Leadership Lessons from an Undefeated High School Football Team

Leadership Lessons from an Undefeated Championship Football Team (The Haverford School Fords)

Two weekends ago, my son’s high school football team, The Haverford School Fords, defeated the Episcopal Academy Churchmen 21-19; ending the season 10-0 and winning the Inter-AC League Championship.?The Haverford-EA rivalry is one of the oldest HS football rivalries in America.??The win also secured the coveted “Sweater” award given to the school that wins the best of five sporting events (football, soccer, cross country, golf, and water polo).?The Fords won football, golf, and water polo.?

You could tell this was a special team.?There were 17 seniors who played a lot together the previous year, a massive offensive line and tight ends, versatile running backs, and a hard-hitting, athletic defense.??More important, the Fords were a team, a collection of bothers focused on one thing – Victory.

As I reflect on the season, there are several leadership lessons I learned from this team, that can apply to every team.?

1.?????Resiliency. The Fords reacted very well to adversity.??Every time something did not go their way, the interceptions, the bad penalties, they came back.?Nothing could keep this team down, even a bout with the flu right before the last game.

2.?????Culture of Accountability.?Everyone held everyone to a standard of excellence; coaches, players, everyone.?The boys supported each other all the time, using every opportunity to learn and get better.

3.?????Hard work.??The team started in January lifting weights, running and lifting more weights, six days a week.?Week after week.?Month after month.??Everyone, together.

4.?????Contribution.?Everyone played their part and made each other better – every day.?Starters, scout team players, coaches, managers, and parents.?

5.?????They loved each other and had a ton of fun.?Working out, watching game film, pre-game dinners, pancake breakfasts on Sundays, post-game pizza.?The team had a strong sense of brotherhood and celebrated their achievements

Thanks to the Ford’s for doing something no one thought they could do, but themselves.?All their hard work and sacrifice paid off.?They will always be Undefeated and the 2022 Inter-AC League champions.?In doing so, they also taught us a lot about leadership.

#leadership, #HaverfordSchool