32 With the shame of Friday night‟s game still in his belly, Grant worried as
he poked his head into Principal Dan Ryker‟s office. Grant had always had Ryker‟s support, yet he felt tension as he took a seat across from his boss
p. 39.
The statement above clearly shows that Grant feels insecure in meeting with the principal. He worries because on the last Friday, his team loses the game.
Even though the principal always supports him, he is still worried because he cannot bring his team to be a winner. Other things that make Grant feel insecure
are the parents of his players and his colleagues. It is because they want his position as the head coach to be substituted by his assistant. This characteristic can
be found when his players‟ parents have a secret meeting with the assistant coach and principal of Shiloh school. The meeting discusses about Grant‟s work. They
do not know that Grant is at his office. Inadvertently, Grant over hears the conversation between his players‟ parents and the principal. The content of the
meeting is that they want to fire Grant and substitute him with the assistant coach of SCA team.
Principal Ryker was speaking, “Just last week, I told Coach Taylor we‟d be
getting him new decals. And now we‟re talking about throwing him out? That‟s a sudden switch.”
“Grant Taylor is not capable of winning. He doesn‟t have it in him. That‟s the whole point,” said Pervis, one of his players‟ parents.
Neil Prater added, “I‟m not for attacking the coach, I‟m just saying I want my son to have the best football program possible. My son‟s got a chance
for a football scholarship if he‟s taught by the right coach. Matt‟s gonna be a senior next year. I don‟t want to see him lose this opportunity” p. 80.
The statement above is the conversation that happens in the secret meeting between the players‟ parents and the principal without telling Grant. They want
that Coach Grant is discarded from SCA team. It is because they think that Grant does not have an ability to make the team win. In the meeting,
the players‟ parents PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
33
also ask to the assistant coach, Brady. They persuade him to substitute Grant‟s
position of head coach to somebody else. “Brady, you could do better than Grant Taylor,” Pervis said.
“You could,” said Prater. “What we need is a change,” Pervis insisted.
“Now.” Grant spun away from the classroom door, torn between confronting these
backstabbers and fleeing. He could hear them still jawing. Hadn‟t they said
enough? p. 81. The conversation between the parents and his assistant coach makes Grant
think that he is not good enough for becoming a head coach. It makes Grant feel insecure of his job because his colleagues do not believe in his ability. They want
to replace his position with his assistant. It means that he will lose his job as a head coach of SCA football team. The condition makes Grant feel threatened of
losing his job. Based on his thought, his reactions, and comments of others, Grant is described as a person who feels insecure in his life.
c. Guilty
Having a lack of confidence also makes Grant feel guilty. He feels that the losing of his team happens because of him. It makes him uncomfortable when he
wants to go to the church. It is because many of his players and parents attend his church. He feels guilty if he meets them, talking about their last game.
He didn‟t want to go, but he knew it was the right thing to do. “A sacrifice of praise.” Isn‟t that what the Bible called it?
Grant stared through the Chevy Celebrity‟s windshield, waiting for Brooke to join him for their drive to Sunday mornin
g service. After Friday night‟s fiasco, he had no desire to show his face in public. He could imagine the
whispers behind his back, the blank stares. Many of his players and their parents attended his church p. 71.
34
In the statement above, it clearly states that Grant feels guilty because his team never wins in every single game. This condition makes him not want to meet
his players or their parents because he feels that the cause of their defeat is him. Grant‟s characteristic of feeling guilty can also be shown when Grant has a
conversation with his wife, Brooke. When they talk about Grant ‟s football team
and the condition of their lives, Grant says that all bad things happen because of him.
Grant rested both arms on the table, his palms turned up in a show of defeat.
“I don‟t know where to start. They‟ve just lost confidence in me. I was so sure I could
turn this program around, and I‟ve just sunk it lower. Brooke, I‟ve tried so hard. Why can‟t I win?” said Taylor.
“You can win. Stop beating yourself up, Grant,” said Brooke. “Brooke, I can‟t provide you a decent home. I can‟t provide you a decent
car. I‟m a failing coach, with a losing record. And I can‟t give you the children you want. It‟s me. We can‟t have our own children because of
me,” said Grant p. 84. By analyzing the dialogues that happen between Grant and Brooke, it is
clearly seen that Grant‟s problems give a significant effect to him, especially
psychologically. Grant thinks that he cannot fulfill others‟ needs so that it makes
him blame himself. Grant feels that all bad things in his life happen because of his fault. He feels guilty of all.
Another fact that shows Grant‟s characteristic as a guilty person is when Grant thinks that he is the main problem of all the problems.
Maybe
he
was the problem. Grant closed his hand over his keys. In his ears, he could still hear the
complaints from that late-night meeting: ”Coach Taylor… he’s no
t a good
coach… He’s dead weight
.
” p. 96. From the statement above, it clearly shows that Grant feels guilty. He
thinks that he is the problem of all bad things that happen in his team. It makes PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
35
him blame himself. He thinks that he is really a bad coach for his football team. Based on the analysis of direct comment of him, his thought, and the conversation
between he and Brooke, Grant is a person who feels guilty. As a result, having many problems makes Grant feel doubtful, insecure and guilty. Those
characteristics are Grant‟s negative characteristics.
d. Kind
Besides having negative characteristics, Grant also has some positive characteristics. One of
Grant‟s positive characteristics that is shown by the author is kind. The term of a kind person has a meaning as an action or others
‟ opinions of him which show that he is a good man. In this part, the researcher shows that
Grant is a good man by analyzing other characters‟ opinions. It is shown when some parents of his players have a meeting and talk about him.
