per year only to trade or sell them when their productivity wanes? What do these owners expect these players to do save up some of the money they pay them for the day when their playing days are over?  No I am afraid that as fans we will once again be mesmerized by the thrill of the game and completely forget the inhumane lifestyle that the owners force these players to undertake. The end of the lockout means that we will unfortunately be condoning modern day slavery once again.

Christopher Watkins and Mackenzie McGrady

                Most importantly I will miss the lockout for the entertainment value that it provided.  During the season when players are under contract they are restricted in what they say to the media. They self impose bans on speech in order to not provide bulletin board material for other teams.  Management also has greater control over messages as they want to protect their brand image. So in this era of coach and player speak it is hard to get great quotes from players like Peterson and Lewis. So unfortunately we will be back to the standard lines such as “we just need to step it up on defense next week because they are a great offensive team.”

                I do have to admit though that here in Europe the lockout has been an amusing side show as it has been an exciting time for football. The USA once again won the World Championships in Austria in July, National leagues have been crowning champions all over Europe and the game continues to grow and develop. We at the Butchers are once again in a hunt for a seventh consecutive championship with a very young and inexperienced team who continues to show great enthusiasm for the game. Last night we defeated the Lapeneranta Border Knights in an incredibly exciting game 48-45. Last time we played them we came from behind to win 60-54. This time the Knights went up 45-41 with 37 seconds left  in the game on a  pass from Dan Selway from Redlands University to Nate Kmik their new import from Mount Union College and the NCAA D-III player of the year. However due to rules determining playoff position they needed to beat us by 7 points to get homefield advantage in the playoffs so they went for it and tried an on side kick. We recovered and scored a touchdown with 17 seconds left. They were not finished however as they drove down the field and were threatening to tie the game until with 8 seconds left Layton Brown stepped in front of a Selway pass and intercepted it to seal the victory and a guaranteed second seed in the playoffs and home field advantage. It was a great game for URHO TV and an exciting battle to the end. The television ratings here continue to rise as well so maybe we can link a drop in the crime rate here in Finland to the growth of the game. Blessings to you!

One of two safeties for our defense against the Helsinki Roosters

Sobs In Switzerland

Emma, Brenna and Grayson at Mummiworld

It is raining today in Zurich, and not only outside. Inside the terminal I sit and sob. Tears flow as I watch the Air Canada flight bound for Toronto and eventually onto Seattle rise into the sky taking my kids back home to the states after a wonderful 2 ½ week  holiday in Finland. They arrived on July 6^th and the last few weeks have been filled with busyness, crowded living conditions in my studio apartment in Porvoo, conflict between siblings, joy, laughter and hugs.  I have a friend here who chides Americans for always saying “I love you.” This is actually a fairly common stereotype of us yanks that we effuse emotions at the drop of a hat and say things that we half mean. This is in stark contrast to the Finnish way of dealing with things in a precise and matter of fact manner. If you say this was the greatest experience of your life then it had better be exactly that, THE GREATEST. While I understand the honesty in the Finnish approach it also leaves much room for emotions to be expressed openly, for praise to be lavished, and appreciation felt. While we Americans often are “over the top,” today’s tears are heartfelt as I already miss my kids and I do love them very much. In fact watching them fly away I wonder do they know how much? Have I demonstrated it enough? It was so hard to watch Grayson fight back the tears and wipe them away in his blanket while holding his new Mummi as he boarded the plane.

Grayson using his artistic abilities

                This is especially a hard question for me as I have had to be away from them for the better part of 6 months each of the last two years, as I coach overseas. Don’t get me wrong I am no hero serving my country in a foreign land in the armed forces. The dedication of those men and women is incredible and they deserve all the credit they can get. I am simply a football coach trying to eek out a living coaching a game that I love and influence people with the reality that God loves them. I hope that in that process I can also overcome some of the stereotypes of Americans that foreigners have and represent my country in some small way with the sharing of our culture through a very American sport. However, my feelings of sadness being away from my kids are no less real than those serving in our military. And if the stereotype of being overly emotional is judged on my feelings today I will not be able to overcome that! The joy I had when they were here was immeasurable. Being able to walk around Porvoo, have lunch with them every day at Walgrens, go to the grocery store and just live a daily life in Finland was wonderful. As was swimming in the sea, going to Mummiworld and visiting historic sites. But nothing compared to having them come and hug me at half-time and at the end of our games as they endured the heat, and yes at times boredom of watching a game. For a 5-year-old a football game can seem like an eternity!

