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| 31 Jul 2009 02:43:29 am |
| DON MEYER, College Basketball Coach & Jimmy V Award Winner |
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"Life is a team sport."
Don Meyer, most successful basketball coach in men’s NCAA history and 2009 winner of ESPY’s Jimmy V award.
Don Meyer declares himself a coach of kids, not of basketball. He has won 903 games – more than any coach in NCAA men’s college basketball, yet he measures his success by the quality of the young men he sends out into the world.
On July 19, at this year ESPY Awards, Don Meyers was awarded the Jimmy V Award – not for his basketball wizardry – but, rather, for his determination and perseverance in the face of great obstacles.
Last last year, Don was almost killed in a head-on collision with a truck; he subsequently lost his leg, and while being treated for his injuries, was diagnosed with liver and intestinal cancer. After 55 long days in the hospital, he returned to the life he loved passionately, coaching.
I believe Don has spoken a profound truth in today’s Real Zeal Quote: "Life is a team sport".
A truth that has us ask ourselves: Do I operate as if I’m playing on a team (with my family, my workmates, my neighbors)? Or do I operate as a loner playing an individual sport? And ... what might life be like if we all consistently operated as team players?
FOR THE BIGGER STORY READ ON ...
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I “met” Don Meyer during the ESPY awards (an annual event in which individual athletes and their teams are honored for outstanding athletic achievement). The Jimmy V award (named after now deceased and former North Carolina basketball coach, Jim Valvano – I promise to include him in a future Real Zeal) is given to someone who has overcome great obstacles through physical determination and perseverance. There is no question that Don Meyer is qualified to receive this award.
To view the ESPY video documenting Don Meyer’s return from his near fatal accident and bout with cancer, (in addition to his inspiring acceptance speech), please click here. It is WELL worth the ten minutes it will take you to view it.
In sharing how this “tragedy” has actually been a gift in his life, Don said something quite profound: “I’ve learned that peace is not the absence of trouble, trials and torment, but calm in the midst of them.” Ahhhhhhhhh, if we could all learn this!
In a sense, Don Meyer is a perfect person for our Real Zeal Quotes. Not only is he an inspired athlete who is truly inspiring the world, he is a man who love quotes and uses them freely and frequently to teach his young men about basketball, teamwork and life. According to the Aberdeen News:
“Meyer is a walking encyclopedia of quotes from a wide array of sources such as legendary UCLA men's basketball coach John Wooden, author and journalist William Safire and the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. ... Players call these ‘Meyerisms,’ and by senior year they're just as likely to come out of a player's mouth."
For the entire article, click here.
When you visit Meyer’s website and click on The Coach’s Corner, there is a new quote each time you visit and a place for any visitor to add his or her own inspirational quote.
Let’s return to today’s Real Zeal quote from Coach Meyer: "Life is a team sport."
Today’s Inquiry: What can each of us do to live life as a team sport?
Don Meyer, an inspired athlete, inspiring the world. |
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Category : General
| Posted By : admin |
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| 23 Jul 2009 10:21:12 pm |
| TOM WATSON, Professional Golfer |
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"The dream almost came true."
59-year-old Tom Watson, on his one shot short of a miracle victory in the British Open Golf Championship at Turnberry, Scotland.
On Sunday, July 19, an unforgettable sporting event took place. Tom Watson, 59 years of age, playing the British Open at Turnberry, Scotland – the scene of his classic triumph over Jack Nicklaus thirty two years ago – almost won it again. Had he been victorious, he would have become golf’s oldest major champion, by ELEVEN years! Instead, he was beaten by Stewart Cink in a four hole playoff and Tom’s dream ... almost came true.
My inquiry is this: Is a dream that almost comes true a win or a loss? Is it a victory or a defeat? I’ve pondered the question all week. At the moment Watson missed his putt on the 18th hole, my heart told me it was a loss. Today, my heart tells me it’s a victory.
But maybe we need to shift conversations – from win/loss and victory/defeat to playing full-out. Playing full out for a dream that calls forth our unbridled passion, our rock solid commitment, and our maximum skill. And then, when that dream almost comes true, we can declare ourselves ... fulfilled, accomplished, and yes, even victorious!
FOR THE BIGGER STORY READ ON ...