“I‟m not asking you to throw Grant out,” Alvin Pervis said. “Alvin, he‟s a good man,” said Neil Prater.
Pervis wasn‟t finished. “I‟m not saying he‟s not a good man” p. 80. The conversation above clearly shows that Grant Taylor is a good man.
The statement is spoken by the parents who do not really like him. It means that Grant really has a good characteristic
. Grant‟s characteristic as a kind person also can be seen on his attention of others. It can be shown when he thinks about his
players‟ future. He gives suggestion to his player, Matt, who has a big problem with his father.
“Matt, can I shoot straight with you for a minute?” “Sure.” Matt met his eyes.
“I feel like you owe your dad more respect.” “Why? You don‟t know him like I know him.”
“I don‟t have to know him. You need to respect him because it‟s the right thing to do.”
36 “You know, Coach, my dad doesn‟t even like you. He thinks the school
needs to find somebody else ” p. 132.
The conversation above clearly shows that Grant has a kind heart. He still cares to his player even his player‟s father does not like him. He gives good
suggestion to his player. He does not care about others‟ treatment of him. He just wants to do the right thing in his life.
Grant‟s characteristic as a kind person is not only shown in his football life. It also describes in his relationship with Brooke. One of the reasons why Brooke
wants to marry him is because Grant is a kind person. It can be seen when Brooke has conversation with Grant.
“Grant, I saw in you a man who wanted to love God.” “And I just thought you looked good in your cheerleading uniform,” said
Grant. “Grant, you‟re the nicest and most forgiving person I‟ve ever met” p.
109. Through the conversation between Grant and Brooke, it can be seen that
Grant has a good characteristic. Brooke says that Grant is the nicest man she has met. It means that he is a kind person.
Based on others‟ opinions and his speech, Grant is clearly described as a kind person. Being a good man can influence other
people to love him. In this novel, the author describes other positive characteristics of Grant by showing
in Grant‟s actions, speech and others‟ opinions.
e. Loving and caring
As human beings, people want to be accepted by others with what they are. It is because in their lives, people need a comfortable situation so that they can
feel secure Maslow, 1971, pp. 40-41. One way of getting this feeling is love. Love is someone‟s relationship with others who are filled the overflowing
37
affection. One characteristic of Grant is loving others. In this novel, Grant Taylor has a kind wife who always loves him in every condition. They move from
Statesboro to Albany after finishing their studies at Georgia Southern University. Grant has a new job in Albany, in the stat
e‟s south-western corner. He gets a new job of becoming the head coach position in one of the senior high schools in this
state. It is his first job as a football coach in a senior high school. He is going from the GSU Eagles to the Eagles at Shiloh Christian Academy. For him, it is a good
sign. He believes that getting this job means that he is flying higher p. 4. Unfortunately, in six years coaching Shiloh Eagles, Grant cannot make his
team win in every competition. It makes the principal and the parents of his players angry. They blame Grant as a bad coach. Those conditions do not make
Grant stop loving his wife. He really loves his wife. The way of Grant loves his wife can be seen in the following statement.
“Brooke, I‟ve got forty jerseys and thirty-one boys. If you‟ve got two legs and a head, I‟d probably take you,” said Grant to Brooke.
“Grant Taylor, tell me that‟s not the sound of worried man.” Brooke reached out for his hand. “From where I‟m sitting, I see a coach who still
has what it takes to help these boys win – on the field and off,” said
Brooke. Grant said, “Hope you‟re right, sweetheart. I really do” p. 59.
The statement above clearly shows that Grant loves his wife. Having so many problems does not make Grant stop loving his wife. It can be seen in the
way how he calls his wife using word “sweetheart”. He still respects to his wife. It shows that he really loves his wife even though he has so many problems in his
life. Grant‟s characteristic which is shown that he really loves his wife can be seen from his relationship with his wife. They have a good relationship even they have
38
so many problems in their lives. Th is condition can be known from someone‟s
opinion of their relationship. “Thank you for doing this,” Brooke said.
“Anytime.” Jackie slipped into a parking spot at Shiloh Christian academy. She turned off the engine and looked ove
r at her friend. “You know, you and Grant are one of the only couples I know who seem to still truly love
each other” p. 57. From the statement above, Jackie‟s opinion clearly shows that Grant and
Brooke have a good relationship. They truly love each other even they have so many problems in their lives. It means that Grant really loves his wife in every
condition of their lives. As a result, Grant is very loving and caring to his wife without being affected by their problems. Grant does not only love his wife, but
also he cares to his players. Grant‟s characteristic as a person who cares to others can be seen when he
helps others even though they do not respect him. He gives his best to help others solve their problems. He does it sincerely even it is in a simple or hard way. It is
because he thinks that helping others does not always need a big action. It can be a simple one, such as listening to
someone‟s story. The example of this characteristic can be seen when he tries to help one of his players, Matt, in solving
his problem with his father. Matt saw Coach across the track. Matt had no interest in talking.
