Vince D'Adamo: Pitch counts -- I can take them or leave them

If there is one thing that I learned in my 18 years as a sports journalist, the quickest to way to start a debate among baseball zealouts at the levels of high school or younger is to have a discussion about pitch counts or throwing curveballs.

Both are polarizing discussions and, no, I’m not writing this column just to get hits on this website. Seriously, I’m just a water delivery guy and I get paid maybe 10 cents a month to maintain this blog. I can’t even buy a Jolly Rancher for that much money. Anyhow, the purpose of this column is to get you to think.

I get comic relief when I hear an old-timer (and I say that with respect) grovel, “Well, back in the day we didn’t have relief pitchers. Guys used to throw nine innings and not get hurt. Today’s pitchers are soft. Today’s pitchers get babied!”

For openers, just because someone throws 150 pitches without getting hurt does not mean it’s right. My speedometer once (well,more than once but I digress) reached 80 miles per hour on Interstate 80 and I didn’t get a speeding ticket but that doesn’t mean that I abided by the law. It just means no police officer had a radar gun nearby as I was driving.

I have mixed feelings about pitch counts because it’s a situation with many variables, yet some people make it a hard-and-fast rule. It’s not that simple.

When you go to a car dealership to buy a vehicle, not every car will get the same gas mileage. Let’s face it, a Honda Accord will get greater gas mileage than any random, gas-guzzling SUV.

Honestly, I believe injuries are just as likely to happen as a result of repeated poor mechanics rather than sheer number of pitches. However, pitch counts are also a moot point because I don’t know of too many youngsters under the age of 21 that are going to sustain proper mechanics for over 100 pitches anyhow.

So what about teaching youngsters how to throw a curveball? In general, I’m definitely of the belief that one should not learn to throw it too soon because of the pressure it places on the tendons. Too many at a young age and you’ll have trouble even putting on your shirt at age 40.

However, I also believe that before teaching a kid to throw any specialty pitches, he had better be able to throw a fastball for a strike consistently. If he can’t throw a fastball for a strike, what makes you think he can throw a curveball or slider for a strike? And if he can’t throw strikes he’s no good to you, me or the man on the moon.

Putting a kid on the mound without warming them up can be a problem as well.

“Hey kid, it’s the fifth inning and you have been standing in right field for an hour. So, here’s your eight warm-up pitches, now go strike out this next batter — we need an out.”

Fastballs on a cold arm can be damaging as well.

Unfortunately that’s part of the problem you get at the high school and lower levels where kids double as pitchers and position players.

There really is no way around it.

Whereas when someone is strictly a pitcher, they can get up in the bullpen and get the adequate number of warm-up pitches.

Though I have never been a pitching coach, nor do I know enough to qualify as an expert, I do know this much — pitching is all about mechanics. If a kid is taught the correct delivery mechanics, they can throw a curveball and not damage their arm. However, I strongly believe that teaching a kid the right way to throw a changeup can get just as effective results as a curveball.

In a nutshell, I think teaching a kid to throw specialty pitches before teaching the proper mechanics is putting the cart before the horse. That’s no different than when you coach basketball, you want a kid to execute a simple bounce pass first before teaching a behind-the-back pass.

Time Out with Manny Johnson (former Napa Valley high school volleyball coach)

Vince D’Adamo: Regardless of school, what is the No. 1 thing that brings you back to coaching high school athletics?

Manny Johnson: Watching kids grow as athletes, competitors, and people. Taking a diverse group of kids and seeing then coalesce as a team and working for each other is an awesome feeling. The part that is unique to high school and what I miss when coaching club is competing for a school. What I have missed the most about coaching at the varsity level is competing for league and section championships.

D’Adamo:It is often said that athletics and academics coexist, how much have you found that to be true?

