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BLOG: Coach Campbell: Builder of men
The world recently lost a revered leader to cancer. William V. Campbell Jr. was my esteemed college football coach, leading the Columbia University Lions, and ultimately became the chief executive officer of Claris, the chairman of the board of Intuit Inc. and board director of Apple Computer, now Apple Inc. He was also perhaps the most influential figure in Silicon Valley, mentoring a whole generation of leaders, including Steve Jobs.
His life lessons resonate with me to this day, and he was the finest builder of men I have ever known. We would do well to translate Coach Campbell’s teachings to our orthopedic vocation.
Bring passion to your game
Coach Campbell, or Coach C, was the embodiment of passion. He threw his body and soul into everything he did. It was full throttle in every endeavor. He inspired many players to attain greatness beyond what their physical prowess would predict. As a player, coach’s 5-foot-11-inch, 185 pound-frame was considered laughable for an offensive lineman. Yet, Campbell’s passion propelled him to captain his Ivy League champion team.
If coach were a surgeon, I would bet the ranch he would treat every case as if it was his last.
Work hard, play hard
On the field, coach was a terror. Practices were grueling and run with precision and purpose. An errant move by a player would be met with a sharp reproof, peppered with “F bombs,” but there was always a lesson conveyed. Players were held accountable for their actions, and there were no exceptions if curfews or team policies were violated. Everyone was subject to harsh punishment if warranted.
Quitting was never an option, and coach instilled in each player the mental toughness he carried to the football field and software universe. Raised in the steel mill town of Homestead, Pa., coach was known to never back down from a scrap. In his world, adversity was to be engaged head on and all of his players inherited some measure of his grit.
Off the field, he was generous with his time and resources. He was eager to find his players jobs in the off-season and provided tutors to ease the challenges of the classroom. He fought tenaciously to get students in need financial aid. His door was always open to provide counsel to a troubled player and he was faithful in procuring professional help for those undergoing especially trying times.
Those of us in education recognize the OR has to be all business. I envision that if Campbell had been a surgeon, he would hold his residents to the highest surgical standards with zero tolerance for any impropriety during surgery. Yet, he would be the first to take a burnt out intern out for a beer after a long day.
Integrity always
Many of Campbell’s disciples in Silicon Valley mention his insistence on integrity in all affairs as his greatest legacy. Indeed, his players received the same message.
Players had to wear a coat and tie when travelling and were expected to treat all ancillary staff with courtesy and respect. Foul language was reserved only for coaches, and “thank you” was to be uttered liberally. Honesty was demanded of each player, and we were expected to conduct ourselves as scholar athletes off the field.
My coach treated everyone with the same loving kindness — from the cleaning lady to the president of the University. Players were expected to do the same.
Church services were held before every game, and team prayer preceded every kickoff. And yes, there was always at least one clergy member on the sideline.
If Campbell had been an orthopedist, he would have been the most ethical surgeon in the cosmos, operating only when necessary. He would respect the dignity of every patient, regardless of station in life or insurance status.
First things first
Coach recognized that every player’s principle focus should be education. He was in constant communication with the dean’s office and closely monitored players’ grade-point averages. Students in academic peril would immediately receive assistance in the form of tutors or counseling. Practices were built around class schedules with a late bus for those with afternoon science labs or seminars.
Campbell was interested in the formation of his players — physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Players were more than cogs in a football scheme. Coach was fearlessly determined to help players determine their calling and contribution to life.
Loyalty
Campbell was fiercely loyal to his friends and family. As a player, you simply knew he had your back. I witnessed many players befallen by injury become embraced and nurtured by the good coach. His players were never forgotten. Contrast this to the common mindset of other coaches who deny the existence of a player who is no longer able to contribute.
When coach attained great wealth, he faithfully made a generous, yearly financial contribution to a charity in my deceased father’s name. Once you became one of his players, you were always his player.
His loyalty to his alma mater, Columbia, resulted in millions of dollars in charitable contributions to the athletic program, including the creation of an elegant athletic center. His philanthropy extended to his beloved homestead and included anonymously funding the education of underprivileged children.
Imagine the good coach as a residency director. I’d bet the house he would treat his trainees as family, with generosity and lifelong commitment to their well-being.
In recognition of coach’s example, the William V. Campbell Trophy was instituted by the National Football Foundation and is awarded to the college football player who best embodies academics, community service and on-field performance. It is often referred as the “academic Heisman.”
Coach Bill, thanks for making me the man I am today. I still have a long way to go, but you were the best life coach I could ever ask for. Rest in peace.
Disclosure: Kelly reports no relevant financial disclosures.