“Matt, feel like you owe your dad more respect.” “Why?”
“Cause he‟s your father.” “You don‟t know him like I know him.”
“I don‟t have to know him. You need to respect him because it‟s the right thing to do.”
“You know, Coach, my dad doesn‟t even like you. He thinks the school needs to find somebody else. My dad, all he does is boss me around. He
doesn‟t even try to understand me,” said Matt. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
39 “Matt, you can‟t judge your father by his actions, and then judge yourself
by your intentions. It doesn‟t work that way. You‟re not responsible for him. You‟re responsible for you. You honor God by honoring your
authority,” said Grant pp. 131-132. The conversation between Grant and Matt above shows that Grant cares to
his player. He gives his time to listen Matt‟s problems. He helps Matt to make
peace with his father even he knows that Matt‟s father does not like him. In helping Matt, Grant does not only listen and give suggestion for Matt, but he also
takes Matt to his father so that Matt can meet his father and solve their problem directly.
As a result, Grant‟s actions show that he really cares about other people without thinking of someone‟s background. Grant does not only care to Matt, but
also cares to other players. The way of caring can be seen in developing his players‟ ability. It can be seen in the following statement.
“Oh.” Grant held up a hand. “One more thing. Brooke and I have an old barn behind our house. If you want, you can come on over and put in some
extra hours, to work on your kicking technique. Just draw yourself a set of
goalposts on the barn with some chalk, and you‟ll be good to go.” “Thanks, Coach, but I don‟t wanna impose.”
“Not at all,” Grant said. “We‟re just out Old Pretoria Road. Some sweet tea, a little pecan pie, and you boys‟ll feel right at home.”
David and Jonathan offered enthusiastic thank-yous p. 59.
The statement above clearly shows that Grants really cares his players. It can be seen in the way of how he offers his place to his players sincerely. He
really wants to develop his players by providing a place so that his players can have an extra exercise. Based on his actions, his conversations, and ot
hers‟ opinions, it is clearly shown that Grant is a loving and caring person.
40
f. Religious
Grant also has another good characteristic which helps him face his problems. Another Grant‟s characteristic that is shown by the author in the novel
is religious. Grant Taylor is described as a religious person who always believes in God, even though he has so many problems. It can be shown in his action to
respond an internal chaos in his team that happens when one of his best players, Darren, moves to another football team.
“Coach, is it true that Darren transferred to Tucker?” said Matt Prater, one of his players.
“Coach, maybe if you go talk to him, he‟ll come back” said another player. Grant an
swered, “He‟s not coming back.” “Who‟s gonna take his place? He scored a third of our points last year,”
asked Matt. “Stop worrying about Darren. Lord knows, we need somebody,” said Grant
pp. 21-22. The dialogue above describes the religious characteristic of Grant. It can be
seen when his team feels worried, he still believes that God knows about his team‟s needs. Grant also believes that God has a good plan for his team so that he
still has a positive thinking of his team. Grant‟s characteristic as a person who has a strong belief of God is not only shown in the dialogue above, but also shown in
his action when he feels depressed. He feels that he is a failing coach. He also feels that he cannot be a good husband for his wife because he cannot provide a
decent home and give a child for his wife. In those conditions, Grant asks God about his life and tries to find the answer through praying to God.
Grant prayed, “Lord Jesus, would You help me? I need You. Lord, I feel like there‟s giants of fear and failure just staring down at me, waiting to
crush me, and I don‟t know how to beat „em, Lord. I‟m tired of being afraid. Lord
, if You want me to do something else, show me. If You don‟t want me to have children, so be it.”
41 Is that too much to ask? I don’t understand. Grant thought by himself.
“But You‟re my God. You‟re on the throne. You can have my hopes and my dreams. Lord, give me something. Show
me something,” prayed Grant pp. 87-88.
The statement above shows that Grant still believes in God even he is in the worst condition. Even Grant is not always in a good condition of his life, he
always believes that God has the answers of his problems. It shows that Grant has a religious characteristic. Another way that shows the main character‟s
characteristic is when other characters talk or think about the main character‟s characteristic Murphy, 1972, pp. 162-164. It can be seen when Grant has
conversation with Brooke. Brooke took the paper from Grant, and said, “So, this is your new team
philosophy?” Grant pressed his fist
to his mouth. “Whaddya think?” “I think this applies to all of life, not just football.”
“Well, that‟s my point.” She nodded, eyes sparkling.
“Oh, no. What‟s with that mischievous grin?” “I‟m just remembering all over again why I fell in love with you. Grant, I
saw in you a man who wanted to love God ” pp. 108-109.
The conversation above shows Brooke ‟s opinion of Grant‟s characteristic.
By analyzing their conversation, it clearly shows that Grant loves God. Grant really loves God because he takes God in every moment of his life. He believes
God‟s plan not only in his team, but also in his entire life. Based on his reactions of his problems and his conversation with Brooke, it can be concluded that Grant
is a religious man.
g. Hardworking
In the novel, it is clearly shown that Grant is a kind of a hardworking person who never gives up even though he has many problems in his life. The
42
characteristic can be seen from his responses in facing his problems. Even he has so many problems in his team and family, this situation does not make him give
up. With his struggle, he can solve his problems. He always works hard to get his goals in bringing his team becomes a winner. He always shows his spirit in
coaching his team. He also does everything enthusiastically. In this analysis, the researcher finds Grant‟s characteristic by analyzing his speech. Murphy says that
characteristic of the character can be seen by knowing the language and words that are used by the character 1972, pp. 164-
166. Grant‟s characteristic of hardworking can be seen in his speech when he coaches his team.
Grant walked backward, goading the boys along. “Show me some power.
