Everyone has someone in their life beyond relatives that shapes their lives. Coaches at all levels fit that description for athletes. Through fitting the common definition of a mentor.

Beyond athletics, clergy and teachers are among those that shape us. Fr. Leo Schmidt was one of those people for me and many others. He passed away last Saturday at age 91 and was buried on Thursday. Ordained in 1956, Fr. Schmidt mentored many in his life. As a teacher and a priest, he mentored at least two priests that later became bishops.

There are at least two ways that someone can play a positive role for others. The first is through providing continuity in a positive way. Often times, the best thing we can do for someone is to be there. People like having at least a sense of continuity in their lives. It helps us weather the storms that life throws at us.

Fr. Schmidt provided that continuity for many throughout his life. He was the pastor of my childhood parish for most of my life. Being a pastor at St.Augustine Catholic Church in Covington, KY from 1992-2015. Being assigned to St.Augustine two years before I was born. His last pastoral assignment in his life as a priest.

Setting a good example is the second way someone can be a good mentor. My childhood coincided with a turbulent time for the Catholic Church. I was in grade school when the clergy sex abuse scandal roared into the global consciousness. Reflecting on his life, Fr.Schmidt provided an vivid example of a good priest. During a time when the bad ones flooded the headlines.

Regardless of one’s religion, we all have a responsibility to leave a positive impact on others. That’s what Fr.Schmidt did and it’s what religious leaders of any faith do routinely. Sports-wise, good coaches leave that kind of impact on players. Many maintain relationships with players long after their playing careers end. Fitting more than basic definition we have for coaches.

It’s astounding how coaches in sports with large rosters manage to be mentors. Football especially, given that sport’s larger rosters compared to many others. With dozens of players to keep track of during a season. I particularly marvel at how coaches manage at the high school and college levels. Since players are only with those programs for about four years or less.

High School and college coaches mentoring skills are being put to the test now. With schedules scrambled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They also have to navigate through the challenges their players are facing. Uncertainty over how the next school year will go. Plus, various social issues brought to the forefront over the last three months.

How coaches approach these issues will leave a lifelong impact on players. Both their relationships with players and even their team’s performance. The best will manage through it in the same way the best mentors do. Through being there for their players and setting a good example for them.