High school freshman has a knack for teaching kids

The words "Coach Randy" are emblazoned on Randy McGraw's polo shirt. Prince William Hockey Club officials gave the Brentsville High School freshman the piece of clothing as a gesture for volunteering to coach their 13-member mini-mite team, a squad of five and six-year olds, during their winter season.

McGraw, 15, filled the coaching vacancy after an adult volunteer backed out at the last minute.

And he is glad he did. The fascination of leading a team has McGraw interested in continuing to coach with the club before leaving for college.

He coached hockey from September through March, a time in which he played for Brentsville's freshman football team and participated on his school's wrestling and club hockey team.

"I've been hoping to coach since I was little," said McGraw, a former Prince William ice center mini-mite who has also played for the center's upper-house program. "I've seen all my coaches coach and I was thinking I want to do that when I get older. So having the chance to do it is just awesome."

The mini-mites are the club's lowest division. This level emphasizes teamwork and sportsmanship. No games are played, just 10-20 minute scrimmages during the two days the team practices.

But McGraw is eager to educate his players on passing and skating.

He also has them build leg strength by having one player sit in a round sled and get pulled down the ice by a teammate. The players switch positions before coming back to the other end.

"When you [teach them skills], you have to introduce it in a way that they understand how to do it," McGraw said. "It's difficult to find a way to do it, but when you find it and you introduce it to them, they want to always do that."

McGraw became experienced in dealing with children by taking part in Prince William Panther Buddies, a program where older kids act as mentors to a team or an individual.

That training is paying off as players have bought into McGraw's philosophy and are excited just to see him. Right wing Mikey McTernan was willing to go to the ice center on a day county schools were closed due to snow, to catch a glimpse of McGraw.

"He's a good coach," McTernan said. "He makes [hockey] fun."

Those words erase any worries McGraw had when deciding to coach. He has no problem asking the kids for their attention because he knows they will listen.

"Since they're looking at me, they're like, 'Oh we're going to have fun with him,'" McGraw said.