No knees. Keep your knees off the ground. Show me something. Here we go. Ten yards. Show me some muscle, show me some power. Give me
some heart. Let‟s go Believe me. We get this team to stop talking and start acting, then we got something
” pp. 115-116. Grant‟s speech above clearly shows that Grant has a hardworking
characteristic. He does not only give instructions to his players but he also gives motivations to his players directly. He says that if his players want to get
something, they should do the exercises with their heart. They should give their best in every condition
. It means that those statements describe Grant‟s characteristic as a hardworking person. He believes that someone who wants to be
successful should work hard. Grant‟s characteristic as a hardworking person also can be seen on his
action when he coaches. He does not only give motivation through his speech but also give real action in giving the motivation.
Three days of rain had soaked the practice field at Shiloh Christian Academy. The boys slogged through mud, ignoring the cold and the deep
43
aches it produced in bones and weary ligaments. They ran without complaint.
“Team, we‟ve worked hard. You‟ve pushed your bodies to the limit. Kept up your
grades,” said Grant p. 234. The statement above shows that Grant still coaches even the rain is coming.
He gives his heart and soul for coaching his team totally. It is also clearly shown that Grant is a hardworking person. It can be seen
on his team‟s motivation in practicing. They do not complain, even though the condition is not well. The spirit
of the players describes who their coach is. Based on the analysis above, Grant Taylor has two kinds of characteristics,
namely negative and positive characteristics. The negative characteristics of Grant are lack of confidence, feeling insecure, and blaming himself. The positive
characteristics of Grant are kind person, loving, caring, religious, and hardworking. Those characteri
stics play a big role in Grant‟s personality. In the novel, it can be seen that the positive characteristics of Grant are more dominant
than his negative characteristics. It makes Grant‟s personality change. Therefore, in the next part, the researcher desc
ribes about Grant‟s personality development.
2. Grant Taylor’s Personality Development
After knowing the characteristics of the main character, the researcher decides to complete this analysis by revealing the main character
‟s personality development so that the researcher can identify how his personality influences his
football team‟s motivation. In analyzing the main character‟s personality development
, the researcher uses Hurlock‟s theory of personality. Hurlock says that personality can be improved or changed. It is because people are not
completely satisfied with their personality so that they have the desire to change or PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
44
develop it. There are three major categories of personality development. The first category concerns the changes for the better or the worse. It reflects the kinds of
someone‟s adjustments in his life. The second category is a kind of the changes which is quantitative or qualitative changes. Quantitative changes mean that
someone‟s characteristics are reinforced, strengthened, or weakened. Qualitative change
s mean that someone‟s desirable trait has been changed or replaced by undesirable one or vice versa. The third category is the duration of the changes.
They are slow and rapid. Slow changes mean that the changes are barely perceptible. Rapid changes mean that the changes are apparent to all. Normally,
the changes of someone‟s personality are slow and gradual 1974, pp. 119-122. The purpo
se of using Hurlock‟s theory is to get deeper understanding about the main
character‟s personality, since the focus of this study is the influence of the main character‟s personality on his football team‟s motivation. Grant‟s
personality development happens along with some changes in his life. The changes of Grant‟s personality happen because he has positive characteristics that
have more dominant roles in his personality rather than his negative characteristics. Based on the analysis of Grant‟s characteristics, it can be drawn
that Grant‟s negative characteristics are lack of confidence, feeling insecure, and blaming himself. Having lack of confidence makes Grant feel doubtful of himself.
He becomes a person who does not believe in himself. This characteristic influences his action in doing his work so that he cannot give his best. It makes
him feel insecure in his work environment so that there are many problems in his PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
45
life. He feels that all bad things happen because his fault. He feels guilty and blames himself.
Besides having negative characteristics, Grant also has positive characteristics which help him develop his personality. His positive characteristics
are kind, loving, caring, religious, and hardworking. Being a kind person makes Grant love and cares to others. He helps others in solving the problems. He is also
a religious person. It can be seen when he has many problems, he still believes that God never leaves him alone. He trusts that God has a good plan in his life.
Another positive characteristic of Grant is hardworking. He never gives up even he is in the worst condition of his life.
Grant‟s positive characteristics play a big role in his life. They lead him to have personality development. In this study, the
researcher analyzes the personality development of Grant when he solves his problems in his life. It is because human can develop his personality toward every
single moment in his life. Therefore, the researcher focuses on the Grant‟s
responses of his problems which make him become a person that has a different personality than before. The change of Grant‟s personality can be seen through the
reaction and decision that he shows in the novel.
a. Better versus Worse
Human personality can be changed. The meaning of change is not always to be better but also it can be worse. According to Hurlock, someone‟s personality
change is a kind of reflection of his life adjustments that he makes at the time. The change depends on how the individual can make the adjustment of himself. If the
individual can get successful adjustment at any age, it will make the individual PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
46
change to be better. He can improve his self-concept and his self-confidence. By contrast, if the individual fails in reaching his self-expectations, it will lead him to
a deterioration in his self-concept so that the individual will change to be worse 1974, pp. 120-121.
