Excuse Me, I Didn’t Mean To Inflict Pain Etiquette Classes A Success In Coral Reef Football

When a football player delivers a crunching hit on an opponent, a triumphant yell or arrogant sneer often follows.

Not at Coral Reef Senior High, where a polite “Excuse me, I hope that didn’t hurt” would be a more likely response.

That’s because the Barracudas are required to attend etiquette classes. The players better know exactly how to behave - or they won’t play.

Coach Ernest Perkins says he requires his players to learn manners because he wants to help them prepare for life without football.

“It’s not about the NFL, it’s about being a man of honor, about getting a college degree,” he said. “These guys are going to have to be polished when they meet others. … Take the money away from the average (professional) athlete and what has he got?”

During one class, the players, dressed in their blue and black football jerseys over a white shirt and tie, listened intently as teacher Myoushi Jones explained proper manners at the table.

“What is the first thing you do when you sit down at a table?” she asked.

“Place your napkin on your lap,” one player responded.

Besides table manners, the team has learned everything from poise and appropriate dress to goal setting and appropriate greetings. They also must take classes on public speaking and successful interviewing.

Perkins said he’s not sure if the approach has helped the team on the field. It certainly hasn’t hurt.

The team finished the season 7-1 in the high school’s first year. Perkins, who teaches health and has coached high school football for 23 years, was named the school’s teacher of the year.

Perkins and Jones designed the etiquette program several years ago when the coach decided he wanted to do more than, well, coach. Jones had her own teen etiquette program and offered to help.

The classes are held at least once a month during the school year.

“I love it,” said defensive lineman Denzel Burnside, 15. “It may use up time but it’s necessary because it keeps us away from everything else out there.”

Perkins said 60 percent of the players he has coached have gone on to college. In addition to the etiquette program, he said his top priority is good grades.

“First of all, they have to commit to academics,” he said. “That way, even in a losing season, they have something to win.”

To make the team, Perkins requires two letters of recommendation from teachers, one from the parents and a letter of commitment from the student stating he will make academics his top priority.

Besides attending etiquette classes, each of the team’s 59 players must have at least a 2.5 grade point average and wear a shirt and tie to school every Monday. Perkins also makes them write seven 15-page book reports during the school year.

“What Coach Perkins has done in a short time is just outstanding,” principal Greg Zawyer said. “More schools need to look at what coach Perkins is doing here.”

Jones said the students are dedicated to their coach’s principles.

“These guys are really trying hard to change the general perception of football players,” she said. “Most people see them as monsters and they want to show that’s wrong. They are football players but they are also gentlemen.”

The students said they look forward to class and that the lessons come in handy.

“The class helps us become better citizens, earn respect from others,” said offensive tackle Victor Anderson, 15. “Coach Perkins requires us to put in more effort than probably any other coach, but effort is exactly what it takes to be successful in life.”