Johnson: I am a teacher first and foremost and my classroom happens to be the gym when I coach. I feel like people forget the word student in the phrase "student athlete."  Coaching is teaching and if we approach our program with that mentality then academics will always take precedent. I just had to talk to one of my athletes today about an SAT class that conflicts with practice. I laid it out for her that time management is just as if not more important than athletic ability. No matter how good of an athlete you are you won’t be able to compete if you don't make grades.  The athlete and I looked at what options are available to her and can she manage to do both without missing practice.  In the end I told her that we would support whatever decision she makes but if she's not at practice others may pass her by.  The key word is may, if she's still our best option she plays. Period.

D’Adamo: Beyond victories and defeats, when bringing in a coach, what are common denominator qualities you seek?

Johnson: I'm really lucky because I inherited a JV coach who is also a teacher.  He has been great.  We just hired a freshman coach who has a background in community service and is also well versed in teaching.  She has been coaching 13s at the club level and had great success teaching 7th graders not only fundamental skills but also how to compete and how to work together, no easy feat.  So I guess what I look for is an ability to relate to the kids and teaching ability.  Kids don't care how much you know until they know how much you care, so having someone who truly cares about their players is of paramount importance.

D’Adamo: From the student-athlete perspective, what life lessons do you hope they learn from sports?

Johnson: Time management, responsibility, accountability, empathy, being a good teammate. Learning and learning how to learn. Awareness of the role not just on the team but in the program, in the classroom, at home. Learn how to compete in a supportive environment.  This seems to be the hardest, how can we compete for each other's position yet still support each other?  I have found that the best way to do that is to make it all about the team and team success. Easier said than done.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Johnson: My kids. Becoming a dad at 25 was truly life changing.  It made me a better coach.  I coach my athletes the way I want my daughter to be coached.  My daughter also inspires me with the way she pursues her goals and her work ethic.  My daughter has calmed me down. My son has also been a tremendous influence on me.  He was born with a congenital heart condition, tetralogy of fallot, a genetic disorder, 22Q a partial deletion of his 22nd chromosome, kidney issues, and other challenges.  Yet he is the sweetest, friendliest kid you'll ever meet.  He is the strongest, most resilient person I have ever met.   In the last six months he has had three surgeries.  My son reminds me daily that miracles happen all the time.  Seeing how he has dealt with all the different issues he faces makes me remember that it's not what happens to us that defines us, it's how we respond to the challenges we face that defines the kind of person we are.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet. What would intrigue you about meeting him or her?

Johnson: Wow what an interesting question. I have been lucky enough to meet some of my heels/idols and it has had a little bit of a Wizard of Oz feel to it.  Socrates, Jesus, John Wooden, and Jerry Garcia come to mind but while that would make an interesting dinner party it doesn't quite answer your question. If I had to pick just one person I think it would be Johannes Kepler, the scientist who discovered that the planets rotate around the sun and not the earth.  I would love to know how he was able to stay true to his theory in the face of everyone else telling him he was wrong.  To me someone who has that much conviction in his beliefs even though they defied general convention is someone I want to learn from.  I want to know what sparked his curiosity and made him pursue a hypothesis that went against the common belief at the time, where he found the courage and the strength to tell the world they were wrong, and I want to know what it was that drove him.

Time Out with Greg Schmitz (former Justin-Siena High administrator/coach)

Vince D’Adamo: Be it as an administrator or coach, what did you enjoy most about being involved in athletics?

Greg Schmitz: In being involved at the high school level most of my career (28 at Justin-Siena, five at De La Salle and now four at Sacred Heart Cathedral), what really excited me was observing the growth student/athletes showed over the course of four years. Students start as ninth graders with a lot of potential and with good programs with good coaches develop important life skills and fulfill the school's learning expectations by the time they graduate. As a basketball coach I really enjoyed game nights. Nothing beats a packed high school gym with two top teams going at each other.

D’Adamo: It is often said that athletics and academics coexist, how much have you found that to be true?

Schmitz: It is so much more than just co-existing. Schools have a responsibility to educate the entire child. To do so they need strong co-curricular programs including visual and performing arts, athletics, student leadership programs, campus ministry, service programs, etc. I would hate to be at a high school that did not offer an athletic program.

D’Adamo: Beyond victories and defeats, when bringing in a coach, what are common denominator qualities you seek?