In this analysis, the researcher finds that Grant‟s personality changes to be better.
Doubtful is one of Grant‟s characteristics which is clearly described in the
novel when the main character has some problems in his life. Grant feels doubtful of his ability in coaching when some parents of his players talk and plan to fire
him. It makes him blame himself. He blames himself because he feels that all of losing games happen because of his faults. He also has problems in his family. He
cannot have children because he is diagnosed that he is infertile. It makes him lose his confidence. Having a lack of confidence makes Grant become down. He
cannot solve his problems if he still blames himself. Devastated by his problems, he cries out to God in desperation. Early in the
morning, Grant walks into the grove behind his house. His eyes are staring up the trees, gauging their size. He thinks about himself and feels that he is nothing.
Then, he steps into a pocket of sunshine and lets his Bible fall open in his hand. He reads aloud from Psalm 18 which talks about David‟s honest pleading. After
he reads the Scripture, he prays to God. He asks to God for his problem solutions and he wants that God shows something to him.
One thing that becomes a beginning of Grant‟s personality development is when he meets Mr. Bridges. On the following day, when Grant goes to school, he
has an unexpected visitor, Mr. Bridges, a man who always prays for SCA‟s
47
students as he passes their lockers. He enters to Grant‟s office and says something
to Grant. It is about his belief that God has a plan through Grant. The author clearly shows the conversation between them which makes Grant realize his
misunderstanding of his life. Grant responds to Mr. Bridges, “I admit to you, I have been struggling. But
I‟ve also been praying. I just don‟t see Him at work here.” “Grant, I heard a story about two farmers who desperately needed rain.
And both of them prayed for rain, but only one of them went out and prepared his fields to receive it. Which one do you think trusted God to
send the rain?” told Mr. Bridges. “Well, the one who prepared his fields for it,” answered Grant.
“So, which one are you?” Mr. Bridges continued. “God will send the rain when He‟s ready. You need
to prepare your field to receive it ” p. 106.
The quotation above explains God‟s way of answering Grant‟s prayer. He
sends Mr. Bridges to talk with Grant about illustration that makes Grant realize his understanding of faith. Mr. Bridges tries to explain about God‟s plan through
Grant‟s talent. He convinces Grant that Grant still has a chance to be a successful coach. He tells that the key of Grant‟s success is believing in God. He should be
ready and believe that God answers his prayer. The conversation above makes the changes of G
rant‟s perception of his faith. The short illustration spoke volumes, and the answer thundered in his heart.
He had prayed for God to move, but he‟d never prepared his fields as an act of faith.
Why would God answer my prayers when He knows I’m not even ready?” p. 106.
The statement above clearly shows that Grant realizes the mistake of his faith concept. He realizes that he should be ready to receive God‟s plan when he
asks to God. The changing of Grant‟s perception leads him in his way of thinking about his team.
48
Grant smoothed the notepad and wrote: What was it that drove him as a coach? Where did God fit into his priorities? WHAT‟S THE PURPOSE
OF THIS TEAM? He scrawled out answers to his questions. It was time to change that. Time
to lead by example. He recalled his prayer in the grove as he begged God to show him
something. After two hours of praying, searching the Scriptures, and writing, Grant looked over his notes:
Concept 1: We are here for God‟s glory, not our own. Concept 2: Loving God and others is the most important thing we can do.
Concept 3: Give God your best in every area. Concept 4: God deserves our worship and praise whether we succeed or
fail pp. 106-108.
The statement above clearly shows that Grant‟s personality has changed
because someone around him. Hurlock says that someone‟s personality can be
changed because the impact from others 1974, p.126. In this study, the researcher finds that Grant‟s personality is so different from his personality that he
has in his early life. His personality has changed after he meets Mr. Bridges. He changes his perceptions of the way God answers his prayer. The statement above
also shows that Grant puts his team‟s concepts in God. Those concepts lead Grant
in coaching his football team. It is clearly shown that Grant gets back his confidence in coaching.
By applying the Hurlock‟s theory of personality development, the researcher can say that
Grant‟s personality becomes better. He becomes confident. It improves his self-confidence. He looks very confident with
his ability of coaching. The changing of his perception also makes his confidence becomes better than before.
Having back his confidence makes Grant become a person who has a clear goal for his team. It makes him realize that his
team‟s concepts should be changed. In the process of changing, he realizes that he already has a great football team.
49
He believes that he can make his team become a winner even their position is not on a top. As a result, his personality develops from a doubtful one into an
optimistic coach. It can be seen when he gives motivation to his team before having a game.
Grant met the eyes of his players. “I feel like I‟m standing before a new team tonight. It‟s a new day and a new game. What you‟ve experienced in
your hearts this week is about to be released on the field. Stay humble, but confident. All right, guys, look at me.” Grant watched faces turn his way,
full of anticipation, and he knew this was the moment to light the fuse in this team. “Play hard Have fun” p. 149.
