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