Brenna at the Porvoo Fire Station

                Those hugs, those whispers of ”I love you daddy” and the smiles of wonder as they tried to figure out Finland will keep me going for many more weeks. I am so thankful to be able to share my life here with them, but as the plane flew away those same memories brought about streams of tears as I realized how wonderful they were. We have a game tomorrow and I won’t be getting those halftime hugs and that makes me sad.

Emma and Mummimaiden

               But it also reminds me that while what I am doing is important in many ways, it is still a game. If we lose a game will I feel badly? Yes, will it hurt like I hurt right now, it shouldn’t. You see these children of mine remind me of what is really important-relationships. We hope this year to win a record setting seventh straight Finnish National Championship, a dominant display in any sport at any level. However, this season has already been a wonderful one as I feel like we have bonded as a team and developed solid lifelong relationships. This young team has come together in a spirit of fun, challenge and adventure and has challenged once again for the top spot in Finnish American Football. While the accomplishment may be monumental it is overshadowed in my mind by the development of those relationships that we share. The memories of traveling , the stories that will be told for years to come about times with guys on the field and off are what this experience is really all about.

Brenna showing off her chipmunk cheeks

 Having the team rally around me as my kids were here was wonderful. The American players Layton, Mac, and Chris were so giving in allowing us use of the car when we needed it. Videos were generously loaned so that kids could enjoy movies such as Harry Potter, Shawn the Sheep, Ice Age,and Cars during spare times at the apartment. Play dates and swimming with other kids also helped in my kids cultural experience and added to the fun.  I will always remember this time and treasure it, not only for what it meant to my kids but for the lessons I learned on perspective.

                The sun pokes out occasionally here in Zurich as I write this and my disposition lightens at times. I think of those times I have had and while I would like to have more of them I also am so thankful for what I did receive in time, warmth, and being able to be a dad while in a difficult spot occupationally and relationally. Thanks Butchers for the gift of my kids for the time they were here! What a blessing! It still makes me cry though!  Americans. Go figure!

Grayson and I in Turku

The Groke and Mummins!

Hometown Heroes

Hometown Heroes

Porvoo Old Town

We have been blessed at the Butchers with great players who not only have spent the time and effort to hone their skills at playing American Football but also are great people. I want to introduce you to three of them who have had incredible careers on the field but also have served their communities honorably off the field as well.  Pasi Lautala, Sebastian Karbin and Ville Kurvinen all have professions that are essential to the safety of the community but they have also demonstrated incredible passion for the game of football.

Last week in my talk with the team before the game I used a quote from the legendary painter Vincent Van Gogh who declared, “Your profession is not what brings home your paycheck. Your profession is what you were put on earth to do. With such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling.”  These three exhibit this sense of passion for the game of football and it has been a calling. They have delighted fans with their exploits and yet they are excellent at what does bring home their paychecks as well so I would like you to get to know them.

Pasi Lautala #73

             Pasi Lautala is the heart and soul of our offensive line this year. Pasi was awarded our “Butcher of the Year” award last year for the player who gave the most to the team and exemplified the ideals and character of excellence that we strive for. Pasi is not only a great player for us, but is also a board member with many management responsibilities off the field as well. He would argue that this is what makes him late to everything but we all know that is not the truth! In fact if Pasi is ever early to something it is because someone told him the wrong time or there is food that he is looking forward to! regardless of his tardiness there is no one on the Butchers with a kinder and gentler heart and he has done everything in his power to move the team forward.

Lautala blocking against the Border Knights

            On the field, Pasi plays our right guard position. Last year he was flanked by one of the greatest players in Finnish football history, Seppo Evwaraye, who played at Nebraska, which I won’t hold against him, and with the Minnesota Vikings. This year with Seppo’s retirement, Sami Moilanen has joined us and takes Seppo’s position. I did not realize that this spot also holds the responsibility for getting Pasi to and from practices and games but apparently it does. Sami does have an advantage this year however as he has a car and can dictate times to Pasi when he is driving whereas poor Seppo was at the mercy of “Pasi time!” Pasi has been honored by being named to the Finnish national team for many years and has played in many European and World Championships representing his country. Pasi plays through injury and pain every week and I am amazed at his dedication.

