All Pro Dad
March Madness In June: Welcome Coach Lonergan
photos by Robin Trushaw
University of Vermont Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Lonergan visited
the Swanton Elementary School All Pro Dad’s Breakfast on Friday June 4th to visit with dads and their kids to talk about fatherhood topics, as well as some of the male role models that have helped shape his life.
“I’m a big fan of tough love. Parents are not giving their kids enough discipline today. I’m not talking about spanking. I’m talking about saying no, meaning it, and sticking with it. They are creating a lot of spoiled brats. Parents are spending too much time trying to be their kid’s best friend by buying them texting phones and video games causing them to sit around and waste their time,” said Coach Lonergan.
Coach Lonergan discussed how parents are not preparing children for reality. He tells his players that in four years there won’t be 3000 people cheering and shouting about how great they are. Their parents aren’t going be holding their hand or calling up their boss telling them they should pay them more money or give them more time off from work. Lonergan stresses, “kids’ parents need to take school seriously.”
Coach Lonergan recalled one very significant trait about his own father. “I never heard my father curse even once. Not around me and my brothers and certainly not around my mother. And that is something I instill in my players. There is never to be any foul language. If they slip, then they are running,” he said with a grin.
Recently the coach was faced with a decision a lot of dads have to face at some point, the choice of uprooting his kids to take a job in another state for more money. “I’ve had seven job offers from other colleges and I didn’t even pick up the phone. One was a guaranteed seven figure deal. Now, it’s no secret how much money I make, it’s in the papers and it’s a little embarrassing. But when you compare it to what the guy at UCLA or Boston College makes, it’s not a lot. But it wasn’t worth it to me to move my family out of Vermont. Dads are spending too much time focusing on money and not enough time focusing on the family”.
Coach Lonergan takes a break with the kids, the dads, and a few Swanton staff
Upon hearing that the coach walked away from over 1 million dollars for his kids, 6th grader Audrey Barnier commented, “Wow, that’s a dad and a half!”
Coach Lonergan was impressed at the number of dads who made time Friday morning to come to school and spend some time with their children. “That’s a great commitment you’ve made. With schedules the way they are, it says a lot about you.”
The Swanton All Pro Dad Breakfasts are held once a month during the school year. It is a nationwide program that helps to improve the relationship between fathers and their kids. If you are interested in starting an All Pro Dad Breakfast in your school, visit their website at www.allprodad.com.
All Pro Dad Breakfast, Friday May 21st
Photos by Robin Trushaw
November
October
September
Photos by Robin Trushaw: Thank you!
APD Kickoff! September 24, 2009
The inaugural All Pro Dad’s Day Breakfast was a HUGE success!!!
Nearly 20 men came to school at 6:30 in the morning to enjoy breakfast with their children. The Abby of Sheldon served delicious sausage breakfast sandwiches and fresh fruit and milk. Prizes from Dick’s Sporting Goods, Borders, and the All Pro Dad organization were raffled off.
Team Captain Eric Astleford (Mr. A) spoke to dads about the importance of spending time with kids and being involved in their activities. He stressed that it isn’t the things we buy for children that makes them happy, it’s the quality time that we spend with them that they really crave.
Assistant Captains Carlo Micheli and Assistant Principal Brent Coon helped dads register for the daily email Play Of The Day, available at the All Pro Dad website. Robin Trushaw took the great pictures you see on the slideshow above this article.
One father commented afterwards, “Thanks a lot for doing this. It’s about time that a school did something that’s geared towards fathers.”
The next All Pro Dad’s Day Breakfast is going to be Wednesday, October 28th at 6:30 a.m. Adult breakfast costs $1.50 and student/child breakfast costs $.85. If you want further information, contact Mr. A at eastleford@fnwsu.org or visit the All Pro Dad website at www.allprodad.com.
All Pro Dad, September 18, 2009
Hey Dads! Are you looking for ways to spend more time with your kids? Swanton Elementary is there for you.
Starting on September 24th in the Central Cafeteria, Swanton Elementary will be hosting All Pro Dad’s Day. Each month, just before school, the lunchroom will open it doors to fathers and their children who want to spend a little extra time together.
Working in conjunction with the National Football League, All Pro Dad’s Day breakfast will provide our dads some time to sit, relax, and enjoy the company of their kids. Guest speakers, video presentations, and prizes from local merchants will be given away every month! Dads will be able to ask questions and get tips and ideas from other fathers on how to make the most of their job as a parent.
"Resources for fathers are sometimes hard to access", says Swanton Elementary Team Captain Eric Astleford (Mr. A). "Parents have to work, sometimes two jobs. That’s what makes All Pro Dad breakfasts convenient. If a dad has ever gotten up early to go hunting or fishing, then showing up at school at 6:30 a.m. for an hour with your son or daughter will be a piece of cake!"
"Fathers are not dispensable. They play a critical role in the lives of their kids and in the school community. Mrs. Benay (principal) recognizes this and wants to provide our dads with every opportunity to get involved."
Assistant Captain Carlo Micheli adds, "Guys wonder sometimes 'Do I have to be the biological father to go to this?' I’m a stepdad, and I’m very excited to be involved in this project. To a child, a hero doesn’t always wear a cape. Sometimes it’s the average Joe who comes in and says, 'You are a great kid!' and that guy can be a dad, a stepdad, uncle, grandfather, coach, or maybe a special friend of mom. We are asking for role models, not paternity results."
Mr. A goes on to say, "Kids aren’t looking for you to buy them the latest gadget. I guarantee when they are grown, they will have forgotten all about that video game you gave them when they were nine. They will remember a camping trip, or helping you work on the car, or when sat down and had a pretend tea party and you wore the silly hat. Children are looking for quality time that you spent with them and you are fully engaged in the activity. Cell phone off. Computer off. TV off. It’s that simple. And All Pro Dad is giving us that opportunity!"
The Abbey of Sheldon caters the breakfast. The cost for dads is $1.80 and the student price is price is $.85. Younger children are also welcome to come along.
If you would like more information about the breakfast or want to know how to obtain other resources from the All Pro Dad website, you can email Mr. A at eastleford@fnwsu.org or visit www.allprodad.com.
