Poem: Chuck Henry’s Written Dec. 8, 1931

A student at Hiram is doing research of Hiram College History.  He came upon this poem that was written by Coach Chuck Henry, liked it, and thoughtfully sent it to Erin, knowing she was his great-granddaughter. Grace

Grandpa Chuck Henry’s Poem, December 8, 1931

Transcription:

About a year ago Coach Henry wrote this poem which is a bit of evidence that coaches, though quite realistic at times, have their dreams of the ideal team.

THE COACH'S DREAM

If you can play as hard with breaks against you As ever you can play when things are bright, And even when a "dumb bell" coach has benched you Keep praying for your team with all your might;

If you can block your man, then keep on going, Are never satisfied with just your play; Are never listening for the whistle blowing, Always trying to clear your half-back's way;

If you can make your tackles hard and driving And when you miss, get up without delay; Don't stop and cuss but be forever striving Nor pause when you can see the ball's in play;

If you've the type of brain that keeps on working In games as well as when the pressure's past; If you're the kind of chap who's never shirking, The kind whose good intentions always last;

If your mind is on the game throughout the season, Not simply when the coach is on your tail; If you can figure out your play and know the reason, And so when time for action comes, not fail;

If you can keep the old morale a-steaming No matter whether games are lost or won; Then you're the one of whom the coach is dreaming, As Kipling says, “You are a man, my son.”