History is an important part of our lives. We talk about past experiences remembering the good and the bad. History helps us repeat or refrain from past decisions. But, as an athlete we have to make sure that we do not dwell on negative past experiences.
As athletes we need to live in the present. Clear your mind, focus on the task, and let your preparation take over. In a sport where failing 6 or 7 times at the plate makes you a great hitter, you have to condition your mind to stay focused on the positive and the present. Live in the now! There is plenty of time to prepare your mind before you step into the batters box. The mind is a powerful tool. You have to train yourself to make it your ally, not your foe.
Prepare, be positive, and focus on the present, a quick an easy reminder before you step into the box, or step out on the field.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
You Choose
Sleep to noon each and every day
or early rise in the sun to play.
Up for a run or hit the snooze.
It's up to you, You Choose!
Out all night when trouble hits
or a meal at the table where family sits.
Find situations where you can't lose.
It's up to you, You Choose!
Go to practice putting team first
or do not, making them worse.
Make the team better, or refuse.
It's up to you, You Choose!
You make the choice, wrong or right.
Keep your focus, the goal in sight.
Do it right make no excuse.
It's up to you, You Choose!
--BGC--
or early rise in the sun to play.
Up for a run or hit the snooze.
It's up to you, You Choose!
Out all night when trouble hits
or a meal at the table where family sits.
Find situations where you can't lose.
It's up to you, You Choose!
Go to practice putting team first
or do not, making them worse.
Make the team better, or refuse.
It's up to you, You Choose!
You make the choice, wrong or right.
Keep your focus, the goal in sight.
Do it right make no excuse.
It's up to you, You Choose!
--BGC--
Monday, May 12, 2008
Heart, Focus, Determination, Courage........Character
I was sent a story that recently took place at Pepperdine University in the Men's Division I Tennis Tournament. The story is very fitting as we prepare to take part in the Relay For Life and as we strive to be committed to our team and our teammates.
Waves Advance to the Sweet Sixteen
Courtesy: Pepperdine Sports Information
Release: 05/11/2008
Courtesy: Pepperdine Athletics
MALIBU, Calif. — In an amazing show of heart, strength and determination, Andre Begemann helped lead the Pepperdine men’s tennis team to a 4-2 victory over Stanford University, Saturday afternoon, in round two of the NCAA Division I Tennis Tournament. Begemann had received a phone call from his father in Germany last night, with the news that his mother had just passed away after a long battle with cancer.
“I knew she was very sick on Friday and I wanted to go home,” said Begemann. “I spoke with her Saturday morning and she asked that I stay and play in the tournament. My tennis career meant so much to her.”
Begemann asked Coach Steinberg not to tell the team prior to the match. He wanted his teammates focused on beating Stanford. With only three hours of sleep, a subdued but focused Begemann struggled in doubles, and then came back with a vengeance in singles. It was fitting that his was the first singles match to finish and to tie the match with Stanford. After his victory, he sat on the bench with his head in his hands and a bright red towel wrapped around his neck while he struggled to keep his composure. His performance was nothing short of courageous and a tremendous tribute to a mother who meant the world to him.
“It was the most incredible match I’ve ever coached,” said Coach Adam Steinberg. “Andre played with so much heart under the circumstances. I’ve never coached in a situation like that and I hope I never have to again.”
In front of a crowd of over two hundred spectators, both teams gave it their all. Few among the crowd knew of the personal struggle on court one.
“This is a young man who honored his mother and played his best among the best in the country,” said Pepperdine Athletic Director John Watson. “He played with so much love and emotion that it was overwhelming.”
All too often athletes complain about having a bad day or not feeling well as an excuse to their performance. I think this story puts things into perspective. Most of the things we have to fight through are no where near as significant as Andre's loss. I applaud Andre's decision to stay and play, but it would have been just as courageous for him to go home and be with his family. He made his decision, and regardless of the lack of sleep and the deep emotional pain, he gave his absolute all for his team, his teammates, and his mom.
Waves Advance to the Sweet Sixteen
Courtesy: Pepperdine Sports Information
Release: 05/11/2008
Courtesy: Pepperdine Athletics
MALIBU, Calif. — In an amazing show of heart, strength and determination, Andre Begemann helped lead the Pepperdine men’s tennis team to a 4-2 victory over Stanford University, Saturday afternoon, in round two of the NCAA Division I Tennis Tournament. Begemann had received a phone call from his father in Germany last night, with the news that his mother had just passed away after a long battle with cancer.
