Published: May 06, 2008 10:55 am            

Boys to Men: More to sports than games

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — It was clear that Lawrence County’s next generation was on the mind of Joe Ehrmann.

The former pro football star came to The Villa banquet center recently to challenge an audience of about 300 to change its community by redefining what it means to be a man.

Erhmann’s noted program is called “Building Men For Others,” and he describes it as simply showing empathy and kindness and serving others.

“How does a community come together to stand against what the culture is doing to our kids?” he asked.

Ehrmann, who spent 13 distinguished seasons as a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Colts, encouraged the coaches and others in the room to lead the way.

Many of them indicated they planned to do just that.

High school football coaches Frank Bongivengo Jr. of New Castle and Jerry Holzhauser of Laurel were moved by Ehrmann’s words, as were college coaches John Latina of Notre Dame, Nick Rapone of the University of Delaware and Gino DeMarco of Geneva.

“Coaches have an unbelievable platform,” Ehrmann said. “We need one coherent message for the next generation of kids that will help them become devoted husbands, fathers and committed friends.”



PLANNED FOR TWO YEARS

Andy Tommelleo, director of the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center, began planning Ehrmann’s appearance two years ago after reading Jeffrey Marx’s “Season of Life.” The book traces Ehrmann from his wild days with the Colts to committing his life to service of others. It details his involvement with the unique Gilman School football program, where players are encouraged to express their love for one another — as they win championships.

“Life is about relationships and in the end, that’s all that really matters,” Ehrmann said.

He said each person is responsible to have a cause bigger than himself to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Ehrmann said he and other young men have been raised with a false concept of masculinity and femininity, thanks to movies, magazines and music.

He said athletic ability, sexual conquests and economic success have nothing to do with manhood, even though that is how popular culture portrays it.

Wearing a Super Bowl ring that he received for his motivational work with the Indianapolis Colts during the 2006 season, Ehrmann said Tony Dungy is one of many coaches who “do things the right way.”

He also cited Jim Tressel of Ohio State University and Jim Grobe of Wake Forest, where his son has accepted a scholarship.



EQUIPPING THEIR PLAYERS

Ehrmann and the coaching staff at the Gilman School equip their players with the knowledge and courage to stand up and speak out on behalf of those who are mistreated or oppressed.

Coaches spend 10 minutes before each practice and 30 minutes before each game discussing life issues that they say will prepare players to be better teammates, husbands and fathers.

“Sports is like a religion in this country and coaches are the high priests. They have incredible power to influence young men,” he said.

Latina, the assistant head football coach at the University of Notre Dame, is familiar with two former Gilman School players. Erhmann’s program sent Ambrose Wooden and Victor Abiamiri to the Fighting Irish.

“They are very special young men on the field and in the locker room,” Latina said.

Dr. Darwin Huey, chairman of the education department at Westminster College and a former Titans coach, also spoke. Huey said coaches should be demanding, but not demeaning.



WHAT THE COACHES SAID

Bongivengo hasn’t read the book, but was impressed by Ehrmann’s message.

“His focus was different than what you normally hear,” he said. “I like what he does with their program, going through different nonfootball topics during the season. Those things could go a long way with kids.

“That’s one of the great things about coaching and teaching — oftentimes we have opportunities to do that. Hopefully, that’s something I can follow up on.”

Holzhauser found the book and Erhmann’s speech to be inspirational.

“A coach has a tremendous responsibility and obligation to his players,” he said.

“We talk to our kids about nonfootball issues all the time; sometimes we even bring in others to talk to them.”

DeMarco, who took members of his Geneva College football team to the event, was moved.

“His message really hit me between the eyes.”



David Burcham writes for the New Castle (Pa.) News.

        

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