I think one of the most difficult tasks for coaches is communicating to players when and where they should feel comfortable to shoot the ball.  “Kids” who love to play basketball, and play a lot, don’t seem to grasp the “that’s not your shot” message.  However difficult the message, it is essential that players know … More Do It for Your Momma

nd, if so, He’s “got” every circumstance! We cannot rise beyond the “lid” of His mercy, grace, and leadership. … More Set Your Sights to Greater Heights

Gisele Bundchen Gisele is the richest super-model on planet earth.  During Super Bowl 51, Fox TV couldn’t help but cut to her luxury box seats every few minutes as #12 began to bring his team back from sure defeat.  The producers masterfully documented her emotions over several hours which ranged from utter despair to utter joy. … More Giselle, Tom Brady, Tom Barry and Why I Can’t Stop Thinking About the Super Bowl

“French fry, French fry, tater tot, you’re a Tiger…You, you’re a Rock!” … More Of “Tigers” and “Rocks”

    “Hey Coach Wire, I’m Kent Murphree.  Welcome to Ark City, we’re glad you’re here and we are going to win the 5A state championship!”  This part of the story may not be chronologically accurate but the statement was made very early in our coach/player relationship. Though somewhat skeptical, I was encouraged at his … More “MURPH”

At a certain time in my career there was a job high on my priority list that seemed like a perfect fit…to me.  In my mind I was the “heir apparent”, the person who was supposed to get the job, the next in line.  When that didn’t happen I respectfully approached a member of the … More Sometimes You just don’t know what you don’t know!

The day after Thanksgiving was one of the best days of the year for this basketball coach.  No Black Fridays, and many of the family gatherings moved to the gym to watch basketball practice. The Friday after Thanksgiving was the first live look against someone other than teammates, the Alumni Scrimmage.  We did this at … More Basketball on Black Fridays: the Alumni Scrimmage

March 12, 1982, I remember it like it was yesterday.  Well, not really! But sometime in March of 1982 I received a phone call and accepted my first coaching and teaching job. I was going to be an Altoona/Midway Jet. “Lefty” A few days prior to the phone call I had my first teaching interview … More “Lefty, Jesus, and Bobby Knight”

I can’t believe this is my 35th year in education.  I am certain there are former teachers, coaches, students, and athletes who will concur and ponder the thought of me lasting 35 years in the public school system.  Some might even use such evidence to support President-elect Trump’s claim that public education is a “disaster.”  … More A blog…35 years in the making

Even though they dedicate much of their waking hours to helping others, educators rarely receive positive recognition. In fact, many caring, competent, and devoted teachers bring their very best to students every day – sometimes going months without positive acknowledgement. I have received an unusual amount of recognition recently. I completed my dissertation in November … More Recognition Isn’t Always What It’s Cracked Up to Be