So earlier I told you about how WHS Grad Thomas Claiborne (10) returned to Wellesley this fall as both a teaching assistant and an 8th grade football coach. Recently I had the chance to catch up with Claiborne about his feelings coming into his new positions as well as memories from back in his playing days. Below find what he had to say.
Q: Talk about how it feels coming back to the Wellesley program after having been so successful as a player?
A: Its a great feeling to be a apart of the program here in Wellesley because this program has given me a great opportunity to be successful educationally and athletically. I was really excited after receiving the offer to coach and to be a TA because it was a open door that i knew I would be ready to walk in given the chance. The nature of the Wellesley community is more than loving, caring, and has always been there for me through my career. I was more than honored to get the invite back to the communtity that produces character and well rounded student-athletes.
Q: How do you feel you’re playing experience both at Wellesley and at BC will impact your coaching style?
A: Over my 9 years of being a student- athlete I have learned a lot of principles that can be applied to the way I live my life today. I believe my coaching style will be induced by the way I was trained over my playing years to be accountable and to uphold myself to the highest standard possible. I hope that through my type of coaching style I can affect young lives and give kids the knowledge to be able to apply life skills on the field and off the field. I am a big believer that you get out what you put in, with that motto I’m hoping to be able to show students how enthusiastic I am about what i do by bringing a constant energy to every class as well as practice.
Q: What are some of your fondest memories from playing at Wellesley/BC?
A: My fondest memories were the games that you knew you gave everything you had and that you were so tired to the point you barely wanted to move the next day. Its always a rewarding feeling to know that you were apart of a group that was on the same page to achieve the greater goal, and thats a W. I will always remember these games because the atmosphere was like no other when it was a big game. The fans roaring and giving everything thing they had to support the team who was giving everything they had. It was a great feeling and it always brought a connection throughout the whole stadium fans, players, and coaches. The games i always remembered the most of course were the rivalry games. These games warranted the right to brag for a whole year which always made it bitter sweet if you were apart of the winning team. Games like these will forever be held close to my heart and even will give me chills to this day just thinking about it.
Q: What is your coaching style so to speak and what do you think you can bring to the table as part of the eight grade staff?
A: I guess my coaching style is the type of coach who wants to be respected for my achievements and accomplishments because i bring a lot of experience to the table. I was blessed to have a career in high school all the way up to pro football. I want to pass my knowledge of the game on to the boys in a way that they will comprehend it, as well as have fun while doing it. I feel like i wouldn’t be doing any good if i didn’t give everything i have, day in and day out. Im hoping by doing this i can pull out the full potential of every player on the team. I plan to lead by example as well as trust in other players to show how to lead by example as well. I plan to give my boys the right tools that will give hem a lil more of an edge once they enter the high school level making it a smooth and painless transition. The main and ultimate goal is to win games while having fun doing it.
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