Overtime

Frank Monica has spent a lifetime being prepared and not fooled, very often.

But, on a Saturday night he fell for it.

He was contemplating not going to a party for a friend.

But, his wife told him not to worry, they wouldn’t stay long.

Little did he know.

In his hometown of Garyville, Monica was given a surprise party.

The 72-year-old, ultra-successful head coach of the St. Charles Catholic Comets was retiring.

Hundreds attended. It was a testament to a lifetime of winning, but more importantly, a lifetime of service.

And, then Frank Monica was truly surprised.

He was told that the football field at Dupuy Memorial Stadium would be named Frank Monica Field.

Louis Authement, who had five sons that played for Monica at St. Charles Catholic, said the field was to carry his name “till the end of time.”

High school football in the state will be diminished without Frank Monica’s presence.

His teams won 284 games. He won state championships at three different schools. At Lutcher, at Riverside, and at St. Charles Catholic.

Frank Monica could be tough on young people one minute, and hug them the next.

His teams always played hard. It was a testament to him, and to his attitude toward practice.

Practices were physical, all season long.

“Your practice habits determine how you play,” said Monica.

He will be missed by his players, but he will also be missed by the media.

One Thursday, I sent one of our sports reporters out to talk to Monica before a big game.

She came back with a big smile on her face.

Reporter: You know what he told me?

Me: What?

Reporter: He told me the other team was so fast, even their cheerleaders run 4.4 (in the 40-yard dash).

Me: His one-liners worked again.

I frankly don’t know what I will do this summer without a chat with Frank Monica.

Me: Coach, how’s it going?

Frank: We are so bad we can’t break the huddle. We may not make a first down.

Me: (Howl with laughter).

Frank: We are everybody’s homecoming game. We oughta build our own float.

It was the same stuff, every year.

And, man I looked forward to it.

I hope Frank Monica enjoys his retirement. He plans to hunt and fish.

But, relax?

I will believe that when I see it.

I cannot imagine football without Frank Monica, and vice versa.

Here it is the middle of May, and I am dreading it already.

It just won’t be the same.

Frank to player: Son, you were acting out there! You deserve an Academy Award!

Player: (has no idea what an Oscar is).

But, years later, the player will understand just how lucky he was, to be there.

And, to be coached by one of the greats.