Beaverton’s newest coach has playoff experience and success on his mind
By: Eric Dion
Aaron Seiser has quite a history in the Jack Pine Conference, with coaching stints in both Houghton Lake and Gladwin. He has returned to lead warriors on the gridiron once more, in the confines of Beaverton. Coach Seiser is currently a special education instructor in the Gladwin Community School District, but he looks to be focused on bringing his coaching expertise across Ross Lake and rekindling the competitive fires. I had a chance to talk with Coach Seiser and began to understand why there are rumblings of Beaverton becoming a force to be reckoned with in the JPC soon.
Jack Pine Tribune: What got you into coaching in the first place?
Aaron Seiser: I was always into sports growing up, and my family and friends were into sports as well. I went to a fairly competitive school, and it drew me into teaching and becoming a role model for kids, so it went hand in hand with coaching.
JPT: What sports did you play as a kid? Were there any memorable moments?
AS: I played football, basketball, and baseball. I grew up in a town that had good success with sports, and it has helped me to realize what goes on in a kid’s mind. Everyone wants to win, but I like to get them to look to the bigger picture, and use sports to teach them how to face their problems and become a responsible adult.
JPT: Why did you take breaks from coaching?
AS: I have a wife and two young kids, and when I coached in Houghton Lake in 2004 it was difficult because I had a child with a disability that required extra family attention. When I was approached to coach in Gladwin, I thought it would be easier because I was employed there, and I coached there in 2007 and 2008, but I had other priorities with my family then. I had been talking to some of the Beaverton coaches, because I am friends with them and helping them with their program a bit the last year or so, and when the position opened this year I felt it was the right time to go back to coaching now that my kids are older.
JPT: What kind of potential do you see in the Beaverton football program?
AS: I see a ton of potential in this group. I see kids who want to play, and a growing interest in the youth program. The numbers are good this year, and the kids are hungry for success. The community is behind the program as well and is just as hungry for success as the kids. We are experiencing a learning curve right now, adjusting to do what it takes to achieve that success.
JPT: What kind of changes would you like to make in the next year or two?
AS: The team’s personality and philosophy are going through changes right now. We are doing some radical offensive changes, going from a modified “T” to a spread/option game. The defense is staying similar; since the coaches have implemented some of the stuff I told them the last year or so. The special teams are learning some new language and verbiages as well as some different techniques as well. We have had to make some changes quickly because one quarter of the kids on the Varity football team have never played High School football before.
JPT: What impresses you most about your team so far this year?
AS: The kids are working very hard, and have been receptive to what needs to be done. They are nice kids, which makes it easier to do my job. They are trying to do what is right and trying to work through everything. Even with the depth issues we face, we have some real talent on this team, and it’s going to take a lot of repetition and a little time to get it figured out.
JPT: What is the most important thing a coach needs to teach their team and why?
AS: Life experience changes the way you look at coaching, and I feel that getting the kids ready for the next aspect of their lives is important. I believe a sport teaches you responsibility for the way you live your life as well as perseverance. Life is not going to be easy, but you learn how to handle the problems without getting angry or violent.
JPT: What kind of short term goals do you have for your team this year?
AS: We know what we are up against and we know the history, but we are making no excuses this year. We expect to be successful and competitive. It is hard to translate that into how many wins we’ll have this year, but we could wind up surprising some teams this year.
One thing is for sure; Coach Seiser has mentally and physically changed the outlook of this team, and we could be writing a few upset stories this year if any teams decide to look past their matchup with the Beavers.
