Phil Towle, psychology coach for the University of California Bears football team, discusses his sports-related history and his involvement with the San Quentin program called Kid C.A.T. (Creating Awareness Together).
What was your relationship to sports growing up?
I played semi-pro baseball. I also was the sports editor at Occidental College in Southern California.
What inspired you to become a sports editor?
My dad taught me how to read by reading the L.A. Times sports page and the context became important to me.
How did you become a performance coach for the St. Louis Rams 1997-1999?
I called Coach Dick Vermeil and I asked him could I help him with football when he came back to the Rams. He said call him back and I did.
What was your job as a psychology coach?
I coached the mental part of the game. I helped players with mental blocks, distractions, personal problems, focus and motivation.
How did your coaching affect the outcome of the team?
We won the Super Bowl in the 1999-2000 season over the Tennessee Titans. Did you receive a championship ring?
Yes.
What happened after the Super Bowl?
Coach Vermeil retired with the Rams and then he brought me back with him when the Kansas City Chiefs hired him.
Are you currently coaching the mental part of the game?
I work for Coach Jeff Tedford of the California Bears. Just as teams strategize to play each other, I use the same strategy for the mental game. I coach their players and coaches.
How did you become involved with Kid C.A.T.?
Brenda, who is a volunteer for the group, asked if I can help the members become a closer knit team.
How’s your experience with Kid C.A.T.?
Life changing! The Kid C.A.T. group that is forced to live in confinement communicates and collaborates better than teams and committees on the outside. I feel safer in some ways and I enjoy myself in this group more than I do outside.
How has Kid C.A.T. affected you?
Being a part of Kid C.A.T. has taught me to appreciate what is most important in life, which is to take advantage of each precious moment by giving my best to it. Their members seem totally devoted to becoming the best people they can be.
