By Darrell Puckett
The passion of becoming a coach doesn’t stem from trying to accomplish successful winning seasons or counting how many great players you’ve coached, but the way players respond to your teaching. Life isn’t a cakewalk for anyone, and when a high school kid plays sports they are looking to accomplish something higher than their self. At the same time there must be guidance in order for this to occur.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Moates.
Sam Peak, 66, has been involved with many sports at different levels in multiple high schools over the years, and always had more in mind than winning. It’s made simple by Peak about the true impact of coaching, and how his style sets up kids for becoming more than just an athlete.
Winning in many people’s eyes is solidified by a victory, but what really exemplifies this? Peak has coached football, baseball, basketball, cross-country and tennis over his years, and realizes that he won’t be remembered for the victories or losses. His legacy will be remembered by the lasting impact that was left with each kid on and off the field.
Trust plays a huge factor in Peak’s ability to coach and direct. “I knew from the second practice started that giving my all was expected, and that if I trusted him, he would trust me too,” JP Northcutt said.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Moates.
Northcutt played baseball under Peak during ’08-’09 seasons at Prattville Christian Academy, and was named team captain his senior year. “I thought of coach as a father figure because the way he cared off the field, but also his appreciation for baseball.” Northcutt said.
Peak not only is the athletic director at PCA, but head football coach for this ’13 season. The opportunity for a season veteran such as Peak to coach high school football again is rare, and should not be taken lightly. “We have some real good kids with plenty of skill to become playmakers, but with that being said, I’m trying to mold them into better Christians, students, husbands and employers for their future,” Peak said.
As a former student and player of Coach Peak, I can honestly say that without that man influencing my life through the game of baseball, I wouldn’t be the same person today. Kids look up to their coaches more than they know, and through their influence lives are shaped.
A motivator, teacher and leader are just a few things that describe Peak’s personality, but what’s the key component? Love for the kids and game explains it all. “I feel responsible for trying to mature and help these kids succeed in life, and I won’t give up on anyone of them,” Peak said.
I guess you could say that Peak’s love for the game got him here, but his love for the kids will be what made him a legend.
Contact the writer: dpucket1@aum.edu
Darrell you could not have said this any better about such a wonderful man. I can say from a parents side of him coaching my child. Even when he wasn’t the head coach in some situations if I knew he was there I did not worry about my son. If they went on away games that I could not make it, it was alway a relief of I knew coach Peak was with them I never worried ( that says a lot because I am a worry wort!)My son had him as a teacher as well he will tell you 5 years later and many years of teaching later. His way of teaching stood out to my son. He loves these young men and want them to learn so much more than a sport. We were truly blessed to have him in our sons life. We will always Thank God for the time he allowed our son to be coached and taught by him!