American Football Coaches Foundation

A Coach's Influence

by Grant Teaff

I dreamed a dream, but I had my doubts.
"You can do it," he said, "I'll teach you how."
I tried and tried, he said I should.
I gave it my best, he knew I would.
Lessons taught on the field of strife,
Have been invaluable, as I've faced life.
When challenges come my way,
I always think, what would he say?
His inspiring words I hear even now,
"You can do it. I taught you how."
Now, others dream, and have their doubts.
I say, "You can do it, I'll teach you how."
The influence continues.

- Tim Teykl
Terry High School (Texas) 

"Why did I decide to honor my high school coaches? The reasons are numerous, but mainly I did so because they had such an immense impact on my life -- so much so that I am now a 26-year coaching veteran. I knew at an early age, around junior high, that I wanted to be a coach. That decision was directly due to their efforts. Values they taught included hard work, grit and determination, mixed with effort and toughness. These values gave us all a chance on the field as well as in the game of life. Not many days pass by in my adult life when I don't depend upon the skills they taught me years ago.

When I first saw this venue of honoring coaches, I couldn't wait to get the ball rolling. Just think about it: a perpetual display in a first class setting of two of the most influential coaches in my life.

The grandest thing was when they learned of the honor. Man was that something! That was a day I know they'll never forget, nor will I."

- Amos Floyd
Fredricksburg ISD
(Texas)

"My Dad [Amos Floyd] will be 89 years old in September. He coached for 29 years with 23 of those at Fredericksburg ISD. He did indeed touch many lives! It was a Sunday afternoon when we visited. It was so very nice to have the courtyard available on the weekend! Thank you again. Your help, and the AFCA, made our visit a memory that will be cherished"

- Amy Feller
Principal
Bynum ISD (Texas)