Breakaway
Frosty Westering was known for his unique preseason training method called "Breakaway". This three-day retreat was a departure from the traditional football camp routine, focusing on team-building exercises, skits, and songs instead of intense drills and scrimmages.
Frosty believed that building a strong team wasn't just about physical conditioning and tactical strategies; it was also about fostering camaraderie, trust, and a shared sense of identity. Breakaway was designed to break down the barriers between players, create a sense of community, and instill the values of teamwork, selflessness, and commitment that were essential for success on the field.
During Breakaway, players would participate in a variety of activities that were meant to challenge them mentally and physically, while also promoting bonding and laughter. These activities included:
Team-building exercises: These exercises were designed to encourage communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Players would work together to solve puzzles, navigate obstacle courses, or build structures using limited resources.
Skits and songs: Players would write, rehearse, and perform skits and songs that showcased their creativity and humor. This allowed them to express themselves in a different way and have fun together outside of the context of football.
"Attaway" cheers: Players would create and practice Attaway cheers to celebrate their teammates' accomplishments, both on and off the field. This helped to foster a positive and supportive environment where players felt valued and appreciated.
Community service: Players would participate in community service projects, such as cleaning up local parks or helping out at charitable organizations. This instilled a sense of social responsibility and gave them the opportunity to make a positive impact on their community.
The Breakaway tradition was a crucial part of Frosty's coaching philosophy. He believed that creating a strong team culture was just as important as developing physical skills and tactical knowledge. By focusing on building camaraderie, trust, and a shared sense of identity, Frosty was able to create a team that was not only successful on the field but also bonded by a deep sense of brotherhood.
Breakaway became a beloved tradition among PLU football players, and its impact extended far beyond the preseason training camp. The lessons they learned about teamwork, selflessness, and commitment stayed with them long after their playing days were over, shaping their lives as students, professionals, and community members.
Frosty Frosty's Breakaway was a testament to his belief that football was more than just a game; it was a platform for personal growth, leadership development, and the creation of lasting bonds of friendship. His unique approach to preseason training left a lasting mark on PLU football and continues to inspire generations of players and coaches.
OCEAN PARK - Frosty Westering, legendary football coach at Pacific Lutheran University, brought his 85 players and another dozen or more coaches and their wives to the Dunes Bible Camp last week for what he refers to as a "Breakaway."
"I'm an old ex-marine," the coach of 31 seasons explained, "so I don't like to ever use the word retreat, but what we are doing here is like what most people would call a retreat."
The players and coaches participated in team bonding exercises that included classroom work, competitive games, inspirational videos and group sharing time.
Westering has used a tried and true philosophy, teaching what it takes to become a clutch player, what it means to be a person with "class," and how winning is about effort rather than just results. He divides his team into eight groups with a captain for each group during the Breakaway.
Russ Watterberg, long-time director of the Dunes Bible Camp, said, "I never considered allowing a college football team to come here, but Frosty Westering explained that this was part of his ministry." Typically this week has been a time the staff at the Dunes takes a rest from the summer rush. Watterberg explained, "The coach is a pretty persuasive person and we're glad we had the team come and that we were a part of what they did here."
Westering, who is retiring after this season, related through his easy smile, "It is a tradeoff to use this time for breakaway activities instead of practice, but I feel it is worth it." The coach has never had a losing season in 30 years and has won four national championships during that time, the last one coming in 2001. "We should be one of the best football teams in the Pacific Northwest," he predicted, his brow furrowing with conviction.
After hearing freshmen struggle through singing solos and a rousing group rendition of Happy Birthday, Westering rose, leaning on his walking stick.
He directed in his deep, firm voice, "Remember the old saying about leaving the wood pile a little higher than when you came. Make sure you clean this place so it looks like we never were here."
The college guys, who moments before had been feasting on biscuits and gravy while busting up in laughter, began clearing dishes, putting up benches, and mopping floors. Group leaders directed the flurry of disciplined activity that every player's mom would be proud of.
Westering thanked the Dunes staff, then motioned for silence and reminded his suddenly still team that tomorrow two-a-day practices begin in earnest back on campus at PLU.
"Be ready," he cautioned.
It is evident by the looks on the nearly 100 faces in the dining hall that even after 31 years, both he and his players will be. https://www.chinookobserver.com/sports/legendary-plu-coach-brings-team-to-ocean-park-for-breakaway-session/article_db8486a7-31a1-56b3-a539-046b960d817b.html