The move created a tremendous controversy as players and school and community members wanted him back on the team. Shannon eventually let Moore back on the team, but made him serve a suspension of three games. Shannon said it would have been impossible for the Flyers to win the state championship without Moore. To counteract distractions, teams must have positive leaders and a supporting cast of players who genuinely want to win. McGurk said that, as a captain, it was his job to provide positive leadership and make sure everyone felt a part of the team.
Captains are role models and determine how the team functions.
McGurk also said that individualism among a football team can be devastating to a team. If you have a lot of individuals on a team, it will bring the morale of a team right down, McGurk said. Since we had very few, I think it was easier to deal with and wouldn t put up with any of their crap. Individualism and the overall attitude of Shannon s players at Alton was another reason that Shannon did not succeed in his three years of coaching there. He said his players at Alton did not have the same desire to work hard as players at East St. Louis.