            Off the field Pasi is a police officer with the K-9 unit. He has trained dogs and works with them on his shifts. His latest dog is a German shepherd who usually listens to Pasi, but not always, which can be quite amusing. Pasi was on the police force here in Porvoo for many years but this year was transferred to Vantaa about a 50 KM drive each way for him every day. He now works there with another of our lineman who Pasi recruited to play, Kristoffer Lind, who as a rookie has performed wonderfully this year. Whether through routine patrols or in a situation such as the McDonalds shootings here last year, Pasi has proven to be a wonderful public servant. He has a beautiful wife, who should be awarded sainthood for her patience with all of his football pursuits, and two lovely little girls.  As a dad, husband, police officer, friend and football player he is exemplary, and his passion for all of those things cannot be stronger! Kiitos Pasi!

Sebastian Karbin #68

            Sebastian Karbin, or Seba, is an amazing football player. As Mackenzie McGrady, our American QB, commented after his first practice with Seba, “I am sure glad he is on our team, holy crap!” Seba is our outside linebacker and along with Tero Kontiainen and Layton Brown forms a very formidable line backing crew. But Seba stands out for his bone crushing hits. Last season Seba learned how to read the lineman in front of him and became better at using his hands to get off blocks and since that time has become a nightmare for other teams. He was named the Maple League’s defensive player of the year last season and also played exceptionally well in the European Championships for Finland. Seba demonstrates natural power, speed and a love for hitting that is a rare combination. He plays through incredible pain and this year has been playing on a dislocated big toe for much of the season. In another game he had a fever of 104 degrees F but played out of his mind. In our first game this season against the Roosters he dominated the game and created the fumble and picked it up for the games only touchdown. Oh, and just for good measure he gave the QB a nice shove before jumping on the football to score.  He is one of those players on defense who can set the tempo of a game with a big hit or crucial turnover. We almost did not have Seba this year as he was contemplating retiring. I am so glad he didn’t and I hope our fans are as well because he is at the peak of his game and every week delivers a show that is spectacular.

Seba creating a fumble and recovering it for a touchdown.

            Off the field Seba also serves as a police officer here in Porvoo. He is well respected in the community and is a credit to the police force. It is always a welcome sight to see Seba pop out of his police van and come walking over to say hi. I don’t know if any criminals know what would happen if they tried to run from Seba as they would feel the pain for days if he tackled them.  Seba, along with Pasi has competed in the World Police Games many times as well. These are athletic competitions for police officers from around the world and this year  they are in New York City. Seba is one of those players who you love as a coach because they give you everything they have and they make you look really good both on the field and off! I am honored to work with Seba and told him after last week’s game that they should put up a statue of him on the waterfront!

Ville Kurvinen #44

            Ville Kurvinen is a phenomenal receiver. He runs great routes, has excellent hands and wonderful body control. He will make the clutch reception when a game is on the line and also comes up with amazing diving catches. Ville has also played on the National team here in Finland and was recognized as one of the top 50 greatest Finnish players of all time by the SAJL (Suomi American Football Federation) at their 30^th anniversary in 2009. Ville has also played defensive end, punter, and kicker for us! He is an amazing athlete and incredibly humble. He has the boyish good looks of former All-pro San Diego Chargers Receiver Lance Allworth and plays very similar. Of course he will have no idea who that is as I am showing my age, but trust me it is a compliment.  Ville also blocks well which says a lot about a receiver in my book. Ville is such a joy to be around because he is very even keeled, has a great disposition and always has smile on his face, a rare thing for a Finn indeed. He loves to play!  He is not only our big play receiver he is our best possession receiver as well. In one game a few weeks ago there was a crucial 3^rd down pass that we needed to complete. The ball sailed high right toward me on the sidelines and I instantly had bad thoughts. But then out of nowhere, Ville jumped up, snagged the ball and got his feet back down in bounds to extend the drive.  It was a game winning catch as it allowed us to keep moving the ball and run out the clock when we were deep in our own territory.

Kurvinen with a great catch!

            Ville, like Pasi and Seba also serves his community off the field. However, Ville is a fireman here in Porvoo. Ville has helped on many different emergencies here in Porvoo including the Porvoo Cathedral fire a few years ago. He has been kind enough to show my kids and I around the firehouse on tours which we loved. He is truly an amazing person with a dedication to the things he does which is second to none!

Getting ready before a game

            Often here in Europe, the American imports get most of the glory and they are usually deserving for their on the field performances. However I am proud to be able to highlight these local heroes of the gridiron as they are the heart of Finnish American Football. They not only play at extremely high levels often matching that of their American counterparts but they also serve our community with grace, humility and courage! I also am proud to call them friends.

The Porvoo Cathedral