He probably transported more kids home than any two coaches in the entire state of South Carolina. They would get to some of the major Saturday meets a little later because Y.C. was going around picking his kids up. |
He was a beloved coach, teacher and friend; some of the students were in a state of shock. Yes, Y.C. and I had our moments as coaches from rival schools, but we remained true friends over the years. I saw him two weeks ago at a middle school wrestling tournament. If there was an athletic event at that school, he was there. |
I'm very, very honored to be here tonight in this facility and in this city. You cannot come to this city without the realization that this is the seat of American government, and you can't come here without feeling a little patriotic, especially in a building such as this. |
In today's environment where you have to have supervision, it's beneficial to add elements of street soccer like extended periods of play without interruption into your practices. Coaches need to create an environment that helps the youth player navigate through the game. |
It's going to be one of those situations where you're not going to have 100 percent of the people happy about it. We have to have a recommendation that will help explain to parents what's happening. We ask for information, and we shouldn't make rash decisions. |
My main concern is the negative effect this will have on students who take part in college courses. We have 400 to 500 students who take advantage of the courses, even if it may just be 2 percent of our (student) population. |
Players and the game are central components and the coach has more of a supporting role in the whole environment for younger kids. Working with kids at 6, 8, 10 years of age will impact how kids experience the game at 14. |
The kids had a great respect for him. He touched people. |
These guys are so great. They just nickel and dime you to death. |
This was the network we had our eye on from the beginning. |
We want to know if it still is an effective growth model for the school system. We asked the administration to come back with a recommendation, and they may come back with reasons to eliminate year-round completely. |
We're strong across the board. |
Y.C. touched the lives of tens of thousands of children over the last half century. He was a great athlete himself, but you'd never know it to hear him talk. He was a role model for his students; he's probably taken more kids home after practice or school than anyone in history. |