Schmitz: Along with knowledge of the game and experience (and at times maybe even more importantly), I look for coaches who have strong relationship skills, are good communicators, have a sense of humor, are hard workers, are responsible, and are willing to take critique. When hiring at a religious school you also need a coach who demonstrates a faith element. The best coaches I had the pleasure of being a part of hiring (John O'Connor, Dave Shipp, Rich Cotruvo, Tom Bonfigli, Bruce Halverson, Marsha Niemann, Allen Rossi, Bob Spinelli, Mike Boles, and Kelly Porter to name a few) all fully bought into and lived the mission of the school. Kudos to my athletic director, Lynn McCarroll, for finding all these folks.

D’Adamo: From the student-athlete perspective, what life lessons do you hope they learn from sports?

Schmitz: My hope is all student/athletes demonstrate and develop the values and/or principles of integrity, patience, collaboration, thought, problem solving, hard work, resiliency, hope, and love.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Schmitz: Robert Schmitz, my father, taught me to see goodness in all people. He was heavily involved in youth athletic leadership with both track and field and Little League baseball. Chris, my wife, has been an inspiration to me. While I was out coaching (at JSHS  for 10 years) or officiating (high school and collegiate basketball and baseball), she has raised our seven children and now helps with three grandchildren.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet. What would intrigue you about meeting him or her?

Schmitz: I really enjoy sports and would love to have dinner with Willie Mays, Stephen Curry, Jon Miller, Will Clark, and Jeff Gordon. Jesus Christ would be the historical figure that would be beyond intriguing to me.

Time Out with Mike Taylor (2001 Vintage High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo: What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout

your life?

Mike Taylor: I really enjoy competing against some of the best athletes to play the game. I enjoy reflecting on the successes and failures that each game or moment has taught me about life.

D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school?

Taylor: I started my own business out of college. After that I got into software sales and I still play Independent baseball in the Pacific Association

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Vintage High?

Taylor: PE with Billy Smith of course

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Taylor: I think I have grown quite a bit since high school. Although I still do youthful activities (like baseball and Disneyland). I trace everything I know now back to athletics and rely on the experiences I have had athletically for my everyday life. Just like athletics I still have a lot to learn about myself and this world we live in.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Taylor: Definitely my parents and my brother. Each of them give me perspectives on life that sometimes I look over. They have been a huge help with my life today.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Taylor: JFK.

Time Out with Nick Pedisich (2001 Justin-Siena High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo:  What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Nick Pedisich: Competition and athletics have been forefront in my life for as long as I can remember. There are so many aspects of competition and athletics that mirror the challenges of everyday life, and I think that’s what makes it so unique. What I have enjoyed most is forming so many lifelong relationships from sports, and the friendships and memories I’ll have that will last a lifetime.

D’Adamo:  What have you been doing since graduating from high school?

Pedisich: After graduating high school in 2001, I moved to Santa Barbara and attended UCSB.  I had the time of my life down there, but we’ll just say that for those years school took a back seat to other things as I struggled with priorities.  I moved to Sacramento and graduated from California State University, Sacramento in 2007 (Better late than never). The week after graduating, I started working for Paul Hanson Partners in Napa, as an insurance broker for the transportation industry.  I am lucky to say that I’m still with Paul Hanson working on my ninth year. My beautiful wife, Sara, led me to the Central Valley where I now live, in Ripon, with our new baby boy, Hudson.

D’Adamo:What was your favorite class at Justin-Siena High?

Pedisich: I would have to say that any classes taught by Mr. Roark or Mr. O’Connor were at the top of my list.  They were amazing teachers. Coach Bonfigli’s Government/Econ class was also very colorful.

D’Adamo:  What was your favorite athletic moment at Justin-Siena High?

