Mark Lusic is a teacher and the head football coach at Amherst High School in Wisconsin. By developing an intensive weight training program, developing deep relationships, and building a winning culture, he’s led Amherst to four state championships and built one of the most respected programs in the state. In this episode of SGG, we discuss:

1. Learning from Coach John Koronkiewicz about how to listen and develop relationships.

2. Does “scheme” win games? (no) What does?

3. Make your average players good, your good players great, and your great players “studs.”

4. What does the team talk about in the weight room?

5. Developing a team identity, sticking to it, and putting time into practicing it.

6. The 600, 800, and 1000 pound clubs.

7. How kids develop confidence through weightlifting. (see excerpt from student essay below)

8. Kids needing football more than football needs them.

9. Asking kids to “pay it forward” one day.

10. It’s all about the players.

11. Why he asks his team, “Are you satisfied?” after each game.

12. His annual “life review.”

13. Knowing what to do on 3rd and 1.

14. Being ok with not always knowing the answer right away.

#74: Amherst HS (WI) coach Mark Lusic develops relationships and confidence in the weight room (re-edit of #14)