Coach Tells Runners That If He’s Hard on Them, It’s Only Because He Wants Them to Succeed and Also Because of Unresolved Issues With His Own Domineering Father
/
Depositphotos.com
A local track and field coach with a reputation for being tough explained yesterday that his strictness and high expectations come from a desire to see his athletes succeed, and because of unresolved issues with his domineering father.
The coach, Nicholas Van Orton, 33, made the declaration after a team workout at Douglas High School’s outdoor track.
“Guys, I know I can be hard on you sometimes,” Van Orton told the assembled athletes, three of whom were crying. “Just remember that if I push you hard, it’s only because I know you can take it—because I believe in you—and that you are capable of great things.”
“Also, he added, “if I’m being honest, because my own father was cold, harsh, and absolutely tyrannical with me and my sister, growing up, and it left an indelible mark on my psyche. By the time I worked up the courage to confront him about it, he was dead.”
Van Orton paused, gazing into the middle distance.
“Nothing I did was ever good enough for him,” he said. “Nothing.”
At last report, the track team had dispersed and Van Orton was standing on the track, alone.
So very alone.