Pedisich: Singular moments are hard to identify. Winning the team NorCal Golf Championship when I was a freshman has to be up there, because golf has such a crazy mixture of individualism and teamwork, and at that time, winning the CIF NorCal’s was as far as we could go as a team .  There was no State Championship like there is now. However, when I look back on my high school athletic career, being apart of the 1999-2000 varsity basketball team and being on the floor to start the home playoff game against Bret Harte sticks out. That team was probably the most talented basketball team, in my opinion, ever to come out of JSHS. We had a three headed monster of Garrett Halverson, Derek Flegal and Jerrad Bullock, along with a deep supporting cast.  In the game against Bret Harte, a second round home playoff game at Justin Siena, Garrett went off for 49 points in front of a packed house at Dan Clark Gym. I got the start that night, and the energy in the crowd, all knowing they were watching something special, is something I won’t ever forget. We went on to lose the next game against Colfax in the final seconds, and had we won, we’d have played at Arco Arena for the section championship.

D’Adamo:  How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Pedisich: As I mentioned above, sports/competition/athletics have a way of mirroring the challenges of everyday life.  It builds a foundation for who you become when adulthood arrives.  For me, though, I immediately reflect on the people that helped instill these attributes such as hard work, team work, focus, integrity, respect, and the ability to overcome adversity.  Coach Tom Bonfigli and coach Tim Malloy were two extremely influential coaches/role models that I believe drove the importance of these qualities and helped shape the man I am today.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Pedisich: I would have to say that my Dad, Dennis Pedisich, has been the most influential person to me.  My Dad is one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever been around.  He instilled in me that if I’m going to do something, whether it’s something important or mundane, that I better give max effort at all times and do it right.  He never cared whether I scored 20 points, or whether I threw a complete game, or whether I shot 68 or 82.  He wanted me to play hard, keep my composure (still working on that), have fun, and respect the game.  That is something that I’m going to pass on to my son Hudson and any future children down the road.  The results are important…but not nearly as important as the effort and having fun.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Pedisich: I just watched an incredible documentary on the late Joe Roth, the Cal quarterback from the 1970’s who died at 21 years old from cancer in the prime of his college football career, on the verge of being the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft.  His whole story was heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time, and the person he was far exceeded his football abilities.  To be the kind of person he was at 21 is absolutely incredible.  I would recommend everyone watch his documentary…Don’t Quit, The Joe Roth Story.

And a side note, if you coordinate Travis Aspegren’s wishes to talk music with Carrie Underwood, I’d request to be there too.  It’s for science.

Time Machine 2012: When I became bitter about Twitter

Just a few months ago, I shared my views about Twitter and how excessive use of it has worsened the fundamentals of journalism:

http://vincedadamo.blogspot.com/2015/05/excessive-twitter-use-has-worsened.html

That is a viewpoint that I wholeheartedly stand behind. For openers, Twitter only allows 150 characters to tell a story. My biggest issue with that approach is, “Really? So what I have to say is so insignificant that you are only allowing me 150 characters to tell the story.” That cryptic style is about 1/200th of a story, which is actually worse than no story at all.

I have a story to share from November 2012 that confirmed why I needed to get out of the newspaper industry because it was changing in ways I was not on board with relevant to the social media influence. I eventually did leave the industry in December 2014 though I have not given up writing. This blog serves its purpose as an outlet.

I love Facebook to keep in touch with people I seldom see and to entertain people with certain posts. However, when it comes to social media and traditional media, the two don’t belong together. Sadly, the lines have become exceedingly blurred because any crackpot with a computer and/or Twitter account can spew nonsense.

In November 2012, my conscience got to me so much so that I couldn’t look myself in the mirror. I was covering the CIF North Coast Section D-IV playoffs in Richmond between St. Helena and Salesian. St. Helena won that game 29-25 in what is undoubtedly a game in very select company in my career that I remember. St. Helena High quarterback Richard Hoppe, who set numerous school records, left the game with a mild concussion early in the third quarter with St. Helena trailing 19-15 against the two-time reigning NCS D-IV champs. St. Helena rallied for the win despite being without Hoppe.

St. Helena was slated to play the next round against San Marin at home with Hoppe being a “game time” decision. So me, Vince D’Adamo, Mr. anti-Twitter starts longing on to see Hoppe’s page to see if he would drop any hints of playing in the next game. The second time I did it, I looked in the mirror and screamed, “Did I just do that?” I couldn’t hide from reality. I did it.

