Ever wonder what goes into creating Dickinson State University’s winning football program? Head Football Coach Pete Stanton and his coaching staff are the architects of the Blue Hawks' success. Their typical week is a demanding routine that includes strategy, leadership, and hard work.
Here’s a look behind the scenes at a week in the life of Pete Stanton and his coaching staff:
Sunday: Rest and Reflection (Sort Of)
While Sunday might be a day off for Blue Hawk fans, it’s anything but for Stanton and his coaches, who spend the day breaking down film, inputting data, and trading rosters.
Sunday Schedule:
Morning: Brief personal downtime or family time.
11:00 AM: Meet with coaches and watch game film.
2:00 PM: Players come in for medical treatment. Coaches review film with players.
3:30 PM: Coaches’ meeting. 4:30–8:00 PM: Begin game planning for the next opponent: analyze and input data, trade two-deep rosters, and break down opponents on film.
Monday: Review and Reset
Monday mornings start with film review sessions with the coaching staff, dissecting every play, tackle, and touchdown from the weekend’s game. By afternoon, the special teams meet to discuss last week’s performance. In the evening, Coach Stanton and his staff begin sculpting a game plan for the week ahead and have a walkthrough with offensive and defensive players. The coaches work on practice plans, recruiting, and analyzing practice film Monday through Wednesday, in large part after dinner. They also ensure players hit the books during supervised study tables.
Tuesday: Practice and Recruitment
Tuesday mornings are spent ensuring players balance academics and athletics, while afternoons bring an intense practice session focusing on skill-building and positional strategies. By evening, the coaches are poring over recruiting videos, making calls to potential Blue Hawks, and finalizing the game plan for Saturday.
Wednesday: Game Planning
Wednesday is about collaboration and execution. In the morning, coaches refine offensive and defensive scenarios, especially for goal line and third down. Afternoon practice includes implementing the week’s strategy. In the evening, team captains sit down with the coaching staff to discuss any concerns. Coaches are also supervising player study tables.
Thursday: Fine-Tuning and Focus
Thursday is the day for precision. Regular practice is held with a focus on refining plays and minimizing errors. Special teams are covered. Player health takes center stage during meetings with trainers. Group film sessions and lifting in groups take place. In the evening there is a final film session with the team to analyze the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. These are covered in Thursday’s practice, including all special teams.
Friday: Travel (if required) and Focus
Friday mornings start with a final walkthrough practice. Whether hitting the road or gearing up for a home game, the afternoon is busy. Team dinners and positional meetings are held in the evening to foster unity and focus.
Saturday: Game Day
The day typically begins with a team breakfast, a pre-game walkthrough, and, often, meetings with recruits and their families. By game time, the Blue Hawks are ready to execute their strategy, with Coach Stanton and his staff guiding from the sidelines. Saturday night is for reflection, immediate film analysis, downloading all film and exchanging it with the opposing team.
Closing Thoughts:
When fans watch the Blue Hawks take the field, they witness the culmination of hard work, commitment, and coaches who value success both on the field and in the classroom.
By: Debora Dragseth, Baker Boy Professor of Leadership | School of Business and Entrepreneurship Dickinson State University
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