Coach Jon Kitna addresses Waxahachie Rotary Club

 
Picture shows WISD Head Coach Jon Kitna with Rotarian Melissa Ballard
Coach Kitna at Rotary Club
by John Hamilton
 
Coach Jon Kitna was the speaker at the Rotary Club today.  He explained how his program is impacting a group of young men expecting they will all become productive citizens.  One woman gave a testimonial about her grandson who was a product of a badly broken family and was going nowhere.  In one year as part of Kitna's program he has turned completely around, become a good student and active in his church. 
 
 
Picture shows WISD Head Coach Jon Kitna with Rotarian Melissa Ballard
Coach Kitna at Rotary Club
by John Hamilton
 
Jon Kitna came to Waxahachie with a vision of helping to create young men of character and integrity.  For this to happen he needed the support of the community. Here the community and parents support the program and coaches.  Here the district provides equipment and everything else needed for a successful program.  And here he will spend twenty five years developing young men of character and integrity who will be assets to their community.
 
As the basis of Coach Kitna’s program he developed the R.E.A.L. philosophy.  The parts of it are:
  • Reject passivity.  This means that people should be aware of what is happening around them and react appropriately.  If a young man does not understand he asks questions.  If he sees someone needing help he helps.
  • Empathize with others.  Instead of arguing and fighting try to understand the other person’s viewpoint.  Perhaps common ground can be reached.
  • Accept responsibility.  This is obvious.  If you have done something or not done something accept the consequences.  A teacher does not give you a poor grade; you earn it by not doing the work required.
  • Lead courageously.  Leadership takes strength.  If something needs doing and nobody is getting involved urge them on.
 
To view a Indian training video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zJZyOtzLkE
 
Of last year’s graduating seniors from the football team nine are going to college and one is training to be a Navy Seal.  The grade point average has improved and the team has formed a brotherhood.  They do community service and support their community and school in many ways.
 
Coach Kitna’s wife, assistant coaches and their wives and families all moved here from Washington state because they believed in the vision of what could be done here.  None of them had even visited here but they accepted the challenge and it is working for them.
 
For more information about the Rotary Club of Waxahachie where we believe in Service Above Self and doing things as a club we cannot do alone, visit the club web site at www.waxahachierotary.org .  You can find American flag subscription applications on the web site. 
 
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