Top Gun Essay

1 I view coaching sports through my filter of being a fighter pilot (a player on a demanding athletic team) and leading around three other pilots in a 4-ship formation (the first string) as the “flight lead” (the team captain) that was part of a squadron (the team) of about 25 pilots (players) who were all technically skilled, qualified, and proficient with sound tactical awareness in a “High Ego, High Tasks” environment. We were “mastery-oriented” and “success seekers” in a “Competitive Climate”. Everyone wanted to be the best and competition was fierce yet friendly (similar, I guess, to some of what was portrayed in the movie Top Gun). We were all physically fit to fly one of the most maneuverable and physically demanding jets every conceived

I think it was called Wilmore Hall. The floor was cement, the ceiling was high and industrial like, and several huge model airplanes hung over the desks. There was natural light through “hangar” style windows and some skylights, too. Several jet and reciprocating engines were strategically placed for easy viewing. Instrument and airplane parts littered the entire place. Years later, the aviation management program moved to the business school where carpet, comfortable desks, and video screens consumed a luxury setting. No longer was there grungy windows and airplane stuff in an industrial, hangar like setting. The business school was a setting for a guy in a suit versus someone with a cool leather jacket and sunglasses. The business school classrooms wouldn’t be a good place to teach someone about swimming or baseball, for example, either. This new environment killed (or changed the perception and image) the spirit of aviation, in my opinion. It killed the intrinsic value of being a pilot decreasing motivation to do what you loved and created a boring environment where increased effort was required to

Life was centered on the “duty desk” and also the “squadron bar”. There was organized chaos with unique sounds, language, and visual clutter. The walls were filled with nostalgic items, historical heraldry, flight helmets, ejection seats, airplane parts and models, flags, etc. Years later, money flowed in and the generals built new “nice” buildings that killed the spirit much like I’d seen before at Auburn. I’m just wondering if a “Sports Clubhouse” centered between the gym and the football/baseball fields or next to the pool would be a way to generate that same spirit to a sports program. Inside would not be your mom’s living room or a business man’s luxury office or anything resembling a classroom. The players would be motivated by mascots, mottos, inspirational quotes, pictures and paintings of what they love, sports. There would be signed footballs and baseballs. Ribbons and medals from championships would add color. This would be where the State Championship trophies would be the center piece to show the outcome of excellent processes and performance. The lighting would be natural and the players would feel comfortable and at home, but it would look more like a sports bar than anything to include the clutter and TV sets showing only sports programs. Nutritional and healthy lifestyle messages could be intertwined through the clubhouse. The clubhouse would have an open kitchen area where healthy