OK, it gets better. Knowing I am the St. Helena Saints beat writer, I had about 10 people texting me the day of the game against San Marin with questions of “Is Hoppe playing?” Since it was a playoff game, I arrived about an hour and a half before kickoff. There were a smattering of Saints jogging on to the field for pregame warmups with just helmets, shirts and “below the waist” pads. I look and ask, “Is Richard one of them?” I’ve known the kid since he was 9. That’s part of being a small town reporter. I see a skinny white kid throw the ball and say, “That’s Richard. So I text the same people and say, “Richard’s warming up.”

Right before kickoff, I get more texts saying, “Let me know if Richard is playing.” Knowing the young man as I do I thought, “If this is a regular season game versus a subpar team like Lower Lake, he sits, but he’s a competitor. If he can play, he will.” So he walks on the field for the Saints first play and I text, “Richard’s playing. Are you happy now?” Somehow, the text got on to Twitter and knowing how anti-Twitter I was, the second sentence did not go over well but I didn’t care.

The Saints lost 32-26. Hoppe threw for 200-plus yards and two TDs.

The prevailing thought when I got home was, “I feel dirty. I need a shower.”

Time Out with Jason Cardwell (2001 Vintage High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo: What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Jason Cardwell: Sports were a huge part of my life growing up, and was something that I always looked forward to doing every chance I could, whether it was traveling every weekend for baseball games and tournaments or every night all the kids in the neighborhood getting together to play baseball in the street in front of my house. You create a bond with the people you play with, and learn to be selfless, not selfish, as a player and a person which is what being apart of a team is suppose to be about.

D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school?

Cardwell: After high school I went up to Oregon to play baseball and then played summer ball in La Crosse Wisconsin for the Loggers. In 2004, I started working for CAL FIRE and in 2013, I was promoted to Engineer and currently work at Yountville Station. In 2014, I married my beautiful wife, Amanda, and we are expecting our first baby in February 2016.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Vintage High?

Cardwell: Mr. Scrivner’s Physics class.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Vintage High?

Cardwell: Not one moment jumps out to me there were a lot of great moments, but our senior year football team is one that im sure a lot of us can relate to as a big part of our athletic career at Vintage.  We had a brand new coaching staff with some old legendary Vintage and Napa head coach named Les Franco who ran the triple option, yuck. The staff also included coaches like Mike Hall, who was our offensive coordinator and my 7th and 8th grade P.E teacher at redwood middle school, our offensive line coach Jon Conner who would jokingly call me a wide tackle because I had more of a blocking roll in our offence than a receiving roll but it was also what made our passing game so good. As a team, we came together trusted the coaches and just played the game hard and had fun.

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Cardwell: I think personally the reality of life is no one wants to really grow up and have responsibilities, but team sports in school instills a sense of responsibility and has taught everyone who has played a sport pride and ownership in whatever they do including life and I’m no different.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Cardwell: My parents, grandparents and sister all have been influential in my life and I’m grateful and fortunate to have that.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Cardwell: Mickey Mantle.

Time Out with Allen Rossi (former Justin-Siena baseball head coach)

