Coaching and parenting are quite similar for field hockey coach Neil Macmillan and hockey coach Dan Morris. The offseason is just as busy as the season, but instead of organizing the team, these Ohio coaches are planning carpools and family vacations.
Morris, the director of Bird Arena, must stick to a rigorous work schedule in the offseason. His time is especially limited when the rink is undergoing its annual maintenance.
When he can sneak away from the rink, Morris spends time with his wife, Emily, and two young children. Traveling is a huge part of his family’s summer itinerary.
Morris’ family visited relatives in Florida after this past season, and he likes to take his wife and kids to his hometown in Ontario, Canada.
Despite returning to his roots, Morris keeps his skates and stick in the garage. Most of his skills are reserved for the eyes of the Bobcats.
“I try to stay away from playing as much as I can,” Morris said. “I can’t keep pace with all the young guys.”
Morris tries to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs whenever possible but it’s a luxury rarely afforded because of his responsibilities as a parent, director and coach.
“I enjoy watching all the games as much as I can,” Morris said. “Most of the games that I get to watch are the West Coast games because of the timing.”
Macmillan also enjoys watching hockey, but he usually does so while holding a camera instead of a remote. In fact, Macmillan is a self-proclaimed “silent cheerleader” at most of his children’s sporting events.
“I leave the coaching for the coaches,” Macmillan said. “I really don’t say a lot on the sideline. I just observe, take photos, and enjoy watching.”
Occasionally, Macmillan will take his sons to Pruitt Field to hit around a ball. He says both of his sons like field hockey, ice hockey and soccer. In fact, his older son recently expressed interest in goalie, his father’s position during his playing days.
Macmillan tries to keep in shape by biking, running and swimming, and recently finished a triathlon in Athens.
“My challenge is to find something I can compete in individually and still keep that competitive edge,” Macmillan said.
Despite the need to keep in shape, sometimes relaxation is the key for the offseason. Semeka Randall, coach of women’s basketball, understands that concept — she could not comment because she was away on vacation.
mm938910@ohiou.edu
