Academy football coach shares playbook for success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class C.J. Hatch
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) --  Luke AFB Airmen received advice from the head football coach of the U.S. Air Force Academy during a visit to Luke AFB April 18. 

Troy Calhoun returned to the Academy as the head coach in December 2006, after a 10-year absence from the Falcon coaching staff. He replaced Fisher DeBerry, who was the head coach for 23 years. 

After graduating the Academy, Mr. Calhoun joined the Falcon coaching staff as the Falcon's recruiting coordinator and the junior varsity offensive coordinator. After serving six years as an officer in the Air Force, Mr. Calhoun left the Academy football team to coach at Ohio State University. He also spent time in the NFL coaching for the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans, before deciding to return to the Falcons as head coach. 

Mr. Calhoun came to Luke AFB for an orientation flight at the invitation of his Academy friend, Lt. Col. Scott Gierat, 310th Fighter Squadron commander. 

Before his flight Mr. Calhoun had breakfast with 20 Luke AFB Airmen where he shared some of his life experiences and advice. 

"There are parallels between football and working active duty," Mr. Calhoun said. "Every day you need to be a quality worker, and the Air Force, by in large, has many." 

Mr. Calhoun gave Airmen four points to remember throughout life. 

"First, it starts with integrity," he said. "In every relationship, from co-workers to friends, people have to know you're going to be honest with them." 

Then one needs passion, Mr. Calhoun said. It's never just one foot in; the whole soul has to be in it. 

"Whatever job you do, do it to the best of your ability," Mr. Calhoun said. "You may be smaller than someone, but you can out-perform anyone who lacks passion." 

Mr. Calhoun went on to talk about the importance of having a plan while staying flexible. 

"In football we have game plans," Mr. Calhoun said. "At times, plans don't work just the way they should and we improvise; we use the resources we have and we push forward." 

The final thing Mr. Calhoun commented on before leaving was perseverance. 

"Sometimes there are bumps in life's road," he said. "Adversity is part of life, but if you learn from it, you become stronger." 

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