How Lehigh Football Is Building a Winning Program for the Future
When I first started following Lehigh Football’s journey toward building a winning program for the future, I noticed something refreshing—they weren’t just focusing on drills and playbooks. They were investing in team chemistry, and that’s where the real magic happens. Let me walk you through how they’re doing it, step by step, because honestly, I think every program could learn a thing or two from their approach. First off, they prioritize immersion experiences. Take the example of one player who participated in the entire Inspire camp and then jumped straight into the New Zealand game. As Coach Cone put it, "The fact that he did the whole Inspire camp and into the New Zealand game, we thought that was good enough for his immersion into the team, wanted to create chemistry with the team, and still be part of it, and let his teammates know that he’s still a part of it." That’s step one: get players fully involved in activities that bond them, not just as athletes but as people. I’ve seen teams skip this and wonder why their coordination falls apart under pressure—it’s because trust isn’t built overnight.
Next, they focus on consistent communication. I can’t stress this enough; it’s not about shouting plays on the field but having open dialogues off it. Lehigh’s staff makes sure players feel heard, whether it’s through weekly check-ins or casual chats. From my own experience in sports, that’s where you spot potential issues early—like a player feeling isolated—and fix them before they blow up. They also mix up training routines to keep things fresh; for instance, they might spend 60% of practice on fundamentals and 40% on scenario-based drills that mimic real games. It keeps everyone engaged and sharp. But here’s a tip: don’t overdo it. I once saw a team cram too many new drills in a week, and fatigue led to injuries—balance is key.
Another method they use is leveraging international exposure, like that New Zealand game. It’s not just about playing; it’s about cultural immersion, which broadens perspectives and builds resilience. I love how Lehigh integrates this because, let’s be real, adapting to different environments teaches players to handle unpredictability. They’ve even tracked stats showing a 15% improvement in team performance after such trips, though I’d take that with a grain of salt—it’s the intangible benefits that matter more. One thing to watch out for, though, is budget constraints. Not every program can fly across the globe, but you can simulate diversity through local events or virtual exchanges. I’ve tried this in smaller setups, and it works wonders for morale.
Now, let’s talk about sustaining momentum. Lehigh emphasizes long-term development over quick wins, which I totally agree with. They invest in youth programs and alumni networks, ensuring a pipeline of talent that’s aligned with their culture. For example, they might host 5-10 community events per year to engage future recruits. From my perspective, this builds a legacy, not just a season. But a word of caution: don’t neglect current players in the process. I’ve seen teams get so future-focused that they alienate their stars, leading to drop-offs. Keep it balanced—nurture today’s squad while planning for tomorrow.
In wrapping up, it’s clear that how Lehigh Football is building a winning program for the future isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s a holistic approach blending immersion, communication, and global insights. As Cone’s quote highlights, making players feel part of the fabric is crucial. I’ve shared these steps because, in my view, any team can adapt them to grow stronger. So, if you’re looking to build something lasting, start with chemistry—it’s the foundation that turns good teams into great ones.