A few years before, he feels pessimistic when his team has a competition. Now, he feels optimistic that his players can do their best in this game. He
becomes someone who has high expectation of his team in the game. He believes that this time is the time of rising his team. He becomes an optimistic person who
always has a positive thinking in his life. Based on Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs,
there are two categories of esteem needs, namely self-esteem and self-respects 1971, p. 42. Self-
esteem is someone‟s desire for his confidence, adequacy, independent, achievement and freedom. As a result, by having personality
development of changing from a doubtful one into a confident and optimistic person, Grant fulfills his esteem need.
Grant Taylor can be considered as a person who has a positive thinking in his mind. It is because he always tries to think positively even if something
happens out of his expectations. His positive characteristic exudes energy that influences others. For example, when his best player, Darren, moves to another
football club, he still thinks positively that all will be fine even without Darren. It PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
50
can be shown in his conversation with his players when they feel insecure because their friend moves to another football school.
“Coach, is it true that Darren transferred to Tucker?” asked Matt. Grant looked at his team. “I got word this morning that Darren did transfer
to Tucker.” Some moaned. Others rolled their eyes.
Brock tossed down his h elmet. “There goes the season.”
“The season hasn‟t started,” Grant cut in, “and will be whatever we make it.”
“We ain‟t lost yet,” said J.T. “So we still got a perfect record, Coach.” Grant nodded to
his team. “I agree. Stop worrying about Darren. Get out there and start your drills. We‟ve got a game to play this Friday night” pp.
21-22.
Grant thinks positively in responding to the situation. He gives a positive thinking to his players so that they can feel secure even without their best player in
the team. By having a positive thinking, Grant makes the environment of his team become positive so that the players still have a spirit to improve their skills. Those
changes make Grant and his team be trusted by others. Before changing his concepts, Grant is not trusted by others. The parents of
Grant‟s players are doubtful his ability in coaching. It makes them want to expel Grant as a head coach. They do not believe that Grant can make their sons become
a winner. Grant‟s colleagues are also doubtful of his ability. Those situations show
that Grant is not trusted to coach SCA team. Now, after Grant has changed his self-concept
, his colleagues and his players‟ parents trust him to coach their sons. It can be shown when SCA team wins in the competition so that SCA team can be
the team in the play-offs. The principal leaned against his cherry wood cabinet and said to Grant.
“I‟ve gotta tell you, it‟s been fun telling people that we‟re in the play-offs. Grant, it‟s obvious that God has His hand on you. I mean, what you have
done with those boys. We are glad y ou‟re here” pp. 205-206.
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Thus, this shows that the principal recognizes Grant‟s work in SCA team. It
also shows that he believes in Grant‟s ability in coaching. It can be seen that the
principal accepts Grant as a coach in SCA. It makes Grant feel secure in his work environment
. Based on Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs, people want to be secured in his life because they want to seek pleasure 1971, p. 40. As a result, being trusted
by the principal makes Grant be able to fulfill his safety need in his life. Another statement which indicates that Grant is a proper coach comes from his former
head coach at GSU. ”You‟re at the state championship. I saw in you something no one else had.
The ability to train up others, to lead them. I don‟t care what level of ball you‟re coaching, it‟s surreal when you make it to the championship game.
And, Grant, I could just tell you, I‟m so proud of you and what you‟ve
done.” said Coach Stephens, Grant‟s former head coach at GSU pp. 249- 250.
The statement above is spoken by Grant‟s former head coach at GSU.
Coach Stephens says that he is really proud of Grant ‟s ability in coaching. He
really believes that Grant has a different power in coaching the players. As a result, based on the statements above, it can be said that Grant becomes a
trustworthy coach for SCA team. He is trusted that he can make SCA team become a winner. Being trusted makes Grant be able to fulfill one of his needs.
According to Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs, people want to be accepted by others
to fulfill his belonging and love needs 1971, pp. 40-41. Therefore, people need to trust others and to be trusted by others.
It can be concluded that Grant‟s changing process from an untrusted person into a trustworthy person is one of his
achievement in fulfilling his belonging and love needs. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
52
Based on the analyses above, it can be concluded that Grant‟s personality
has changed from the worse to better. It can be seen from his personality changes that happen in his life. In the beginning of the story, Grant is described as a
doubtful person because of his problems in his life. After meeting with Mr. Bridges and realizing his concepts are wrong, he develops his personality well. He
improves his self-confidence so that he becomes confident and optimistic. Having back his self-confidence makes him think positively in his life. It influences his
concepts and ways of coaching so that he can improve his players ‟ ability
gradually. The result o f the players‟ development makes Grant become a
trustworthy coach. Grant has changed his personality from worse to better. He can actualize himself so that he can solve his problems and reach his goals. Based on
Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs, the highest level of someone‟s needs is considered as growth need. It is when someone has changing processes in reaching his goals
by developing his skills and potentials so that he can solve his problems and reach his goals 1971, p. 42. Therefore, it can be concluded that Grant succeeds in
fulfilling the highest level of needs, namely self-actualization need.
