It is in our nature to blame someone else for our shortcomings
and for our faults.
When two siblings break something while wrestling, what
immediately happens when asked to divulge the guilty party?
Normally the first action is to point a finger at the other person
in defense of oneself – a survival tactic. It’s just how we
are.
It is in our nature to blame someone else for our shortcomings and for our faults.
When two siblings break something while wrestling, what immediately happens when asked to divulge the guilty party? Normally the first action is to point a finger at the other person in defense of oneself – a survival tactic. It’s just how we are.
Right now, the Gilroy High football season is broken. Three straight weeks of ugly defeats has left the Mustangs bruised and battered heading into TCAL play at 1-3.
There are a number of outlets on which head coach Greg Garcia could place the blame; injuries, size, depth at key positions, penalties, and the difficulties of being a first-year head coach.
But after the team’s subpar (by its own expectations) performance against Palo Alto on Friday night Garcia shouldered the brunt of the blame in a bold move I have never seen before.
Moments after the two teams’ shook hands; Garcia gathered the Mustangs, asked for the attention of the GHS fans – who were none too pleased throughout the entire game, grumbling and rather openly voicing their displeasure – and went forward with an apology for how the game went.
“It was just to show the kids,” Garcia said. “I take full responsibility. I don’t want them to think that it’s just coming out of my mouth. It’s the truth. It’s my fault that this happened. We prepare them the best we can to play on Friday nights. If they can’t execute it, that’s my fault.”
I have been on some terrible teams in the past and not once had one of my coaches thrown himself under the bus like that. The speech took me by surprise.
Coaches at the professional and collegiate levels are known to somewhat take responsibility for how their team plays, but most of the time they are grossly cliche and hold little long-term substance.
This was different.
The act of contrition was sincere. It was heartfelt and clearly genuine. No coach wants to see his players get knocked around week in and week out.
Talking with the players after the game it was clear they are frustrated. They are not used to losing, and they do not plan to continue down the path they are traveling.
“It can be fixed,” senior quarterback Nick Marra said. “We have to get our heads straight. It’s all on the seniors now.”
The true mark of a team is how they cope with adversity just as much as how they celebrate winning. A team stays together through the toughest of stretches. Led by the example of Garcia, this team appears ready to band together and fight through its issues.
