A new definition of civic athletic engagement is emerging -- "Volun-Tigerism," taking Prairie Grove football, not by storm; but through steadfast commitment and proactive participation.
By involving himself in the football program, Prairie Grove Middle School special education teacher Nik Paroubek has endeavored to improve the well-being and socio-cultural player/personnel development by providing his services as a volunteer Tiger assistant football coach. Prairie Grove head football coach Danny Abshier said Paroubek's dedication has alleviated some of the time-demands on the Tiger staff, which consists of Abshier and assistants John Elder, Craig Laird and Mason Pinkley.
"Man, what a help, what a hand," Abshier said, explaining that with a little bit of confidence gained through experience, Paroubek has matured rapidly in the coaching profession over a three-year span.
"Even if you've been coaching a long time, if you go somewhere else; the (high school) senior probably knows more than you do about how they run things there," Abshier said. "So, when you first get there, so it's hard to be really assertive."
Abshier knows from experience, having begun his coaching career on Tommy Tice's staff at Harrison before coming to Prairie Grove where he has never had a large staff.
"He just kind of showed up and I thought, 'Man, what a diamond in the rough," Abshier said. "He has taken a load off of me and I know the other coaches, too."
Paroubek didn't play high school football in Carl Junction, Mo., a small town near Joplin. He was a golfer, but has taken to Prairie Grove football, embracing the sport and finding ways to contribute despite the lack of a coaching background.
"He's very introspective and he studies it, he's a student of football," said Laird, the defensive coordinator. "He don't get paid a dime. He uses his free planning period to help, then comes back after school."
Paroubek has made himself useful and served as a constant extra set of eyes and ears during Prairie Grove's school-best 13-2 season in 2015 that included a conference championship, four playoff wins and a first-ever shot at the state title. Some of their success may be due to Paroubek's quiet influence and persistent availability.
"Last year we worked 15 Saturdays, he was here for every one of them," Laird said.
Laird has put Paroubek in charge of coaching the varsity outside linebackers during practice.
"He organizes that segment of practice," Laird said. "I trust him. I turned that over to him. Unless I need to do something with the outside linebackers he runs that part of practice."
Pinkley, the seventh-grade head coach, has delegated further responsibility to Paroubek, who now serves as seventh-grade defensive coordinator. Laird explains Paroubek's engagement frees up Pinkley to strategize as he calls plays for the seventh-grade offense.
"He's out there calling the shots so Mason has time with the offense," Laird said.
Abshier appreciates Paroubek's diligence.
"He is always looking for an angle, something we can improve," Abshier said. "He did something in our spring game that made it fun."
Laird said part of Paroubek's value is his familiarity with and use of technology in compiling statistics and highlights that he has incorporated into the football program. Having those available on the sideline is an asset.
"Coach Abshier's an old dog, I'm an old dog, he's our tech guy," Laird said. "I'm glad he's with us. We need more like him. The kids like him."
Pinkley said if he were an athletic director looking to fill a position, he would hire Paroubek as a coach.
"He lives it, he breathes it," Pinkley said. "He's picked everything up really fast. The biggest thing is he studies it. He's always watching film. He listens to podcasts. He does defense for me in the seventh grade."
The highlight reel unapologetically features smashing hits by Prairie Grove's defense and ferocious blocks that free up Tiger backs for touchdowns. Yet, Paroubek's effectiveness may be more likened to the leadership of Crow Chief Plenty Coups as documented in Native American oral history. The pattern Chief Plenty Coups followed was that of the chickadee, the smallest bird in the forest, always watching, always listening, always paying attention to surroundings; then drawing wisdom from those insights to make decisions profitable to his people.
A life modeled around habitual service exemplifies Volun-Tigerism at its finest.
MARK HUMPHREY IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR THE ENTERPRISE-LEADER.
Sports on 09/21/2016