Feb. 16, 2007
PHILADELPHIA, PA - As we approach the one-year mark since the new coaching staff was hired (Coach Miller was hired in late March, 2006), the philosophy of the program is becoming ingrained into the Explorers. The philosophy of the Explorer Football program consists of two major principles. First, it is a program being built on Faith and Service. Second, it is a program establishing a desire and work ethic to win.
Coach Miller and his staff are continuously speaking of winning all aspects of life. It is the belief of the staff that winning in one area of life will lead to winning in other areas. "We are establishing a winning attitude. Winning is not something that we turn on and off. We are pushing to win at everything" explains Coach Miller, "When we win in the classroom, we are working on the sacrifice and discipline that we need to win in football." So far, the Explorer players have grasped this part of the philosophy. In the fall semester - the first full semester under the new staff - 78% of the Explorer players improved their overall GPA.
Another aspect of the philosophy deals with community service. The Explorer players and staff are working hard to get 100% participation in the Big Brother/Big Sister program. Several Explorer Football players have taken leadership responsibilities within the Big Brother/Big Sister organization. "We believe it is not good enough to come to La Salle, get a great education and play football," states Miller, "There is much good we can do in our community. Helping others is an unselfish act. Show me an unselfish football team and I will show you a better team." Explorer players and coaches are currently meeting with the principal at Logan Elementary School to plan a spring field day for the school.
As the team prepares for the 2007 season, they understand that there is much work to improve to develop a winning program. Explorer players have been working extremely hard in the weight room and conditioning program. Currently, the team runs a couple of times a week at 5:30am. "I am confident that we are out-working our opponent. Coach Bingaman and the assistants are doing a great job pushing the kids. I'm sure they do not love getting up so early, but they are determined to win each day," Miller says. Along with the conditioning program, the players lift several times a week under the direction of Coach Bingaman and his staff. "Things are definitely changing," says Miller, "If you speak to anyone surrounding our program, they will tell you. We are not where we want to be, but we are getting closer."
Winning has become the focus in La Salle University Football. Winning academically, winning socially, winning in the community, and winning in the weight room will hopefully translate into winning on the field.
