Notes from the Clinic Desk
Back in February, I was contacted by Tim Stevens and he said via email: Thank you for taking the time to review Pick Up Your Bed and Walk: The Lessons of Cyclone Country. I truly believe it would be time well spent for the coaches attending the N.C. Coaches Association Convention. For 48 years, I had the privilege of covering high school athletics for The Raleigh News & Observer. Along the way, the NCHSAA honored me by naming its media award after me, and I was inducted into the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame, the National High School Hall of Fame, and the NCHSAA Hall of Fame. Those recognitions mean a great deal — but what I value most are the decades spent around coaches and players across this state. Since retiring, I have focused on documentary storytelling. This is my first sports-centered film — though it is not really about football. It is about boys becoming men. These former players, now in their 70s, reflect on the demanding standards of their coach and the lifelong impact of lessons learned on the practice field — resilience, accountability, teamwork, perseverance. I attended the Coaches Association convention for many years, and I understand the influence this gathering has. My hope is that this film affirms coaches in the work they do every day — work that often isn’t fully understood until decades later.
On Wednesday afternoon, I’m going to show “Pick Up Your Bed and Walk” in Meeting Room 2 beginning at 2:30. It’s only about an hour long documentary and I really enjoyed it. So if you are interested, stop by and “sit a spell” as Andy Griffith would say. We look forward to a fantastic clinic in July as that always is a great start to a new sports year for our coaches, student-athletes and schools. As I always say, don’t ever underestimate what a profound effect you have on the young people for whom you mentor, support, challenge and inspire. Thanks for being a coach! Together, we are keeping the title “Coach” one that is respected and admired – and that can last a lifetime. See you soon. Old Timer’s Lunch The Old Timer’s Lunch for Lifetime Members of the Association will be held on Tuesday, July 21 , at 12:30 pm in Meeting Room 4. RSVP to mmorris@nccoach.org by July 9 if you plan to attend.
HOTEL BLOCKS OPEN NC Coaches Association Clinic & East-West All-Star Games Sheraton Greensboro (July 19-23) Reservations can be made through this link: https://book.passkey.com/go/NCCoachesAssociation Greensboro-High Point Marriott Airport (July 19-22) Includes standard WIFI and parking for 129.00 - Deadline July 13 Book your group rate for NC COACHES CLINIC CLICK HERE
NC Coach • Summer 2026 • Page 9 • nccoach.org
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