Steve Ballentine Presents Ron
Sykes with this year's award. |
|
2006 SCYSA Boys
Coach of the Year
It has been said that a Coach must
wear more hats than anyone. Not only are they pressed
with the responsibility to teach children how to play
the game of soccer, they are expected to teach them how
to play the game well. Then there’s the role of mentor
where that coach must function as both father, brother
and, most importantly, a friend. But let us not forget
about those more challenging characteristics that a coach
must also possess, including disciplinarian, referee and
decision maker for who plays and who doesn’t. Roll it
all up into one job and it's no wonder there is a wide
divide between a “good” coach and an “excellent” one.
In addition to understanding the game
of soccer, including attainment of certifications on a
regular basis, it takes a good deal of wisdom to be an
effective soccer coach. Ron Sykes has one of the most
experienced resume on the world soccer scene in regard
to South Carolina soccer coaches. Born in Pennsylvania
while his father was serving in the Vietnam war, his early
years were typical of many military children, moving from
base to base. Given the times, Ron was blessed with soccer
at an early age and played his formidable years in Florida,
California and south Carolina. Then he moved to Germany.
This path led him to experience at the highest levels
of youth club soccer and he’s carried that experience
with him back to South Carolina where he started coaching
seven years ago with the Lexington Soccer Club. Currently
coaching the U15 Boys LCSC United Challenge level team,
he is an important part of the club academy program where
he’s demonstrated a modest and humble nature, willing
to acquiesce to other coaches in areas where he believes
he is lacking. But those areas are few and he is careful
to define each session with an exacting of strategy that
plays to the effectiveness of his proficiency in coaching.
Parents
and players point to his dedication in coaching as the
cornerstone for his success. He brings his personal drive
to practice and adds an intellectual approach to the game.
His practices are said to be physically demanding but
fair. His patience with the players is famous. He works
long hours as a radiology control manager but is often
at the soccer field late at night working with the players
to improve their games. He takes players as individuals
who make up a team, working with them to ensure they are
approaching the game with a healthy attitude. After practice
he makes sure every player has a ride home, and he often
takes what some call the “Coach Ron Bus” on the road for
out of town games. There is some who question if he ever
has time to sleep.
SCYSA recognizes Coach Ron Sykes for the
2006 SCYSA Boys Coach of the Year because of this dedication
and constant attention to his players. While it’s easy
to get caught up in winning and losing the game, Coach
Sykes knows that healthy growth of the players demands
something more than a “W” in the score box. Coach Sykes
knows that the game of soccer is the game of life and
everyone should be a winner.
Updated 15-AUG-2006
