On the Field, In the Family: Philo and the Lincicomes
DUNCAN FALLS, OH – Whoever coined the phrase, ‘like father, like son’ clearly had Dirk and Jack Lincicome in mind.
Two hard workers, great minds, and a whole lot of determination driving the Philo football program.
“Coaching Jack is usually really good energy. Especially this year, he’s in a situation where he’s now one of the team captains” says Dirk, who enters his 15th season as head coach of the Electrics.
The Philo boss says that while there have been disagreements between father and son, he “used to win all the time, but now only wins some of the time”. He also notes that he has learned to take a step back and “try not to be a coach all the time, or be a dad all the time either”.
It is a lot easier said than done when it comes to balancing the father-coach dynamic on and off the field.
The elder Lincicome continues, “We think a lot alike and we have a lot of the same habits, characteristics, and mannerisms.”
Though there was only one way to keep the Lincicomes apart.
“I’ve tried to separate the coach and the dad hat as much as I can by putting one of my assistant coaches between us to kind of handle him at practice.”
Jack chimes in, “My work ethic comes straight from him. He’s one of the hardest workers out here. Any time I need help with anything, he brings me in the office and sits down and explains everything.”
Regardless of whether it’s a minor or major issue, Jack says both dad and coach make it simple for him.
It’s not always so cut and dry when it comes to ‘Coach L’ and ‘Quarterback L’.
“It’s challenging at times, but at the end of the day, it’s fun, very fun” says the Electrics’ senior quarterback.
When asked about whether he refers to his team’s head man as ‘dad’ or ‘coach’, Jack simply says, “It’s definitely ‘Coach L’, all the time.”
With a smile, Dirk adds, “I’m really proud of Jack and the way that he has developed his work ethic over the years. It’s been wonderful, and I’m really proud of him and the young man he has turned into.”
The pride of Philo remains a Lincicome. Dirk and Jack. Father and son.