b. Slow versus Rapid
According to Hurlock‟s theory, there are three kinds of changes in
someone‟s personality, namely better or worse changes, qualitative or quantitative changes, and slow or rapid changes 1972, pp. 120-122. By
analyzing Grant‟s personality development, it can be seen that Grant has better changes of his
personality. The better changes can be seen in the changing of his characteristics. Grant‟s personality has changed from bad characteristics become good
53
characteristics. It can be clearly shown when he has improved his confidence and his concepts. Before he changes his personality, he is a person who feels doubtful,
insecure and guilty. Some of Grant‟s characteristics are strengthened. It can be
seen from his characteristic changes. His characteristics grow stronger. Grant becomes a person who feels confident, optimistic, and trustworthy. He can be
accepted by others. Grant‟s personality development happens slowly and gradually. As
Hurlock says that personality changes can also be slow and gradual 1972, p. 122, Grant‟s personality changes also can be said to be slow because the changes
influence his habit so that it needs some stages to change. It can be seen when Grant should pass some obstacles in his life. When he meets Mr. Bridges, his
personality does not change instantly. The changing of his personality from worse to be better needs a lot of hard processes. There are some hard efforts to change
his personality. His efforts can be seen when Grant has conversations with his wife after he meets Mr. Bridges.
Brooke had been waiting patiently. It was one of the hazards of being a coach‟s wife. The driver‟s door clicked lock and her husband dropped into
the sofa. “Can we ask Him anyway?” Brooke asked.
Grant jutted out his chin. “I already have.” He scratched at his neck. “Several times.”
Brooke grinned. She moved closer with a kiss, but felt him stiffen. “What?”
He shook his head. She
wasn‟t going to let him off that easy. “Talk to me.” He looked off to
the side. “It‟s already tough trying to keep my head up, without being reminded of my inadequacies” pp. 102-103
54
The conversation above shows Grant‟s efforts in developing his
personality. He has already tried to develop his personality many times. Even though he has already realized that his concepts are wrong, it does not mean that
he can get his self-confidence directly. He still feels unconfident. He feels that he has many weaknesses that always appear in his mind. In getting his self-
confidence, he should be able to be a trustworthy person. He should be able to make his team trust him that his ability of coaching can bring his team to be a
winner. It is not an easy way. Grant entered the room. He asked to his team, “What‟s the purpose of this
tea m?”
Matt answered, “To win ball games, get a trophy, and people talk about us.”
“What‟re you getting at, Grant? Asked Brady. “You think we‟re just wasting our time?”
“If our main goal is only to win football games, then yes.” Matt‟s jaw dropped. It was all clear to him now, why this team was
stinking it up on the field and why his hopes for a scholarship were evaporating. “You don‟t want us to win games?” he demanded.
Grant didn‟t even blink. “No. Not if that‟s our main goal. Winning football games is a too small thing to live for. And I love football as much as
anybody.” Mat looked to the right for some support. He knew his father and others
had been twisting the assistant coach‟s ear, trying to force some changes, Brady wore a shell-shocked expression. pp. 111-112
In the statement above, it clearly shows that Grant tries to make his team
trust him so that he can be a trustworthy person. Grant tries to change his team‟s
concepts. It means that he should make his team trust him to coach them. He should show his totality in coaching through his actions and speech. The hardest
thing that he should do is when he should be able to change his players‟ concepts and motivation in playing football. It is very hard because he should change his
team‟s way of thinking. Those processes play a big role in Grant‟s personality PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
55
development. The changing of Grant‟s personality happens step by step. As a
result, it can be said that Grant personality has changed and improved slowly and gradually.
B. Grant Taylor’s Personality Influence on SCA Football Team
This part intends to discuss the influence of Grant‟s personality on his football team. After knowing the personality development of Grant, this section is
to complete this analysis by showing the influences of the mai n character‟s
personality development on his football players‟ motivation. In other words, this
part answers the second question that described in the research questions. As human beings, people have a purpose in their life. In reaching their
goals, they need motivation to support them doing their best. There are two kinds of motivation, namely intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. The intrinsic
motivation is the motivation that arises from the behavior itself. While extrinsic motivation is the motivation that occurs because pressing from an external factor
Huffman and Vernoy, 2000, p. 392. Before discussing the influence of Grant‟s
personality, it is good to know the SCA football team‟s motivation before Coach
Grant‟s personality changing influences them. In the beginning of Grant‟s coaching, his players‟ motivation is only
related with football. Although they are senior high school students, their primary goal is to be a winner in every football competition. Another motivation is getting
a scholarship by being a good football player. The players‟ motivation can be seen
in their way of thinking.
56
When Grant gave a briefing about the goals of life, he said. “It‟s not just on
the football field. We‟ve honor Him in our relationship, in our respect for authority, in the classroom … and when you‟re at home alone surfing the
Internet.” Matt thought in his mind.
No,
I’m here to play football. Don’t know about the rest of y’all
.
M att kept his head down, the challenge echoed in Matt‟s ears p. 113.
Based on the quotation above, it can be clearly known that the priority of the
players‟ lives is only for football. They do not really pay attention to their studies. They also do not respect to their teacher in the class. They think that being
a good football prayer is enough without caring about their education and behavior. As a result,
there are two kinds of SCA football players‟ motivation, namely intrinsic and extrinsic. Their intrinsic motivation can be seen in their
willingness of playing football. They play football for their own volition. While extrinsic motivation can be found in their purpose of playing football. They play
football because they want to get scholarship. As David says that motivation is one of three majors that determinants of behavior 1980, p. 4, it can be concluded
that their life motivation is low because they only think of football without caring other aspects in their lives especially their behavior.
