Coach D’Antonio Delivers Message of Empowering People
Dictionary.com defines empowering as: to give power or authority to; to enable or permit. At the most recent Professional Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club at the very inviting Tozzi’s on 12th Restaurant in Canton, OH – Mark D’Antonio, Head Coach of the Michigan State Spartans, spoke very clearly that his success and the success of his coaching staff was due to his persistent belief in empowering those you surround yourself with.
The beautiful and packed restaurant this day was full of energy and excitement, due greatly to the bond that Coach D’Antonio shares with Northeast Ohio. Raised in Zanesville, OH and enjoying early coaching success in Youngstown, his roster to this day is littered with Ohio talent. This past season he boasted 30 kids from Ohio high schools! A fact not lost on the crowd of community leaders and sports enthusiasts. After an enjoyably flubbed introduction by HOF Coach Jack Rose, where D’Antonio was introduced as the head coach of Michigan, and then quickly corrected to Michigan State, the coach took to the mic and delivered a message in a tone and enthusiasm that would surprise no one that has ever seen him on the sidelines. He has a calm demeanor and stoic facade that only a coach with 30+ years of coaching could wear.
Upon greeting the guests, he quickly delivered a line that stuck with all in attendance. “Me and my team are where we are because of ALL the coaches I have been with.” D’Antonio really drove home the point that his belief in empowering those around him is crucial and vital to his success at every level he has coached. From his players and their parents, to his coaching staff and the school’s administrative office. And the proof is in the pudding. With all the influence of other coaching jobs, he has a stellar record of maintaining his coaching staff. The minimal turnover ratio is unheard of for a Big-10 School. And because of that longevity, the players and alumni understand that D’Antonio is more than just a coach. As Coach D’Antonio went on to say, “Coaching is teaching. Coaching is mentoring.”
Coach D’Antonio was speaking and fielding questions here at the HOF Luncheon, as he did 7 years ago, because of the bonds that coaching creates. He felt it was important years ago because of recruiting and setting a tone that he will not forget recruiting Ohio kids, “because of what Ohio stands for.” And today, he came back a champion, having finished this last season with a 13-1 Record and winning the Rose Bowl. “Coming back a champion is an outstanding feeling.” He elaborated later with a reporter after the luncheon that “the feeling of winning a championship, no matter the level, will NEVER leave you.” His concern for his players is to know that there is more work to be done. More games to be played. More ways to improve. We can all learn from what he tells his players and staff each season. Trust is an enabler. Find the truth, and be excellent in everything.
Side Notes of Interest:
– Brad Hoyer was in East Lansing last week and the knee looked good.
– The difference between a 3 Star Recruit and a 4 Star Recruit “is minimal and becomes more about the development of the athlete.”
– Michigan State was not ranked in the Top 25 until WEEK 9! A fact that propelled his message of continually getting better and playing your best football by season’s end.
– Commenting to a question from a guest about the coach’s thoughts on the unionization of college football ….. “When you unionize, you can be FIRED.” To which the crowd gave a hearty laugh.
– Coach D’Antonio has very little interest in coaching pros. “Too many unknowns.”
Schedule of Speakers:
The Professional Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club is held every Monday Morning at Tozzi’s on 12th Restaurant in Canton, OH. Future speakers include:
- April 14 – Urban Meyer
- April 21 – Brady Hoke
- April 28 – Keith Dambrot
- May 5 – Bobby Huggins
- May 12 – Cleveland Browns Rep
For questions about joining the club or to purchase tickets, please call Tozzi’s on 12th Restaurant at 330.477.7515.
Article written by Nick Williams.