Coach’s Corner With Anthony Wilson

Anthony Wilson is a minor sports coach from Chatham, Ontario, who currently coaches hockey, but has coached baseball and soccer as well.

Moving to Chatham 11 years ago from Georgetown, Wilson coached the Novice Rangers team this season in Chatham, and also coaches 3-on-3 hockey in the summers.

In 2012-2013, Wilson was the Novice hockey coach of the year, and also won coach of the year for the Chatham Minor Baseball Association.

Below are Anthony Wilson’s answers to CKSN’s questions about coaching:

1. What is your career coaching highlight/top memory?

I would have to say that my top memory in coaching thus far occurred at the end of my first year of being a head coach in hockey. Upon completion of the year we had a banquet for the team. I spoke to many of the parents from that team who went out of their way to let me know that not only did I create an atmosphere for their children to enjoy and develop in hockey, but that I also made some sort of positive impact in their child’s lives. This is something that has continued to come to my mind on a frequent basis and certainly guides me as I continue to coach.

2. What is the biggest challenge you face as a coach?

I think the biggest challenge I face in coaching is trying to define the boundaries of competitiveness and fun while making sure that we play within them. I am very competitive by nature and love to compete, but more importantly, I enjoy knowing that the kids I coach love coming to the rink/diamond. This has taught me that regardless of the outcome of a game, if I believe that the kids have left the rink excited to come back, then I have won.

3. Why did you get into coaching? And what keeps you coaching?

I began coaching to help my oldest son begin playing hockey. He was 6 years old and was quite nervous to begin playing because many other kids began at age 4 or 5. Coaching was a great way for my son to comfortably acclimate himself to the game. Nowadays, I continue to coach because I feel coaching compliments a lifelong goal of helping people. Coaching provides such an excellent opportunity to help build and develop character in our youth. The better question is, why wouldn’t I want to continue coaching?

5. If you could give one piece of advice to other coaches, or prospective coaches, what would it be?

My best advice for coaches/prospective coaches would be that winning isn’t everything. In my opinion a good coach will lead and motivate a team to believe that together and with effort, they can win anything.

Coach’s Corner is a weekly feature on CKSN, where one local coach will be highlighted, answering questions about their career highlights, and their coaching philosophy. If you’d like to participate in coaches corner, or know a coach we should feature, email ian@cksn.ca.