Steve Arnold spent almost forty years guiding the lives of student-athletes in Warren, Ohio. He had won 190 games in ten seasons as Warren G. Harding High School’s head basketball coach. Meanwhile, the football team was struggling. Athletic Director Paul Trina asked him to cross over and take the reins of the Raiders’ gridiron fortunes in 2012. It wasn’t an easy transition. The autumn warriors lacked discipline, respect, and commitment. That changed the first time Arnold met with the team.
The following is an excerpt from BORN TO LEAD. It describes the first meeting between the legendary coach and the football team:
“The word was out. I was a no-nonsense guy who demanded excellence on the field of play and in the classroom. The team wasn’t used to that,” Arnold said.
Dozens of players shuffled into the cafeteria and took seats at the tables, and began chatting among themselves. Some were seated with their backs to the Harding hierarchy. Steve didn’t like it; he thought it was disrespectful, and he let them know it.
“So, I blew the whistle that was around my neck and informed them I needed everyone’s attention. Not everyone responded or turned my way.”
Arnold took a moment to scan the faces of the young men who would be playing for him next Fall. He saw some things he liked and some he didn’t.
Next, he dropped a bomb.
He ordered the team to turn around so everyone was facing him. Then, he said, “Take your hats off, pull back your hoods, and pay attention to what I am about to say. You have three minutes to decide if you want to be part of this team. If you don’t, you are free to get wup and walk out. You can gladly transfer somewhere else.”
The silence was deafening as the three minutes ticked by slowly. Nobody moved. The only sound was the clanging of pots and pans in the kitchen, where workers were preparing student meals.
Then, Steve laid down the law.
To learn what happened next, get your copy of BORN TO LEAD. It will be available in eBook and paperback formats at Amazon on May 30. You can pre-order the electronic version today, and it will be delivered to your electronic device on the day of the launch. Paperbacks will be available at the Harding Cafetorium on Saturday, May 30, when Coach Arnold hosts a launch event and an inaugural book signing. The event begins at 11 a.m., and the public is invited to attend.