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Extra Effort Is Key To Pirates' Success

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By EDDIE DANIELS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2008

DADE CITY - At 211 degrees, water is hot. One degree more and the water begins to boil, producing steam. That steam is enough to power a locomotive.

That is the idea behind S.L. Parker's book "212: The Extra Degree," an inspirational book about effort that was given to Pasco football coach Tom McHugh by a local businessman.

The Pirates adopted the idea during the 2007 season, and it powered the squad to a 6-5 record and the Class 3A-District 8 title.

Now, the squad is trying to build on that foundation.

"It's just that one degree that makes that difference," said McHugh, in his second season leading the Pirates. "So we started doing that and I said, 'I've got to push you that one degree to make you boil water, and then you can power a locomotive.' And then this year, I think we've got that. I think we know we've got to go that extra degree, now what are we going to do?"

Sounds like a tough philosophy to just paint over, right? Well, Pasco isn't painting over anything, which is apparent in the over-sized "212" emblazoned on the weight room wall. It has added to the decor.

The new mantra for the 2008 seasons is: "10 Plus."

"You've got to play your 10 games, and your goal is to win a district title," McHugh said, "go to the playoffs and go somewhere in the playoffs."

Players aren't just buying into the ideas of 212 degrees and "10 Plus." They're devouring it.

"You just want to keep going," said Jarrod Carmody, an outside linebacker/defensive end for the Pirates.

Added Zack Faza, who plays the opposite outside linebacker/defensive end spot: "10 Plus. That's this year's motto. As far as the day-to-day goes, improving from one day to the next. No matter how small, as long as it's gradual. Just keep moving forward."

Moving forward has meant an active summer, with the team putting in at least 25 workouts in the weight room and participating in the seven-week 7-on-7 passing league.

Toward the end of Monday evening's practice, McHugh called the group together to take a knee in the practice field's end zone.

He told the players they couldn't sit back on their heels and wait for things to happen. They had to do it first.

As he spoke, his excitement level seemed to rise as he told the players they needed to be the first to "knock their face off," because people will be looking to do the same to them.

After the speech, the team promptly lined up and started running sprints.

"Now, you're not flying under the curtain," he said of his team. "You're not under the radar any more. People see you. You're in their sights, so you've got to get your retaliation first. You've got to go out there and play football."

They'll have plenty of steam behind them.

Reporter Eddie Daniels can be reached at (813) 948-4214 or edaniels@tampatrib.com.

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