Football at Maple Grove and Minnetonka is a shared emotional experience, much like a theater performance. Lombardi, with his teams, has shown that it's not just about physical attributes but about the heart. As he said, "They are great kids at Maple Grove, and it’s pretty rewarding to see how far they have come." This shows his pride in their growth.

Winning and Community Building

Lombardi clearly wants a win for Minnetonka while also emphasizing the importance of building a community. He believes that football provides an opportunity for people to gather and cheer on performers. Just as he aimed to make Maple Grove a place worth cheering for, he instills the same values in his Minnetonka teams. "If you want the Friday night spotlight, you have to be worth cheering for." This shows his understanding of the power of football in bringing people together.

The Power of Football

Football is a powerful vehicle, as Lombardi emphasizes. It allows for personal growth and the building of a sense of community. When he arrived at Maple Grove, he showed his new players that size isn't everything. The Wayzata 2010 defensive roster with unspectacular heights and weights demonstrated that it's the heart that matters. "Just because you’re not granted the greatest hand in life, that doesn’t mean you still can’t be great." This message has been passed on to the Minnetonka players as well.

Deconstructing Myths

Lombardi has also been focused on deconstructing myths around his championship defenses. By showing his players the reality of the previous teams, he encourages them to believe in themselves. It shows that with the right attitude and effort, they can achieve great things. This approach helps build confidence and a sense of purpose among the players.Football at Maple Grove and Minnetonka is not just about the game on the field but about the values and lessons learned. Lombardi's leadership and teachings have a lasting impact on his teams and the communities they represent.