By Jacob Nachtman

On Sept. 17 the Treynor football coach was assaulted by an angry parent concerned about his son’s playing time. According to the Omaha World Herald, the father is accused of assaulting Treynor football coach Steve Owens by grabbing him by the shirt and shoving him up against a desk.

Atlantic High School students and coaches have opinions on this subject.  “I will not talk about playing time with a parent, but I would be more than willing to talk about things that a player could do to make them better,” said Atlantic football coach Drew Duff.

Duff also said the relationship between a coach and a player would be the same as a teacher and a student. “I treat players/students the same as I would my own kids,” said Duff.

“The first conversation regarding a student-athletes playing time should take place between the head coach, position coach, and student athlete.  I think it is important for students to learn how to have difficult conversations.  That conversation would center around what that student athlete can do to potentially earn more playing time.  If the issue is still unresolved a parental meeting may occur,” said Atlantic football coach Nick Ross.

Ross also said, “Coaches and players are part of the same team.  That is important for everyone to understand.  Successful teams work together.  Unsuccessful teams place blame, and turn against each other.”

Ross expanded saying the coach to player relationship is not a friendship. “It is a mentor/mentee relationship.  Coaches exist to help students to achieve their goals, and push them to strive for even higher achievements including developing into hard-working, respectful, and productive citizens.”

Senior wrestler and football player Jez Phippen said, “I get along great with my coaches. I mean we joke around a lot, but when it’s time to get serious, we get serious. I love my coaches.”

Phippen also said he think he gets enough playing time.  “If I didn’t get enough playing time, I’d work harder at practice.”

“I get along great with coaches, and practice is fun,” said freshman football player Garrett Franken.  “I also think I get enough playing time, and if I didn’t, I would work harder but I wouldn’t talk to coaches.”