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| Coach Doug |
This wasn't that type of call or message. It was simple, and short. "Hi Steve. Hope this finds you well. I'm messaging you to share sad news, and I'm sorry to do so. Our sweet friend Doug passed away. Not really sure what happened. Just know he passed "in his sleep". My heart aches. He was one of the best."
He was. A shock to be sure. He had a recent birthday and the picture above was still fresh in my mind.
Doug Trice was one such coach I wanted to know more about before the 2011 SO World Games in Athens Greece where I had been named head coach. Janet connected with me and could not say enough good things about Doug-his personality, his involvement with Special Olympics, his coaching style and knowledge of the sport (track and field). I didn't have to scour his resume to decide if he would be a good fit for our team, I trusted Janet's recommendation. I called and caught up and it seemed the more we discussed Doug-the stronger he became as a candidate.
The closest thing I've ever had to a manger-as in hire and fire type manager, is being a head coach and being involved with selecting assistant coaches. Yes...the application needs to be filled out correctly, the resume should be strong and there should be a feeling that the coach loves the sport they are applying for. I also like to call and actually talk to these coaches. You can get one impression on paper, but just having a conversation can usually bring out a more authentic perception of who they are. Such was the case with Doug.
I asked if he was interested in the World games coaching position. "I would be very pleased," he replied.
San Diego was our training camp site and the first chance to meet all of the coaches and athletes on the "Team USA" Athletics team. Coaches each have a role to play-maybe as a event specific coach, like distance, or sprints or throws or as a more general coach. In some cases I'd know that ahead of time, and in others it may take a day on the track to see where each coaches strengths are.
Doug had a quiet, restrained coaching style. Technically, he was stronger in some events than others, but he was also humble enough to always watch and learn from some of the others. That was his greatest strength. Athletes related well to him, as did all of us on the team. He would do whatever needed to be done and at any time. Doug was a consummate team player.
The 2011 World Games were held in Athens Greece with a couple days at the Isle of Rhodes for host town. Volumes could be written here regarding the travel challenges, schedule, training and "hurry up and wait" that is the modus operandi of any Special Olympics event. Doug was always composed through it all. Our home during the games was THE Olympic Stadium in Athens. Looking at the Olympic rings, touching the track, sitting in the marble trimmed stands...all hallowed ground for any track athlete and coach.
When Doug wasn't escorting, warming up or staging athletes, he could be found as a calming and reassuring force in our team "camp." You could run ideas past him and could always get an honest reply. He was a coach you could consistently count on.
I made this photo of Doug in Athens or Rhodes. I loved this picture and I thought it captured him well. I think he liked it too. He had a gentle soul, a kindness toward all around him. He checked in with me frequently over the years asking about life in general, kids and grandkids (he was a grandpa as well by now). I was most humbled to have him in my Special Olympics family.
You will be missed Coach Doug.
Run fast, turn left.
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