Week 8
Only two more games to be played before the start of the district games begin. Coaches, players, and fans are all anxiously pulling for their teams to win out to secure the best seating in the district standings. The higher seating and the better change to have home games and continue to play throughout November. What I love about the playoffs is that you just need to win the 10th game, then the 11th game, and then, well you get the point. After week 9, the only record that matters is 1-0 and you can ride that record all the way to the championship. But we cannot get too far a head of ourselves, week 8 and week 9 are very important. Get those wins each week and put yourself in a better position down the road. Every week is a challenge and must be attacked to reach those final season goals. Good Luck Teams, keep fighting, and stay healthy.
Blessed to have gotten the opportunity to catch up with Coach Luke Rader of the Stockton Tigers. He has them Tigers rolling this season and the things that they are doing within their program absolutely is contributing to the successes that they are having.
Stockton Football
When Coach Rader accepted the position of head football coach at Stockton High School, he brought with him a vision focused on leadership skills among student athletes. Recognizing the potential for young individuals to develop not just in sports, but also as leaders in their community, he worked closely with the school administration to create a dedicated leadership class tailored for student athletes. Coach Rader collaborated with Coach Henderson, the head baseball coach, to design a curriculum that would resonate with the unique experiences and challenges faced by student athletes at Stockton. Initially, the framework of the course revolved around reviewing relevant leadership books. However, over time, the class shifted with students not only engaging in discussions but also presenting on various leadership topics. One of the notable aspects of this leadership course is its inclusivity. While one might assume that it caters exclusively to participants in the school’s major sports teams, the reality is far different. The course is open to all student athletes across the board, including those involved in club sports. Coach Rader has observed the profound impact this initiative has had on the school culture. By empowering student athletes with leadership skills, the course is not only shaping their personal growth but is also contributing to a more collaborative and positive atmosphere within the school. The ripple effects of this program are becoming evident, as students apply what they learn both on and off the field, enhancing their engagement and sense of community at Stockton.
One of the consistent messages that you will hear football coaches emphasize to their team is toughness. Yes, football is a violent sport that requires players to put their bodies on the line for the team and of course it hurts. Bumps, bruises, cuts, and scrapes are all part of ‘normal’ play and it is expected that each player will experience these unfortunate trials of the game. Toughness is a foundational aspect of football. In Stockton, Coach Rader and Staff talk more about metal toughness than the traditional toughness that people see. They define mental toughness as, the same as Nick Saban, what does it takes to break you. Knowing this will allow you to understand what you are going through and you then can begin to minimize those breaking points. Within the Stockton Football Program, it is never too hot or too cold to play. Instead, it is Tiger Tough or Good Hitting Weather; it’s a mindset, it is their mental toughness culture and the toughness that you see, the football players have bought into this!
Coach Rader emphasized his empathy towards parents, drawing on his own experiences as a parent of student athletes. He is dedicated to listening to parents’ insights about their children, which allows him to offer meaningful feedback and support to the athletes. Moreover, he and his staff are dedicated to actively engaging student athletes by providing support to each athlete’s unique developmental stage. They advocate for upperclassmen to take on mentorship roles, encouraging them to share their experiences and insights with younger players. This not only strengthens bonds within the team but also cultivates an environment where every athlete feels valued and supported in their journey.
One of the most unique things that Stockton Football Program will do is something that happens right before the 4th of July break. The coaches and players will meet at the beach, luxury of being at the lake, and they will work out in a circuit. The circuit begins in the water and they will run out of the water to their first station, then to the next, and next, and so on. The circuit training is D-Day themed. Once they have completed a cycle, they pause for a break, then back to circuit training. However, during each of the breaks they discuss heroics, the attributes of the men, and stories from that day along with discussing all who have served all over the world. Coach Rader and Staff do this to remember how lucky we all are to live in this great country. This is an amazing way to pay respect to those who have served and this means the world to me.
“Why not us?” serves as a rallying cry for a team in the challenging district, perfectly capturing Stockton’s determination. The players embody this belief with unwavering energy, showcasing a unique blend of intellectually brutality and controlled aggression. This season, they have rushed for over 2,000 yards, while limiting their opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards per game. This relentless focus and teamwork are not just numbers; they reflect a commitment to “Why not us?” that is transforming Stockton Football into a force on Friday nights.
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4 responses to “Week 8 – Stockton Football”
Sounds like a great program, specially remembering our nations heroes! Great post again this week.
Thanks, Paul! Yes, super special that they do that!
What an awesome program, from the course work to the D-day of rememberance that is amazing. Those coaches have really put together something special for that school and the team. Great article, Cole.
It is. I was really impressed with Coach Rader. Excited for them and the future of their program! I appreciate it, love highlighting the amazing things that football programs are doing.