Only when individuals make a selfless commitment to a group effort can they shatter the limitations of individual goals. - Dave Moskov, Auburn High varsity football coach.

We believe that it is imperative that our student athletes make a commitment to everything that they do. - Steve Crosby, Auburn High varsity lacrosse coach

Although coaching philosophies have changed through the years, there are also some important similarities. Through the coaches of the football and lacrosse teams at Auburn High School, and my involvement in each of those programs, I have not only learned the skills of the respective sports, but also lessons of life.

Though a coach's job is often limited to teaching his or her athletes the skills of the game, varsity football coaches Dave Moskov, Matt Moskov, Chris Kudla, John Alberici, and Don Patchett, along with varsity lacrosse coaches Steve Crosby, Mike Losani and Demetrius Murphy, are all firm believers in the teaching of life skills.

True, these coaches want to win, and win they have done, but this is not their main focus. Their main focus - and chief goal - is to watch us guys grow from boys to men.

"We stress the importance of doing what is right all the time, not just when it suits one's needs," says assistant Auburn football coach Matt Moskov.

He reminds us that, "Someday your playing time on the football field will end. Not only do (coaches) have to prepare (athletes) for football, we have an obligation to prepare them for much, much more, and that is to prepare them for life."

Our coaches don't only care about the athlete; they care about the person. They are there for us anytime, day or night, and this is why players respect them so much. This idea of caring about the person, not just the athlete, has been successful because it has made players and coaches that much closer, almost like family.

Coaches also understand the importance of our own lives, both in sports and on the outside.

"(The athletes) families are obviously their first priority, then their academics, and thirdly, their athletic activities," says lacrosse coach Steve Crosby. "We believe that if student athletes make this commitment, it will ultimately carry over to their future responsibilities in life, including their careers and families."

Though some might look at such sports as football and lacrosse as games of fun, the Auburn High coaches have turned each of these programs into a kind of family. Just as in a family, individual actions affect the team as a whole, whether positive or negative. Such values as these are taught to us players everyday, and that's why sports aren't just sports here in Auburn.

To Matt Moskov, it's about looking for the positive qualities in us all. "I firmly believe that everyone has some good in them," he says, "and something good in life that they are passionate about." "I have difficulty understanding the often-used line: What is wrong with today's youth?" says head Auburn football coach Dave Moskov, who considers himself "blessed to have such a supportive wife and family that allows me to work with the young men of our community. I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunities to work with (them). I couldn't be more proud of the young men in our program."