Meet Joe • Recent Press

2008

October 8

Joe Ehrmann challenges Pace students to define masculinity

Pace Academy students were captivated recently by Joe Ehrmann, former NFL player for the Baltimore Colts and subject of the New York Times bestseller “Season of Life,” by Pulitzer Prize winning author Jeffrey Marx. “Parade Magazine” called Ehrmann “The Most Important Coach in America.”

Students were impressed, especially those like senior Jack Savarese, who have read Season of Life. “His message is great,” Jack said, “everyone should hear him speak at some point, he is truly inspiring.”

Ehrmann shared his belief that athletes need to have a cause beyond themselves and gives young people a new perspective on responsibility and relationships. His message transcends the playing field and teaches parents, coaches, students and athletes life lessons for on and off the playing field.

In addition, teachers and coaches have discussed the impact of the Ehrmann visit. Coach Barbara Boukater will continue weekly discussions with students about stereotypical masculine or feminine descriptions that are wrong, according to Ehrmann. “I will ask what students have done to break out of 'the box' (that Ehrmann discussed) or lift someone up who is outside 'the box,' she said. “I feel it's important.”

The day before the visit, Sunday, Oct. 5, Ehrmann spoke to the community at Trinity Presbyterian Church after a reception at Pace Head of School Fred Assaf’s home. Guests included 24 boys from Ron Clark Academy. The host committee included representatives from Pace Academy, Buckhead Baseball, Buckhead YMCA Lacrosse, Northside Youth Organization, Buckhead YMCA, Tophat Soccer, Lovett, and The Westminster Schools.

Erhmann is the assistant football coach at The Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland, one of the top ranked football programs in the country. He has also spent most of the past 20 years working on issues of poverty and racism in Baltimore, and is involved with a number of organizations addressing child abuse and domestic violence. In addition, he is the co-founder of Baltimore’s Ronald McDonald House, and the founder of The Door, an inner city, community-based ministry.