Tough coach prevents an all-out brawl

Coach Al Womack accepting Sportsmanship Brigade Certificate 

In the last week, I've written about coaches who fought with a referee and another who forced his team to quit. These stories get lots of hits, but they bring down the general level of respect we have for coaches. Some of us may lose focus and think coaches have motives other than helping kids be their best. Thankfully, Alton (Ill.) High School has a coach who not only teaches kids - he protects them. Coach Al Womack is an assistant on the Alton staff. The Sportsmanship Brigade visited last Friday's match-up between Alton and Collinsville (Ill.) High School.

It was late in the third quarter and Collinsville was ahead 7-0. The Alton defense stopped Collinsville's offense and was ready to receive the punt. The returner for Alton fumbled the punt and Collinsville recovered deep inside their opponent's territory. High school is very different from the college and professional ranks. On those higher levels, the coach would probably pull the player from the game after making such an error. In high school, almost everyone plays offense, defense, and special teams. The young man who muffed the punt had to go right back out and play defense.

Collinsville ran the ball right at him on the next play. They scored easily, but a Collinsville lineman took his blocking assignment a bit too far and blocked the Alton kid through the end zone. Between fumbling the punt and now being man-handled, the young man couldn't take it anymore. He and the other player began throwing punches. Other players on the field joined in. The fight happened close to Collinsville's side of the field and their players began moving in that direction. While other Alton coaches ran to help officials and Collinsville coaches break up the melee, Coach Womack turned to the bench of about 40 players ready to fight and said two words. "Don't move!" 

The image of these young men was a sight to see. They were itching to join the fracas, but not one player's foot so much as touched the sideline. Coach Womack didn't jump up and down or use profane language. His position of respect and authority was louder than his voice could ever be. After things settled, Coach Womack gathered the players who were going back onto the field. He looked each player in the eye and spoke to him about responsibility and focus. Both teams finished the game without incident. The Sportsmanship Brigade recognized Womack for his leadership and good sportsmanship during the game. He is an outstanding coach and leader of young people.

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of St. Louis Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, and fans who practice good sportsmanship are rewarded on the spot with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. If you would like the Sportsmanship Brigade to visit your youth league call 314-345-5130 or email salexander@stlsports.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol