NSCAA names Bunky Colvin 2013 National Coach of the Year
NSCAA website
Coach Colvin accepted his award from the NSCAA.
As the clocked ticked down and the students cheered, the Chiefs boys soccer team knew that they had their 2013 state victory in the bag. The Chiefs had worked hard all season, but their hard work payed off. They went undefeated the whole season and only let in two goals, setting a school record. At the end of the season the team was ranked number one in the nation. Now just before the 2014 season starts, Coach Bunky Colvin’s hard work is being recognized on a national level as he is named the 2013 NSCAA Coach of the Year. According to the organization’s website, “Founded in 1941 and based in Kansas City, Kansas, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate coaches, encourage excellence and serve the soccer community.” Coaches are voted on by other coaches to win the regional award and then members of the Association at the national level. Coach Colvin’s status of the head coach of the best team in the nation certainly merits an award, but his dedication and positive attitude are what make him stand out among the rest.
Coach Colvin is dedicated to his students and especially his players. Senior Adam Sheikali said, “It was incredible. Nobody else deserved this as much as he did. With all the effort and time he put into coaching, it’s great to see him get recognition for it.”
Coach Colvin certainly does put hard work into everything he does. Off the field, he continues to be a dedicated member of the McIntosh staff. As a teacher, Coach Colvin strives to always be available and helpful to his students. Senior Claire Bertram, who had him for government last semester, said, “You can tell that he really cares about his students and wants them to succeed. Even though he may be busy, he never fails to treat you kindly when you have a question or need help.” Hardworking coaches that also are hardworking teachers are usually hard to find. Athletic director Mr. James Stanford said, “It’s unique that our outstanding coaches are also academic teachers. He is a great example of both an outstanding coach and academic teacher.”
Beyond the classroom, he continues to influence students positively by being a sponsor of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Chorus teacher Ms. Hannah Beth Potter, who also sponsors FCA, says of Coach Colvin, “He is a man of integrity. He doesn’t just care about students’ academic success or wins on the soccer field. He cares about their heart and how they live in such a way that makes a difference in the world.” Coach Colvin also is involved in the running of the athletic department by being a liaison to Mr. Stanford and helping to organize practice times and use of fields for spring sports. He is also the faculty chair for the McIntosh Hall of Fame.
His work in the soccer program has made McIntosh a well known name when it comes to soccer. Mr. Stanford said, “We are very fortunate to have him here. He is an outstanding coach, and he surrounds himself with outstanding assistant coaches. He truly cares for the well being of McIntosh soccer.”
Coach Colvin answered a few questions for this article. His words were so inspiring it seemed wrong to cut them into quotes. Below is his interview:
What are your personal goals as a coach each season? My 1st goal is that we, as a group, become the best we can be. That is not only in terms of soccer but also as people. I think sports are some of the greatest teachers we can have. I want the players and coaches to grow personally through the process. I believe by doing the right things you will achieve the correct outcome. As a team we focus on the importance of excellence. To know excellence is the process one must learn to get the best out of themselves each day. My ultimate goals is that we not only win championships, but that we have players who become champions in life.
What set last season apart from the rest? It was the most successful boy’s soccer team in our schools history: 23-0-0, State Champions and Ranked #1 in the Nation. We scored 138 goals only allow 2 goals against. These are things people often see. What really set us apart was a group of guys willing to put themselves second to the the rest of the group. A group that was a family. A family with all the good and bad that goes with it. A groups of guys who would do what it takes for each other everyday, whether they felt like it or not. A group that would choose to show up early to run sprints even when the coaches did not ask them to, because we commented that “we had to be the fittest team in state to win it all”. A group that will be lifelong friends bound together because they love each other with a true brotherly love. A great player can be defeated, but it is special to have a team with commitment to each other, it is almost unstoppable.
What are your feelings/ reactions on winning this award? This award is very special to me because it is given by other coaches, many of whom are much better coaches than I am. It is a reflection of the great success of our team. I see it as a collective honor I share with the best coaching staff in the state. My assistant varsity coach Brian Messer was named National Assistant Coach of the Year. It also reflects the most coach-able, dedicated team one could wish for. If others recognize us at a national level because of our success, it reflects the fact that McIntosh High School is a place where excellence is fostered, expected and required. I am thankful and honored for people to know that I am apart of this school and its success.
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