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In July, Marc Chavaree became the fourth head coach for the 49ers. The program has experienced considerable growth in the past two years. Appointing Marc as coach allows the best opportunity to use the talented hockey players on campus. Marc took time from season preparation to discuss the upcoming 7th ice hockey season at UNC Charlotte.
Q
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Why do you want to coach the 49ers?
A: 49er hockey is poised right now to capitalize on the dedication and leadership of veteran and charter 49er hockey players.
I am being passed a torch and it is with great humility coupled with immense enthusiasm for this program and love for the sport that I aspire to coach.
Q-What attributes will you look for at tryouts?
A: Skating, puck handling, passing, shooting, and the ability to follow direction, I won’t disclose the weight of each here.
Q-Is the coach’s job to motivate athletes, or is motivation the athlete’s responsibility?
A: It’s the coach’s job to identify what motivates and excites the individual athlete and then put that to work for the team.
Q-Your staff discussed a holistic approach to instruction; can you identify a few key components?
A: Hockey is without reproach the fastest and most demanding sport mentally and physically.
Nutrition, psychology, conditioning, academics and positive self-talk individually are important.
Imagine what can happen if a system is in place where the players are exposed to all these and more to help create a better more complete athlete.
Q-What do you think of the ‘win at all cost’ philosophy?
A: I suppose it all depends on how you define win.
If we’ve practiced intelligently and played to our potential plus 10% that’s a win to me.
Q-As off-season training concludes, what baseline condition and abilities are you looking for?
A: Speed and agility, balance and reactivity, quick recovery to anaerobic activity.
Q-What are the primary responsibilities of athletes selected to play hockey for the 49ers?
A: You must be academically sound.
The majority of student athletes will go on to become something other than a professional hockey player.
Beyond that, it’s being committed to the team, and being part of the success of the team.
Q-Can you share some of your goals that would define a successful 2009-10 season?
A: Achieving a level of play that is rewarding to the individual players, and noticeable to our fans, with that the wins will come.
Last year we missed some opportunities due to penalties, which are controllable, so I see low hanging fruit right there where we can make up some lost mileage. |
