He’s a superhero to the kids he helps
Prologue: Varsity football coaches are usually totally absorbed before a game. But on Oct. 1, Coach Ryan Baldock breaks concentration for a few moments. “I have a good story for you,” he tells me.
A few days later, he sends three photographs to my flip-top phone. On the tiny screen, all I can see is a big man surrounded by youthful football players.
When the photos are transferred to my computer, I realize the big man is Orlando Carthens, the Dragons’ defensive tackle.
The Cornwall football team has won 16 section championships in the last 18 years. One explanation for the long run of success is the close relationship between the varsity and the youth program. Orlando Carthens (big number 99) is a good example. He’s been a starter on the varsity for three years. He’s also an assistant coach for a Mitey-Mite Team. Some of his players are just entering kindergarten.
Being a coach is a time-consuming commitment.
Orlando goes to practices on Monday through Wednesday nights. The kids are off on Thursdays. And on Fridays Orlando has a game. But he stops to see his players before heading to the field.
Sunday is game day for the youth league. Orlando is on the sidelines with the kids waiting to get into the game. He keeps them focused on the action and hyped for when it’s their turn to get on the field.
During the week, he’s demonstrated how to roll off blocks on the defensive line. The kids are good students. “If I show them,” Orlando claims, “they do it.” One of his biggest thrills is watching one of his defensive ends rush into the backfield to make a tackle.
It’s a good relationship. Orlando watches his players
on Sunday afternoons and they show up for the varsity home games. “All of them are my biggest fans,” Orlando says.
Besides playing defense, Orlando is responsible for most of the kickoffs. Against Pine Bush, he executed an unusual onside kick. Instead of bouncing crazily downfield, the ball popped into the air and traveled about 15 yards before landing. When the ball came down, it was recovered by a Cornwall player.
On the following Monday, his youth players were asking Orlando to teach them to kick. It’s a skill they won’t need for a while, since there are no kickoffs in Mitey Mite football.
Orlando is not the only varsity player volunteering with the Cornwall Youth Football League. Dave Carnright, the league president, gets help from many of his former players and cheerleaders. But Orlando is unique in the amount of time he spends and his connection to the team. Two of the young players are his nephews.
“You either have it or you don’t,” Jay Semo observed. “And he [Orlando] has it. He’s developed into a really good coach.”
Mr. Semo should know. He’s the athletic director for Washingtonville as well as the youth football coach who’s benefiting from Orlando’s assistance. Years ago, Orlando was one of his players.
“He hasn’t missed a practice or a game,” Mr. Semo told me. “A lot of times he comes straight from his own practice and doesn’t have time to eat. He’s acquired superhero status with the players. I want them looking up to someone like Orlando. He’s a great person as well as a great athlete.”
