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Dana Brown Jr ., Head Football Coach at Baldwin High School aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
His athletic career informs his work .
Brown played defensive tackle for McKeesport High School before attending Kent State University on a full athletic scholarship . He went on to play football in arena and semipro leagues before returning to the area to coach . He ’ s been a teacher and Assistant Athletic Director at McKeesport , where he still serves as Dean of Discipline .
He recognizes that athletics are a key aspect of developing students .
Brown believes academics and athletics complement one another . “ You learn so much on the field that you don ’ t get in the classroom . It teaches you about being a family , how to communicate with people , and build discipline for the rest of your life . Getting up for work is tough , but you learn the discipline — that this is what I need to do for my family — from athletics .”
He heads a non-profit to equip athletes .
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Along with his cousin , Ty-Meer Brown , Athletic Director at Woodland Hills , Brown founded STATUS : Studentathletes Taking Action To Universally Succeed . The organization guides young athletes with information and tools to continue to grow in their athletic and academic careers through mentoring , education , and scholarships . Visit status412 . com to find out more .
He builds a rapport of respect with his players .
Brown has been warmly received by his students , who appreciate his investment in them . He explains , “ I ’ m myself . I ’ m not going to sugarcoat anything . I give genuine love . I try to connect to them through being real . Kids see through it immediately if you ’ re wearing a mask . They appreciate and respect that authenticity .”
He ’ s energized by the challenge .
Baldwin ’ s football program is coming off a bumpy stretch of seasons . Brown shares , “ It ’ s a challenge that I enjoy . At the end of the day , we have an opportunity to do something we can be really proud of . I preach to my kids that this team has to be the team that sets the foundation . My goal is changing the focus . We got into a habit of being okay with losing . We have to change that mindset . You have to hate to lose more than you love to win .”
Michael Quallich , Freshman at Baldwin High School
He ’ s been playing golf since he was a toddler .
Michael was given a pair of plastic golf clubs when he was two and has been swinging ever since . The 14-year-old now competes in national and international competitions , including this year ’ s U . S . Kids Golf World Championship and PGA Junior Championship .
Golf is a family affair .
Michael ’ s parents and two sisters all enjoy the sport and regularly hit the course together .
He is always honing his skills .
Michael approaches each experience seeking growth . “ I always want to get paired up with a competitor better than me so that I can learn from them ,” Michael shares . His mother , Melissa Quallich , notes that Michael ’ s poise and mental focus are his greatest strengths as a player .
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She reflects , “ Mikey has always been a very smart player , but he ’ s now showing a great level of maturity . He is so well-composed on the course — and that carries over into his life .”
He recognizes we often learn the most through our mistakes .
Michael recalls a difficult lesson that has made him a more careful player . He shares , “ I was playing in a tournament once and I signed the wrong scorecard and got disqualified . I didn ’ t realize I ’ d signed the wrong card . That teaches you to check things and be accurate . I will never forget that and never let it happen again . It was a tough day — I think I would ’ ve tied for first . It ’ s a good thing to get these lessons out when I ’ m younger so they don ’ t happen at bigger events in the future .”
He aims to continue playing golf .
Michael has his sights set on playing golf for a Division I college and on the pro tour .