Vince D’Adamo: Though you have stepped away from coaching, what was the No. 1 thing that kept you coming back to coaching every season? Allen Rossi: The No. 1 thing that kept me coming back every season was coaching and teaching the game of baseball to a new group of kids. Each season is different and every team has its challenges. I always tried to put kids in positions to succeed, not fail. We did a really good job of doing that and at the end of the year when you see how much players have grown and have gotten better that is what made me proud. D’Adamo: You took over a Justin-Siena baseball program on two occasions that would be classified as turnarounds. What was your vision for the Braves baseball program based on what you wanted them to become? Rossi: My vision has always been to teach life lessons through baseball. What you put in to something is what you will get out of it. I am a big believer in teaching and working on fundamentals. I have always surrounded myself with great assistant coaches (Mitch Boggs, Scott Wright, Rick Leonard, Jim Campbell, Spencer Czekalewski, Tim Malloy) who had the same vision. The hardest part about coaching is getting the kids to buy into your program and trusting you and what you are teaching. I have been blessed that all my teams have done that and that's the biggest reason why we were successful. D’Adamo: Though certain people might first associate you with Justin-Siena, you also coached for several years with the Joe DiMaggio League, what did you enjoy most about those years? Rossi: Coaching summer baseball in the Napa Valley Joe DiMaggio League is really where I started to learn how to be a baseball coach. I enjoyed recruiting kids from all the high schools and getting them to play together as a team. In 1991, I was 24 yrs old and never coached before. I have always been a student of the game so I really wanted to be a coach. In 1993, I had a very young team. Mike Neu, Scott Kohler and Aaron Rofkahr were all 15 yrs old but I had two great 18 year old leaders in Tim Brockway and Tom Cullison. We went on to win the State Championship with a 36-1 record and that was the second time ever that a Napa team had won it. That year really put me on the map as a coach. Rich Anderson approached me to coach his Vintage JV team after that and in 1997 Steve Meyer asked me to be his assistant coach at Justin-Siena. Lynn McCarroll hired me as the head coach two years later. D’Adamo: You hear the term "culture" being uttered in sports, what did that term mean to you and your program? Rossi: I always wanted to create a winning culture. Justin-Siena had not had a winning culture for a long time when I took over the program in 1999. One of my first speeches I told the team I don't want to be a rival with St. Helena. I want to be a rival of Vanden and St. Pat's/St.Vincents. Those two schools had a winning tradition and had won the SCAL and Section Championships every year. The first year we tied for the SCAL Championship and Justin-Siena had not won a championship in 15 year and we made the playoffs and that had not happened in 12 years. The next year we won the SCAL and Div. III Sac Joaquin championship going 25-1. That was the first section championship in baseball.   D’Adamo: Your coaching style appeared to epitomize the idea of "practice is for coaches, games are for players," how much does preparation transcend to both sports and every aspect of life? Rossi: Preparation is key to anything you do in life. If you prepare the correct way you will be successful, if you prepare poorly you will fail. I always preached to my teams to never be satisfied and don't settle for mediocrity. Strive to be the best at everything you do. D’Adamo: Within your family who have been the most influential people? Rossi: My dad has been the most influential person in my life. He raised three boys on a limited salary and always had time to play catch with us after work. I learned so much from him as a coach and a father. He is a great mentor to me and is my biggest supporter when it comes to coaching. He was pretty sad when I retired but he understands why. D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet and what would intrigue you about meeting that person. Rossi: I have two historical figures I would like to meet. Jesus Christ because without him in my life I would be nothing. He has given me so many blessings and continues to bless my family. He died for our sins and we should all be thankful for that. In baseball my favorite player growing up was Pete Rose. He played the game the way it should be played. When he ran over Ray Fosse in the All-Star game shows you how much passion he had. I never want to see anyone hurt in sports but that is how bad he wanted to win and it didn't matter it was the All-Star game. Pete Rose never took a play off and hated to lose.

Time Out with Troy Mott (Napa High football head coach)

Vince D’Adamo: What is the No. 1 thing that keeps you coming back to coaching every season?

Troy Mott: Without question it's the kids, they teach me something new everyday.  

D’Adamo: Though you took over a good situation as head coach in 2006, at the time, what was your vision for the Napa High football football program based on what you wanted them to become?

Mott: I have been coaching in the football program since 1993 and have had the opportunity to have a small piece in building and maintaining a winning attitude under the leadership of Bob Herlocker and Jerry Dunlap. What I wanted to accomplish was getting our athletes involved in the community and  demanding excellence in the classroom. We started a program with the head of library services, Kate MacMillan, called Athlete's as Readers and Leaders. This started with one session at West Park Elementary School and has grown to become a model for High Schools and Junior Colleges up and down the state of California. Our kids have been to other countries, women's shelters, fundraisers for the Queen of the Valley etc. donating their time to help others. We have been a support system to our teachers on campus to ensure our players are doing the correct things in the classroom. Our kids sit in the first two rows in their classes to show leadership. We have nine teachers, from different disciplines, on our football staff.  There is not much that gets past us on this campus without us knowing about it.

