I’ve had great coaches in my life. But there’s something significant about a 5’8’’ guy who’s fire and passion for the game of football inspires me to be amazing. There’s something to be said about a guy who pushes you to be the best both on and off the field. There’s something to be said about someone who can build you up with a simple tap on the helmet. This someone is my dedicated, energetic, and outgoing coach, Sal Logue.

I’ve been blessed to have coach Logue as my defensive coach for the past four years of my high school football career. But he’s more than a coach--coach Logue is also a special education teacher at Arrowhead High School, and although the job is rewarding, it can be stressful. From teaching class all day, to going to football practice after, Coach Logue has a busy day from sun-up to sundown. And successfully coping with stress was one thing I admire about coach Logue.

During the day, he teaches kids with special disabilities. This I’m sure tests his patience, yet he is still able to remain calm under distress and have a positive mindset throughout the day--and this is remarkable.

He is a football coach, so he’s like a jack-in-the-box and you don’t know when he’s going to pop up and yell at you for running the wrong play. But when he criticises you, he always knows how to build you back up. But hey, that’s a football coach for you. But when you’re around Coach Logue, you’re treated like family (especially if you’re of Italian heritage--which I happen to be).

Coach Logue is proud of his Italian heritage. I’ll never forget the first day of freshman practice when he trotted over to me with a smile on his face and said, “Orlando…Is that Italian?” and I replied with a worried look on my face, “Yes…it is coach” and he leaped up and down saying, “Ohhh yeahhh! We are going to get along real well, Orlando!”  This simple interaction shows just how outgoing and energetic coach Logue is--I mean, I was just a freshman…I didn’t expect any of the coaches to notice me!

Coach Logue is one of the most outgoing people I’ve met. He is the person who looks you dead in the eye and he is easy to have a conversation with. He has taught me valuable lessons--both on and off the field--and I’m truly blessed to have a person like him in my life.

Coach Sal Logue has taught me more than just the game of football. He's taught me life lessons that I will cherish forever.