Interview

How did you first become involved with the NSCAA?
I was appointed to a long-term planning committee in the early 1970s and the rest is history. I was appointed to the Executive Committee in 1978, rose through offices and edited the Soccer Journal in 1981-2004.

Why do you continue to stay involved with the NSCAA?
The organization's goals for the game are unmatched and are devoid of politics. Also we are addressing soccer's needs at all levels.

Why do you like teaching NSCAA courses?
It's about "giving back to the game." When your experience(s) are shared and seem to have an impact it is very rewarding.

What is your favorite NSCAA course to teach and why?
National Diploma - as it lays the foundation for our next levels. If well done, it also helps identify those who will benefit from its curriculum at the next levels.

What is the best thing about the NSCAA Academy?
The wonderful spirit that emerges each week among the candidates. The all help each other out. Also, generally there is a bonding between instructors and candidates.

Who is your all-time favorite player?
Beckenbauer - for his calm, confident demeanor and soccer IQ. It was said that with the ball he could see all players and immediately know whether to hold, pass or penetrate. Those are unique qualities and here we were talking about decision-making of the highest order.

Who are/were your mentors in soccer?
My father Chick Schum; my college coach, Lyle Brown, at Rochester; Dettmar Cramer at USSF Schools; all NSCAA Academy coaches; Al Miller when we was at Hartwick College.

Who are your mentors in the coaching profession?
Peter Gooding is an excellent example of professionalism at its best and there are many others like him. Glenn Myernick and Jeff Tipping are superb professionals in the coaching field.

What advice would you give to young coaches?
Adopt a phrase that my wife's mother advised her children to follow: "You never know who's watching." Learn from every situation and from everyone. An open attitude will serve you well and open doors career-wise.

What is your favorite book and why?
Don't necessarily have just one. I like historical (non-fiction) books, especially biographies.

What is your favorite movie and why?
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" - it shows the best of the human spirit, how to cooperate to overcome odds, leadership.

What is the last book you read?
"The World is Flat" - by Thomas Friedman (NY Times)

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
Tiger Woods - to experience play of a sport at its very best - and to see how I would use his resources to better society in some way.