D’Adamo: You hear the term "culture" being uttered in sports, what does that term mean to you and your program?

Mott: First of all you have to find the kids that will buy into the culture. If they don't buy in, then they can't be apart of it. There are a lot of really good athletes walking around our school that chose not to buy in but the ones that do, are better off for it in the long run. Our culture is one of selflessness and hard work. One small example, we don't wear single digit numbers on our uniform or our names on the back of the uniforms. We wear our socks the same, all the way down to our undershirts. We don't do anything that separates us from the team. Not only do the kids accept this but they cherish it. It's more comforting to be apart of the group then to stand alone. Our workload and commitment level  as a team is what defines our program. We start early in the morning because it's hard and takes discipline to get out of bed, we structure our lifting program in a detailed manner, we demand precision while learning plays and techniques.  We won't accept short cuts.

D’Adamo: Besides the Xs and Os of coaching, how important is it to be able to relate to youngsters as people?

Mott: It is the biggest part of the job. Coaches understand that we are more than a person with a whistle. We are fathers, brothers, counselors, and friends to these young men. There is nothing more gratifying than getting visits from players at your house, at practice, at games or the best is when they come back to coach alongside of you.  When that happens you know you've made an impact. I was one of those players who got into the profession because of my beloved coaches.  The men who made an impact on me and inspired me to do the same.

D’Adamo: Within your family who have been the most influential people?

Mott: My wife and kids and my younger brother, Dennis. My family is all in on this journey with me.  Their support is paramount over all else.  My wife wants to win as much as I do....maybe more (smiling). My kids have to sometimes be without their father so he can coach other people's kids. They are selfless people who have bought into the same culture we promote within the program. They inspire me. My brother coaches with me on my staff and is loved by his players.  I am very proud of him.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet and what would intrigue you about meeting that person.

Mott: He's not a historical figure, but I'd love to meet my real Dad.  He passed away when I was two years old.  Fortunately for me I had a man come into my life at an early age and raise me, but it has always intrigued me to see what kind of a person my real father was and wondered if he would be proud of me.

Time Out with Rich Cotruvo (Justin-Siena High football head coach)

Vince D’Adamo: What is the No. 1 thing that keeps you coming back to coaching every season?

Rich Cotruvo: What brings me back each year are the relationships I have formed with the coaches and players. As coaches, we realize that we all have a shelf life and for me I know my expiration date is looming.  So I want to enjoy every second.

D’Adamo: You took over a Justin-Siena football program that had about a decade of lean years in 1997, beyond wins and losses, what was your vision for the Braves football program based on what you wanted them to become?

Cotruvo: When I came to Justin, I saw an opportunity to build a program from the ground up. I sought a lot of counsel from colleagues and with some luck and help have established a competitive, consistent football program.

D’Adamo: You hear the term "culture" being uttered in sports, what does that term mean to you and your program?

Cotruvo: Culture to me means approach to the work. The expectations of effort expunged. The student who signs up for our program realizes that this is more than just playing a game.  

D’Adamo: Besides the Xs and Os of coaching, how important is it to be able to relate to youngsters as people?

Cotruvo: It is the most important aspect to teaching anything. Our founder stated in 1688 that "touching the hearts of your students entrusted to your care” is the whole reason for teaching.

D’Adamo: Within your family who have been the most influential people?

Cotruvo:  I assume you mean immediate family. That would be my wife, Laura, first and foremost who has supported and help guide my career for close to 40 years. Then my children who understood early on how important coaching was to me and allowed me to follow my path.  All have sacrificed something to help me do what I love to do.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet and what would intrigue you about meeting that person.

Cotruvo: I would have to say there are several but for me I would like to have dinner with Mark Twain, Willie Mays, Jack Nicklaus,  Muhammad Ali and John Lennon.  All of these people have had a huge impact on me.

