With your team's impressive record under your tenure, how do you keep your players humbled and prepared for each game?
First you must make sure your staff remains humble and that starts with the head coach. I keep my life in biblical perspective and take great meaning in allowing others to praise you and NOT boost yourself. Preparation game to game should remain the same no matter what the opponent's record may be. If a coach is consistent in his approach and expectations then I believe you'll be prepared week to week.
How do you encourage intensity and competition while maintaining a respectful relationship with opposing teams?
We start with the attitude "we'll be intense and competitive" in practice. However, I never allow fighting and as a coaching staff it is enforced. We also don't allow negative chatter. Only uplifting talk and praise, for example good hit, good stop, good game. Our coaching staff is demanding but we don't demean, verbally abuse, or put down.
Do you believe that sportsmanship is more common in college football than the professional game? If so, why?
I believe sportsmanship is more common in the collegiate ranks, particularly in the lower levels. It seems there is more media hype and expectations of "WWE" mentality now which affects big time sports and for sure professional sports.
What values and principles are your players learning through football?
The values and principles learned through football are many. I hope to instill a work ethic that will carry over into life. Discipline, poise, confidence, punctuality and teamwork are part of life lessons. Players learn that life isn't always fair. Bad officiating calls, "I'm not the starter," why me to get injured, etc. I believe the personal relationships fostered during an athletic career are life-long.
What coach did you most admire growing up and why?
I never really admired one coach growing up. At 62 years of age, our media outlets weren't the same growing up. I have taken lessons from many coaches over the years but I was most influenced by college position coach John Furlow. To this day I remain in contact and have great respect for the valued influences he instilled. One of the best coaches I've ever been around was John Devlin. Coach Devlin came with me to Bloomsburg as a Defensive Coordinator.
How do you incorporate the philosophy of "winning the right way" with your team?
As a coach you must live your life that way. If you're different off the field than on, I believe your players pick up on that and will affect your values. It's how I was raised and influenced.
Do you require your football players to volunteer in the community? If yes, what are the requirements?
I require my football players to do three good deeds in the course of the year. When I first came to Bloomsburg 17 years ago, I charted each player to ensure that they were in compliance. As the years went by I didn't have to require it - they knew it was expected of them to "just do it". Our players are involved with blood drives, reading programs, big brothers, church programs, tutorial programs, etc.
What are the top three things you demand from your student-athletes?
The top three things I demand from my student-athletes are respect, loyalty, and integrity.
Can you enjoy watching another football team play or are you constantly analyzing strategy?
I certainly enjoy watching other teams play. I do take in how other coaches work and handle situations. I also take in systems utilized and at times have incorporated a play or two.
What is one thing that your players would be surprised to learn about you?
My players might be surprised to learn that I enjoy Ballroom Dancing. After most home games, I watch the Saturday evening "Ballroom Dancing" on public television.
What is your favorite junk food or guilty pleasure food?
"I'm a Dunkin' man." Enough said.
Vacations for a head coach are probably few and far between, but where does Danny Hale go to relax in the off-season?
I really enjoy being with my family. My in-laws live in Brigantine, New Jersey and I have a daughter in Panama City, Florida. Two pretty good vacation places.
What is your favorite movie of all time and the best movie you've seen recently?
Favorite movie? Depends on the mood. I really can't pick one. I don't even remember my last movie attended?
What sports did you play in high school? What was your best?
I played football in high school and threw javelin my senior year. Football was my favorite and where I had success.
Fill in the blank. If I weren't coaching football, I'd be ________.
If I weren't coaching football, I'd be a motel owner.
Recall for us your all-time favorite college football game or individual play.
My favorite college football game was one I participated in my senior year of college. We had a two goal line stand to solidify a victory over Villanova. I played for West Chester State. Major, major upset!
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