Whiteaker coach finalist for coach of the year
8:21 p.m. PST March 8, 2016
Scott Coburn, a track and volleyball coach at Whiteaker Middle School in Keizer, has been selected as one of three Oregon finalists for CSN’s All-Star Coach Program.
“Coaching is about more than the game; the game is a means to teach life skills,” Coburn said in an interview with CSN. “Skills such as commitment, honesty, loyalty, leadership, perseverance, and teamwork that turn ordinary people into great people.”
Coburn has coached a variety of sports at different levels for 38 years, but has spent 24 years at Whiteaker. He said he loves working with middle school students because they are “fun, energetic and mold-able.”
“Young people face great challenges in their lives,” he said. “As their coach, I have the opportunity to help young people through these challenges.”
Though Coburn has won other coaching awards, he said he was honored and surprised to be a finalist for this program. He is the only middle school coach finalist.
The All-Star Coach is aimed at recognizing Oregon and Washington school coaches. The coach who is awarded the All-Star Coach title for Oregon will receive $5,000 for the school where s/he coaches.
Coburn said there are a lot of things he would like to use the money on, should he win, such as new uniforms for the student athletes, and possibly new volleyball equipment.
The final award presentation will take place at half-time at the Portland Trail Blazers game on April 2.
Until March 28, winners will be decided by voting in the online poll at CSNNW.com/AllStarCoach. People are able to vote one time each day, every day.
“Coach Coburn was selected because of his integrity as a coach and teacher,” Whiteaker officials said. “He is a role model for his students as well as for the other coaches in the state.
“His coaching style encourages student athletes to put forth effort, display good sportsmanship, and above all, never give up,” they said. “He encourages the growth mindset and is willing to work tireless hours to teach athletes the skill of the event while promoting self-confidence and respect.”
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Natalie Pate 