Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 16, 1995 TAG: 9511160013
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
He also concedes that one season does not a career make.
Yet his winning percentages during his debut this past spring (8-5-3, .615) compare well with football coach George Welsh's career mark at the University of Virginia, for example.
Blades might just be the right person in the right place at the right time. Although he's not positively sure of that, either.
After nearly 15 years in electrical sales, Blades, 39, decided to become a physical education teacher and a coach two years ago. He earned an education degree from Bridgewater College in 1979, but opportunity led him elsewhere.
In the summer of 1993, he decided to return to his original field. But thus far, the openings have been limited.
While updating his certification and completing the necessary teaching requirements, Blades accepted a position as a paraprofessional in the special education department at Northside. Biding his time, Blades has jumped at all coaching opportunities that have come his way.
During the 1993-94 school year, Blades coached the ninth-grade boys' basketball team at Cave Spring to a winning record. Later that year, the soccer job at Northside became available.
"Near the end of my first year, the Northside principal [then Donna Henderson] approached me because the soccer coach [Fred Wagner] was changing schools," Blades said. "I said, 'Whatever it takes.' I thought it would be a good challenge."
With a year of advance notice, Blades began reading books, viewing tapes and consulting with assistant coach John Lafferty, a Northside teacher.
But admittedly, Blades' firsthand soccer experience was minimal: he had played intramural soccer at Bridgewater nearly two decades earlier.
Still, his expectations were high. "Personally, I thought we could go 14-0," Blades said. "And, I tried to instill that within my players. We had some good ones."
Skeptics would have labeled Blades' outlook as foolish optimism. Northside had a losing record the previous year under Wagner, who has posted outstanding records in other sports.
It seems Blades knew just enough to be dangerous. By emphasizing ball handling, conditioning and other aspects of the game he deemed to be important, Blades led the team to a 7-4-3 regular season finish, good enough for third place in the Blue Ridge District. Northside even won its first district tournament game.
"I encouraged 'run-and-gun,'" Blades said. "Good passing; 'give-and-go;' beat the opposition to a position." Blades taught fundamentals that he had learned as a competitive basketball player.
Like any good coach, Blades is quick to credit his players. He cited leading scorer Chris Luckado, midfielder Greg Cottone, and defenseman Brian Simpson, all who will return for their senior seasons in 1996.
Blades has been retained as Northside soccer coach for this spring. "I'm under contract," he said proudly. "And, I think we'll be better this year." He said he'd like to beat district opponent William Byrd, a state contender, at least once.
Blades also remains hopeful that a full-time teaching position in the Roanoke County school system will develop.
"Coaching at the high school level doesn't pay the bills," said the father of two preschoolers.
by CNB