Mundelein High School’s head varsity football coach, Larry Calhoun, has been awarded the Semper Fi Coach Award, presented by the US Marine Corps and Glazier Football Clinics, which offer football and athletic performance clinics throughout the country.
Calhoun was nominated for the award by Staff Sergeant Andrew Lowery of the United States Marine Corps, who worked with the MHS football team last summer. The award recognizes a high school football coach who lives out the Marine Corps motto of Semper Fidelis [Always Faithful], and who models the Marine Corps leadership values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.
According to Glazier Clinics, the Semper Fi Coach is not necessarily selected for a winning record or championship title, but rather for leaving a legacy of intentional leadership.
Calhoun began in his position at MHS during the summer of 2015. He has previous coaching experience at Elk Grove High School, Westwood High School in Austin, Texas; Lakeview-Centennial High School in Garland Texas; and Dallas Christian High School in Mesquite, Texas.
“I enjoy everything about it,” Calhoun said of his love of football. “I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes with winning and I enjoy the challenge of growing and working to improve when we fail. I love the daily grind, and the sense of pride, honor and confidence that comes with knowing you’re prepared,” he explained.
Glazier Clinics host clinics for coaches’ professional development in 32 different cities in the US. The clinics generally run for 2-3 days with a wide variety of topics and speakers related to a given sport or sports-related subject.
Calhoun explained that coaching a football team is much more than football; it is about helping with the development of a young man. “Whatever it is that happens to that player after his high school career is over he has hopefully developed the right habits and a value for doing the right thing,” he said. “You’ve had the privilege of being a part of his life and your heart swells with joy for him and you were blessed to help support him on his journey…that is the most fulfilling thing by far,” he concluded.
The Semper Fi Coach Award will be presented Saturday, March 4 as part of the morning sessions at the Chicago Glazier Clinic that weekend.
“[The award] is flattering and a very pleasant surprise,” Calhoun said of the award. “It reminds me of the great job our coaches are doing with our kids. While we still have a lot of hill to climb, it’s another indication that we have made and are making significant progress,” he concluded.