Time Out with Matt Stewart (former Napa Valley College baseball head coach)

Vince D’Adamo: Whether as an athlete, coach, administrator or weekend golfer what have you enjoyed most about being connected to athletics?

Matt Stewart: Everything. Athletics is life. The relationships I have built with former coaches and players of mine, former competitors, and even administrators. The life lessons that athletics teaches are incredible. The higher the level you compete, the longer you compete, the more you learn. I was fortunate enough to play two sports in college, coach 16 years at the college level, one year in the minor leagues, two collegiate summer leagues and work for three Major League teams as a scout. Without athletics, I don’t have a clue where I would be.

D’Adamo: Locally here in the Napa Valley, most people (over the age of say 35) know you as the former Napa Valley College baseball coach, what did you enjoy most about those years?

Stewart: The 13 years I spent at NVC were very special.  I have so many memories. Two BVC (Bay Valley Conference) championships, numerous floods of Swamp field, all the players, not just the ones that got scholarships, not just the ones that got drafted, not just the ones that were starters, but all of them. We had a reunion a couple years ago that allowed us all to reconnect and it was awesome. To see how they had changed yet stayed the same. I feel very fortunate to still keep in contact with many of them. I was also able to watch my own kids hang out in the dugout with me. That time was what allowed me to be inducted into the CCCBCA Hall of Fame in ‘03.

D’Adamo: You have also taught golf classes as well to all levels of student, what is the common message you preach for each level?

Stewart: I love teaching golf. The golf and baseball swing are almost identical but everyone has little differences. The common message is tempo and timing. Swing within yourself. The best description of the swing I ever heard was “the sequential unlocking of body parts to arrive on time and on plane.” It sounds really deep but it’s really simple. I hate it when I hear people say they don’t play golf because it messes up their baseball swing. I really can only laugh, all that is, is and excuse for having a bad swing. There are only two differences: 1) You bend at the waist and 2) The ball is still

D’Adamo: How much do you trace your personal growth throughout life to athletics?

Stewart: 100%. Life is a competition and the sooner you learn to compete in athletics, you can compete in life. Participation trophies, orange slices and Capri suns have no place in athletics and life. Giving Johnny a ribbon for finishing 9th is ridiculous. It doesn’t teach him anything and only sets him up for disappointment later. Athletics isn’t always about winning, it’s about the journey. It’s about preparation, work ethic, giving all you have and letting the outcome handle itself.  It’s about looking yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and saying that I left it on the field. No excuses, no “my bad.” It’s about the 7 P’s (Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance). It’s about gearing up and going to battle with your brothers. It’s about “Letting Em Hang.” It’s not always easy. In fact, it’s really hard at times but the self satisfaction and accomplishment at the end teaches you that it really is about the journey and not the outcome.

D’Adamo: What has it been like seeing the evolution of American Canyon High athletics as you see your wife, Jill, in her role as AD?

Stewart: I am so proud of what she has done to enhance the program at ACHS. First, she is one of the best teachers I have ever seen; she understands kids and has a passion for their success, not hers, but theirs. That is what drives her. She isn’t one of those “look at me people.” She prefers to go under the radar but she is really good. She won’t stand for a substandard effort and leads by example. People have no idea what she has accomplished athletically in her life and how truly competitive of a person she is. Her drive for success is second to none. Watching her work with coaches to go the extra mile to improve the programs is fun. Status Quo is not acceptable and that doesn’t mean W’s and L’s it means in the development of the program.   ACHS is very lucky to have her.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Stewart: Obviously my father was a huge influence in my life. He was a football player at

Cal and a HS Football Coach, my HS football coach, so athletics was a part of life in our house.   Jill has had a big influence also. She has taught me patience, perseverance and has supported me 100%.  She gives me someone to look up to everyday.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Stewart: I can’t name just one. First, Johnny Bench, one of my idols growing up. He changed the game with the one-handed style of catching plus he’s an outstanding golfer. I would love 18 holes with that guy. Second, George Carlin. Can you imagine sharing beers with that guy, what an incredible mind. Third, Ernie Banks just because every day is a great day to play two.