Coach made a difference
It was with bittersweet emotions that I read the announcement of John Menhart’s retirement from coaching. The bitter was for the loss of a true proponent of sportsmanship and the team concept. The sweet was in knowing that Carmichaels High School has made great strides under his reign and the community has benefited from his involvement. One of the first items of business for Coach Menhart when taking over the football reins in 1989 was to establish a support organization. Thanks in part to an overwhelming response by a supportive community, with the help of the Carmichaels Quarterback for several years now, playing football at Carmichaels has been a rewarding experience. A state-of-the-art athletic field house was achieved through alumni support and community involvement. During the 7-year span since the dedication of the Alumni Field House, the Mikes have an enviable record of 53 wins and 18 losses. The support the community has given has helped further the Friday night experience for players and fans alike.
During the past year, the Quarterback Club honored 26 members of 1952 championship football team and gave them memories to last a lifetime. Celebrations at this year’s senior night were described as the best ever. The annual football banquet was recently held and attended by a sold out audience. Festivities there provided memories and mementos that will be cherished by these young men in the years to come. That night, it was moving to watch Coach Menhart express his humbleness as he acknowledged all members of his football team, coaching staff, cheerleaders and Mike fans. His endeavors came with class, emotions and from his heart. That night, it was easy to see what has happened here at Carmichaels.
The Carmichaels Mikes football program finished the 2002 season with a very impressive 11-1 record. Along the way, numerous school football records were either broken or tied by the team. Personal efforts resulted in several new individual records. Winning has been important, but not at the sacrifice of class, and sportsmanship.
Coach Menhart’s values demand a distance from a “win at all cost” approach to the sport. He has taught his players to be achievers, but not at the expense of reducing the esteem of their opposition or the sportsmanship of the participants. Fighting, taunting, humiliating or disrespecting of one’s opponent has not been practiced or tolerated by a Menhart-coached team. Honesty of the person, loyalty to the team and the integrity of the individual has been paramount to his philosophy. Many games were played this year with the first team pulled, sometimes before the end of the first half, because of the team’s explosive ability on offense and defense. Many more records could have undoubtedly been set. Not one person complained.
The 20-some letterman returning next year may not have the athletic skills as this year’s team, but one thing is for sure, they will have the ethics of John Menhart and his coaches instilled in them. They say that 80 percent of high school football is mental. The ability to make decisions, to understand, reason and respect will be there long after a high school football career is over.
Gary Osborne
Carmichaels