After knowing the players‟ motivation, the researcher analyzes the influence of Grant‟s personality on his players. Grant has changed his personality
to be better. The changing of his personality brings him to be an optimistic person. His changing does not only give influence to himself but also to
his players‟ motivation. The influence can be seen from the changes that happen in his football
players. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
57
1. Having High Motivation
Having an experience of personality development makes Grant become a person who always has a positive thinking. The change also makes him feel
confident and optimistic. Those feelings make him realize that there is something that should be changed in his coaching. He revises the way of how he coaches his
team. Before, he coaches only by giving the program without giving motivating actions to his players. After having personality change, it makes him realize that
he should be a coach who gives all of his heart in coaching. This change can be seen when he gives motivation to his players by supporting them directly.
Grant said. “I wanna see you do the death crawl again. I think you can go the fifty. But even if you can‟t, I want you to promise me you‟re gonna do
your best. I don‟t want you giving up at a certain point when you could go far
ther.” “Don‟t quit till you‟ve got
nothing
left. Your
very
best I know it hurts. You keep going” p. 123.
Grant‟s speech shows that he gives all of his heart by giving supports to his players. His personality of feeling confident and optimistic can be seen by
analyzing his words. He always gives positive words to support his players. His action gives influence to his players. The influence can be seen in the following
statement when Brock should do the death crawl, one of the hardest exercises. Brock‟s body was shaking now. “It hurts,” he moaned. Matt could only
imagine the way his friend felt out there, doing all the work, carrying Jemery along. Matt leaned forward. Actually, this was pretty unbelievable.
How was he still going? What was keeping Brock up?
Whatever it is, that
dude’s g
ot something burning inside him.
All around, the rest of the guys rose to observe what was going on.
Is Brock actually gonna make it?
p. 124.
From the statement above, it can be seen that Grant succeeds improving his players‟ motivation. It is clearly shown when he asks Brock to do the death crawl
58
exercise, Brock can do it even beyond his limits. It makes other players feel motivated that they also can do it. They become more enthusiastic in doing the
exercises. The change of the players‟ motivation is also seen when they have to
fight the Giants in final match. “First of all,” Grant said, “I want you to know we‟re still in this game.
They‟re big, but they‟re also predictable. We have
gotta
stay together.”
“I‟m with you, Coach,” Matt stated for all to hear. “Good. Brock?”
Matt watched his friend step forward. This was their workhorse, their team captain, the Master of the Death Crawl.
“Well, here ya go. Guys, this is what Coach has been teachin‟ us all along, and it‟s what Mr. Bridges has been prayin‟ for. We‟ve gotta go out and
give
it our all tonight. We‟ve gotta
rise
up and face these guys. We‟ve gotta run till they
can’t keep up” All the players shouted excitedly p. 269.
The conversation between Grant and his players shows that G rant‟s words
improve his players‟ motivation. The difference of the players‟ motivation between before
getting Grant‟s influence and after getting Grant‟s influence is clearly seen in their motivation of playing football. At
the beginning of Grant‟s coaching, the players only have low motivation. It is clearly seen when they
complain in doing the exercise. The team was lined up across the end zone, with Grant standing about
twenty yards away. He wondered if his ow n “dangerous” players weren‟t
beginning to have some effect. “Your attitude‟s like the aroma of your heart. If your attitude stinks, it
means your heart‟s not right. How‟s your attitude, Brock?” Grant asked. “It‟s fine.”
“Then you‟ll be okay with the death crawl, right?” The entire team moaned. pp. 113-114
The statement above shows clearly that all the players moan before they do
the exercise. They do not know the purpose of their exercise. They only think that the exercise is very hard. Based on the statement above, it can be said that they
59
only have a low motivation. Now, after getting Grant‟s personality influence, his
players become on fire in fighting. They become very enthusiastic without complaining. As a result, the chan
ges of Grant‟s personality make his players change their motivation. They become enthusiastic in doing their responsibilities.
2. Having Strong Concept
Grant‟s personality development also gives influence on his players‟ concepts. The influence makes the players have different perceptions of their
concepts in their lives and their talents of playing football. The significance of the players‟ changing starts after Grant changes their way of thinking about their team
goals. It can be seen when he talks about the life goals. It makes his players realize that their life goals are not only for playing football but also for praising God.
Grant said to his players. “He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us so we could live for Him. That‟s why we‟re here.” Grant wasn‟t finished. “But see, it‟s
not just on the football field. We‟ve gotta honor Him in our relationships, in our respect for authority, in the classroom … and when you‟re at home
alone surfing the Internet ” p. 113.
Grant‟s statement above clearly shows how he changes his concept of his team. He explains that playing football is not only for being a winner or getting a
scholarship, but also for honoring God. Grant‟s statement influences his player‟s concept in playing football. It can be seen in the following statement.
Brock dropped to a knee. The rest of the team followed. With his taped wrist on Matt Prater‟s shoulder, he prayed: “Lord, we know our lives are
not about football, but we thank You for allowing us to play tonight. Lord, we‟re gonna give You our best. If we win, we‟ll praise You. An if we lose,
we‟ll praise You. We give You all the honor and the glory for this tonight, Lord. Keep us safe
. In Jesus‟ name I pray, amen.” “Amen,” the team agreed p. 149.
