Principles of coaching comes to CHS

​By: Samantha Scheeler, Contributing Writer

​A new and exciting course has been added to the course offerings at Centralia High School (CHS), further enriching the educational experience for students.

Principles of Coaching has been introduced to provide students with valuable insights and practical knowledge in the world of coaching, leadership and personal development. 

Mr. Ben Sontheimer, coach and a passionate, skilled educator is the instructor for this course. Not only does Sontheimer teach this innovative class, but he was also the visionary behind its introduction to CHS. His dedication to empowering students and his belief in the importance of coaching as a vital life skill motivated him to bring this unique course to CHS. This new addition promises to open up new opportunities for students interested in developing their leadership abilities, communication skills and understanding of coaching as a profession.

This course is taught with a variety of methods and activities. Some of the activities students will experience are reading the guidelines and rules of different sports and looking at the coaching philosophy. Students will also work towards their future with the chance to coach a little league or even a high school game. 

“This course will provide a foundation in the principles of coaching in any sport,” said Sontheimer.  This class is very beneficial for any athlete or anyone who is interested in coaching in the future. Sontheimer is a good fit for this course not only for his 30 years of coaching sports like football, basketball, track and field, softball and baseball, but also by providing valuable insights. Sontheimer took a version of this course in college and has felt the impact ever since. “It has been refreshing to go back over this information in this class. I can refocus on my coaching philosophy and objectives,” said Sontheimer.