By ANDREW COEN
Vermeil, who led UCLA to a Rose Bowl title in 1976 and the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl victory in January 2000, helped launch the two-day clinic at Oceanside High School when he delivered an inspirational talk to Nassau County high school football coaches on the importance of leadership when guiding young people. Other participants in the clinic, which raised roughly $3,000 for the Nassau County Football Scholarship Fund, included NFL quarterback and Oceanside High School alumnus Jay Fiedler and college football coaches Greg Robinson of Syracuse, Chuck Priore of Stony Brook, Bryan Collins of C.W. Post and Mike Toop of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point.
Vermeil, who had three stints as an NFL head coach ‹ leading the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 to 1982, the Rams from 1997 to 1999 and the Kansas City Chiefs from 2001 to 2005 ‹ said in an interview before his Friday-night lecture that he was inspired by his high school football coach and that coaches at that level are vital in the progress of young athletes both on and off the field. ³I believe in what these [coaches] do and what they stand for,² said Vermeil, who led UCLA to a win over Ohio State in the 1976 Rose Bowl. ³These kind of dedicated people inspire me.²
In a lecture in the OHS auditorium that lasted over an hour, Vermeil, who is now retired from coaching, reminded Nassau County coaches of the important role their leadership plays in their athletes¹ lives. He explained the importance of emphasizing the positive during the season, when it can be easy to focus on the negative in practice or in a game. ³When you end up winning, ultimately it¹s because you fought through adversity,² Vermeil said. ³The road to the Super Bowl is always under construction.²
Vermeil¹s visit to Oceanside was made possible in large part by Fielder, who hired a limousine to drive to Atlantic City, N.J., to pick up Vermeil, who was visiting his former Eagles quarterback and friend Ron Jaworski. Former Oceanside football head coach Frank Luisi gave special thanks to Fielder, whom he coached in the late 1980s, before introducing Vermeil.
Luisi said in a phone interview that Vermeil was an inspiration to all the coaches who attended. He added that the success of the clinic and Vermeil¹s lecture would not have been possible without the support of Oceanside School District officials, who arranged for security at the high school during the event.
Vermeil praised Luisi for his help in setting up the program, which brought together coaches from all over the county. ³I love people who have a passion for what they do,² Vermeil said of Luisi.
At the conclusion of Vermeil¹s remarks, Luisi thanked him again for taking the time to talk to Nassau County coaches. ³There will always be a place for you in Nassau County,² said Luisi. ³You will be in our hearts forever.²
Comments about this story? ACoen@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
