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COLUMN BY MATT PRANGER |
Previous columnsList of columns written by Matt Pranger | |
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Kevin Carlton: Classy coach makes softball fun
posted 06/09/04
As a sports reporter, I've covered dozens of coaches during the past 15 years. During the 15 years before that I was coached by and observed several more coaches of high school athletes. Only a couple of them performed their jobs with as much class as Kevin.
The coach's teams compete with the best in the state and have fun doing it. Some readers probably think that's natural: A winning team must be having fun. It should be that way but often isn't, especially in the state playoffs. Many schools' fans and coaches equate success with one thing: A state championship. Tyrannical coaches scream at players when they make an error or don't quite make a play. I saw one coach chew out a batter who made solid contact against one the tournament's best pitchers but was narrowly thrown out at first base. More than a few girls on losing teams wiped away tears in their dugouts. They likely weren't as upset about losing but were probably tired of the lambasting by their coaches and fans. They were not enjoying what should have been one the most memorable times of their high school careers. Kevin supports his players with his infectious optimism. His voice was hoarse and his hands must have been sore from clapping so much during the state tourney. Many coaches gripe about umpires' calls, including several decisions hardly worthy of comment. By their actions, the coaches were all but blaming the umps for losses. Kevin rarely questioned calls. When he did ask for an explanation, he was polite. Shooting photos from the corner of a Wolverine opponent's dugout, I heard an opposing player whisper to a teammate: "Their coach is SO positive." The Wolverine coach's optimism is taken up by his players. Friday Harbor's dugout is rarely quiet: The Wolverines out-cheered every team they played. Some of Friday Harbor's foes were perplexed when they saw a Wolverine batter miss a sign or swing at a bad pitch. The batter would look at their coach, shrug and grin. Kevin, who would be uttering some serious encouragement, could only laugh. That would lighten the moment and often the batter would hit the ball. I'd bet many of Friday Harbor's opponents wished they were enjoying the game as much as the Wolverines. And the Wolverines did enjoy playing for their coach.
"Kevin's awesome… He knows how to keep you happy, having fun," said senior Cassie Brophy. Senior Brandi Miller said her coach is understanding, "pretty mellow" and has "funny Bull Durham quotes." Kevin not only makes softball fun, he also is an adept teacher. Under his guidance, the Wolverines advanced to the state playoffs three of the last four years. "He's, seriously, the best coach you could ask for," said senior Jessica Peacock said. "He works with all the girls. He's really good with all of them." "Kevin's the best coach…. He contributes so much," said senior Erica Percich said. "Kevin is definitely the best coach I've ever had," Brophy said. Kevin, Roche Harbor Resort's harbormaster, is also a dedicated coach. He puts in many long days and misses several days of work to coach the Wolverines. He thanked his employer, especially the resort's general manager, Brent Snow, for giving him the time off. "Brent realizes how important it is to me," Carlton said. The resort's owners and management "know high school sports are a big part of the community," he added. Kevin and his family proved their dedication at the end of this year's season. Kevin's father, Bill Carlton of Upland, Calif., died the day after the Wolverines qualified for the state tourney. Kevin was preparing to make arrangements to travel to head south instead of east. His mother, Melba, told her son 22 girls were counting on him and he should go to the tourney. "She knew how important it was for me to be there," Kevin said. His father likely would've chastised him for even thinking of not coaching. "He never missed a game I played in," Kevin said of his Dad. Kevin did not let his grief show at the state tournament. He was as upbeat as ever. "That was the best therapy I could've had," he said. The day after the tourney Carlton started planning for next year's season, which starts a week later than this year's. "I'm counting the days," said the coach. No, he really is counting the days. Until early spring 2005, he will be sharing that number with friends. Coaches talk of their teams being a positive "reflection" of their school and community. Coaches also provide an image to other players, fans, coaches, officials. Kevin Carlton makes Friday Harbor High School and San Juan Island shine on the diamond. |
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