“I knew she was very sick on Friday and I wanted to go home,” said Begemann. “I spoke with her Saturday morning and she asked that I stay and play in the tournament. My tennis career meant so much to her.”
Begemann asked Coach Steinberg not to tell the team prior to the match. He wanted his teammates focused on beating Stanford. With only three hours of sleep, a subdued but focused Begemann struggled in doubles, and then came back with a vengeance in singles. It was fitting that his was the first singles match to finish and to tie the match with Stanford. After his victory, he sat on the bench with his head in his hands and a bright red towel wrapped around his neck while he struggled to keep his composure. His performance was nothing short of courageous and a tremendous tribute to a mother who meant the world to him.
“It was the most incredible match I’ve ever coached,” said Coach Adam Steinberg. “Andre played with so much heart under the circumstances. I’ve never coached in a situation like that and I hope I never have to again.”
In front of a crowd of over two hundred spectators, both teams gave it their all. Few among the crowd knew of the personal struggle on court one.
“This is a young man who honored his mother and played his best among the best in the country,” said Pepperdine Athletic Director John Watson. “He played with so much love and emotion that it was overwhelming.”
All too often athletes complain about having a bad day or not feeling well as an excuse to their performance. I think this story puts things into perspective. Most of the things we have to fight through are no where near as significant as Andre's loss. I applaud Andre's decision to stay and play, but it would have been just as courageous for him to go home and be with his family. He made his decision, and regardless of the lack of sleep and the deep emotional pain, he gave his absolute all for his team, his teammates, and his mom.
Monday, May 5, 2008
What will be Your Legacy?
In high school athletics only one thing is certain, you will only have, at maximum, four years to be part of a team. All members of the team leave something behind, some legacy that others remember. Some legacies have lasted for decades, while others are just a ghostly vapor that fades over time. Be a lasting legacy!
It is important that we determine our definition of “legacy.” Some believe a legacy is all about them and what they will be remembered for, such as how great a pitcher they were or how great a hitter they were, or records they have set. If this is your definition of legacy, then your legacy lives and dies with your records staying intact. How much greater is a legacy that is left behind to benefit all players for all time, a legacy that benefits Helias Softball first and foremost?
My hope is that you are remembered for who YOU are. Remembered for you as a person first and a player second. Remembered for the commitment you had to be your best in order for your team to be its best. Remembered for the confidence you had in yourself and your teammates no matter what the odds or the situation. Remembered for the character you displayed when you served your teammates, your friends, your school, your family, and those in need. Remembered for the routines you left behind to be repeated by the countless new faces that will be added to Helias Softball year after year. Remembered for your living legacy, a legacy that defines the personality of a team that you put your heart and soul in and breathed life into. You have a choice as to how you will be remembered by what you will leave behind for the future.
What will be your Legacy?
"The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out." Thomas Macaulay
It is important that we determine our definition of “legacy.” Some believe a legacy is all about them and what they will be remembered for, such as how great a pitcher they were or how great a hitter they were, or records they have set. If this is your definition of legacy, then your legacy lives and dies with your records staying intact. How much greater is a legacy that is left behind to benefit all players for all time, a legacy that benefits Helias Softball first and foremost?
My hope is that you are remembered for who YOU are. Remembered for you as a person first and a player second. Remembered for the commitment you had to be your best in order for your team to be its best. Remembered for the confidence you had in yourself and your teammates no matter what the odds or the situation. Remembered for the character you displayed when you served your teammates, your friends, your school, your family, and those in need. Remembered for the routines you left behind to be repeated by the countless new faces that will be added to Helias Softball year after year. Remembered for your living legacy, a legacy that defines the personality of a team that you put your heart and soul in and breathed life into. You have a choice as to how you will be remembered by what you will leave behind for the future.
What will be your Legacy?
"The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out." Thomas Macaulay
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Remarkable Story of Character
Most of the stories we hear about, read about, or watch on television that deal with athletes are very negative. Athletes using performance enhancing drugs, abusing alcohol, and displaying lewd conduct seem to be an everyday occurrence. There is a story that took place on a softball field in the State of Washington on April 27, 2008, that absolutely touched my heart. It is a story of what being an athlete is all about. A story of true character that I will not forget in my lifetime. The story is more powerful if you watch it. I have placed two videos on this post. The first is a great telling of the story. the second video is an ESPN interview with the players involved. I hope that we can display this same character in our upcoming summer and fall seasons, but more importantly I hope that we can display great character in our every day lives. If you would like to read more about the story it is on ESPN's website, The Early Show's website, and Good Morning America's website. Enjoy!
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