When reflecting on sporting coaches, our attention is often drawn to football greats such as Kevin Sheedy, Mal Meninga and Sir Alex Ferguson. Throughout their often-applauded careers, these mentors created a special bond which has resonated not only with their players, but with the sporting communities who support them. On a national level, be it Australian Rules Football, National Rugby League or the National Football League in the USA, the coaching staff are in the limelight and are a constant reminder of the level of expertise needed to guide and coach a team of athletes.
Closer to home and certainly less publicised, is a rather unknown, yet equally talented coach by the name of Andrew Hurcombe. Hurcombe - or ‘Pommie’ as his mates call him - has an impressive sporting history beginning in Birmingham, UK. Stumbling in to the world of gridiron by pure chance, Hurcombe decided to take up the opportunity to explore a new sport after hearing an advertisement regarding gridiron tryouts on british radio. The fitness enthusiast had already mastered soccer, basketball and athletics so looked upon gridiron as a new challenge to add to his ever-growing repertoire. It was no surprise the quiet young man took to the new code of football like a duck to water and was quick to impress the coaching staff, earning himself Rookie of the Year honours in 1990.
Hurcombe said his dedication to the sport often meant sacrificing things such as social outings so he could rest and prepare for game day. At the time, the running back was also competing in powerlifting and committed himself to sprint training after every Sunday team session to make sure he was able to perform at the highest level. No one was going to get in his way, and if they offered the challenge he would make sure that they had to work for it. There is no mistaking his commitment to his sport and he commends a career full of awards and successes much to his work ethic and self-discipline.
“Hard work beats talent when talent hardly works, but nothing beats talent that works hard,”
~ Coach Hurcombe.
After having such a bountiful career with the Birmingham Bulls, moving to Australia and competing with Gridiron SA, The South City Chiefs and Gridiron Australia, Hurcombe felt it was time to give back to the sport he loved so much.
“Only a small amount of players turn to coaching after they finish playing. I love it and it’s the challenge of turning a group of people into a competitive team which motivates me,” he said.
The role Hurcombe speaks of is as Head Coach of the Adelaide Phoenix in the recently developed Ladies Gridiron League (LGL). The LGL held a successful Tri Nations campaign in late 2014, hosting a series of exhibition matches between Australia, New Zealand and the USA. As Head Coach of Team USA, Hurcombe helped lead his side throughout the entire tournament before bowing out in a thrilling and brutal final against Team New Zealand.
During his time as a player, Hurcombe exercised his knowledge of the game as well as his body. There is a great technical aspect to gridiron which requires a steady head and an intelligent adaptation of game plays; a mindset he has continued through his career into coaching.
“I like to read about what coaches have done with their programs and how they got there,” he said.
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One book in particular which offered him inspiration is New York Times best seller ‘Win Forever’ – the story of Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll.
The Adelaide Phoenix is indebted to Hurcombe for the knowledge and professionalism he brings to the game. The ever-expanding squad of South Australian athletes are in their current preseason, working hard towards the challenges of their first official game later in the year.
“I’m happy with how the team is looking at the moment. The new additions have learnt really quickly and I’m excited by the talent we have,” he said.
Training for the team has recently amped up as the season draws nearer. The squad has begun their testing phase, inducing vigorous field, strength and conditioning trials on the players. Although training is getting more intense, Hurcombe’s educational and supportive coaching methods have earned him the respect and trust of his team. Hurcombe is expecting the squad to be well prepared and ready when game day arrives.
“The LGL will offer the Australian public a live game experience showcasing some great female athletes,” he said.
“All the teams are training hard and I believe that we will see an evenly matched competition.”
His love for the game certainly aids in his ability to coach. The current challenge is to prepare his team and ensure their readiness for the inaugural LGL season, having high expectations for an exciting competition and a possible grand final appearance. Kick off for the Adelaide Phoenix and coach Hurcombe has them facing the Sydney Sirens at City Mazda Stadium in Adelaide on October 31. For more information, visit their Facebook page: http://www.