More than 200 Beaufort County School District coaches and athletic directors from middle and high schools gathered at Battery Creek High School last Thursday for training and inspiration at the third annual district-wide Coaches Convocation.

Workshops and guest speakers addressed topics related to the theme “What is the Strategy for Our Next Play?” Chief Student Services Officer Gregory McCord said this year’s convocation built on last year’s sessions.

“Last year we focused on the fundamentals of good coaching,” McCord said. “This year we focused on the psychology and heart of good coaching.”

“Our mission is bigger than any one person or any one team,” McCord said. “Coaches occupy important positions in kids’ lives, and they realize that they have to teach more than just the fundamental skills of their sports. They also teach life skills. They teach kids how to win with grace and class, and how to lose with grace and class. They teach kids about humility and passion.”

This year’s convocation keynote speaker was Wes Simmons, a former college football player and coach who built on last year’s presentations by Dr. Jeff Duke, author of “3D Coaching.”

Coaches also received updates on South Carolina High School League regulations and on laws that affect middle and high school athletics.