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As I read the commentaries on this past week’s British Open and listened to interviews with Tom Watson, I was most inspired by Tom’s authenticity. He didn’t sugarcoat his play, nor did he spout trite platitudes. He told it like it was for him and he took full responsibility for his loss.
As I said in the Real Zeal email, Tom Watson is 59 years old – ancient in most sports, and plenty old in golf. In fact, he plays the majority of his golf on the senior circuit. Yet, for four straight days in the British Open, Tom led an entire field of players – some thirty (and more!) years his junior. His play inspired his peers, his fans, and all of us who were privileged to watch him.
For those of you who don’t know Tom Watson, he was in his prime in the 70’s and 80s. He has won 8 major championships and 66 professional wins overall. Between 1978 and 1982, was ranked the #1 golfer in the world.
In 1992, he was awarded the Tom Morris award – presented each year to an individual who "through a continuing lifetime commitment to the game of golf has helped to mold the welfare of the game.”
In addition to playing golf, Tom designs golf courses and has written a number of golfing books.
To learn more about the inspiring Tom Watson, please click on the links below.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/31930244/ns/sports-golf/] (The source of today’s Real Zeal quote and provides us a video of Tom talking about his loss and his time at Turnberry.
http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,1911886,00.html (A beautifully written article on how Tom captivated the golf world for four days at British Open.)
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/221229-tom-watsons-turnberry-resurrection-was-about-more-than-golf (An inspiring piece on how Tom provided spirituality and dignity and being young-at-heart during this tournament.) |
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Category : General
| Posted By : admin |
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| 15 Jul 2009 04:01:54 pm |
| ANDY RODDICK, Professional Tennis Player |
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"Like everything else, there's two options: You lay down or you keep going. The second option sounded better to me."
Andy Roddick, speaking on his pivotal second set loss to tennis champion, Roger Federer, at Wimbledon, England.
Andy Roddick was a huge underdog as he entered the Wimbledon finals on July 5th. His opponent, Roger Federer, arguably the best tennis player of all time, had beaten Andy 18 of their last 20 matches.
Yet, on this particular day, Andy appeared to be on the brink of a momentous upset. But it was not to be. In the tiebreaker of the second set, (with Roddick about to take a decisive 2 set lead), Federer scored 6 straight points to tie the match at 1-1. This loss was seen as the turning point in the match.
Had Andy given up at that point, Federer most likely would have won resoundingly and we would be declaring, in no uncertain terms, that Andy Roddick is not in the same league as Federer.
By choosing the second option, Andy kept pace with Federer point for point, until the fifth set, where he took it to a record 30 (yes, 30!) games, before losing to Federer, 14-16. Any doubts about Andy Roddick are gone.
As we face our own inevitable challenges – and we know we will – may we remember Andy Roddick and his epic battle with Roger Federer. May we also keep in mind that the choices we make – to give up or keep fighting – will be pivotal in the unfolding of our future.
FOR THE BIGGER STORY READ ON ...
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I have become an Andy Roddick fan. After watching his inspired performance against Roger Federer in the Wimbledon finals, he seems about to fulfill his enormous potential as a tennis player.
It’s not that he’s not an excellent player now. Ranked 1st in the United States, 5th in the world ... those are far from shabby rankings. But prior to Wimbledon, Andy was becoming known as a player who couldn’t win the big one, someone who “wilted against greatness.” [1].
I predict Andy will look back on his day at Wimbledon as a major turning point in his career. In addition to his never-say-die spirit, his gifted play, and his unflappable nerves, Andy looked failure in the eye and refused to give up. And then played the most brilliant match of his career.
Andy’s inspiration extends beyond the tennis courts. As a teenager, Andy declared his desire to be someone who makes a difference in life. “When I was 17, I told my mom I wanted to follow in the footsteps of Billie Jean King, Andre Agassi, and Arthur Ashe. They were champion tennis players. ... They are bigger champions in life and that’s what really matters.” [From Andy’s website]
His mother told him she would help him in any way she could. In 2001, Andy formed the Andy Roddick Foundation with the purpose of helping at-risk youth. The foundation is run by his mother and staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers, Currently, it has raised over $8 million. In addition, Andy founded the Andy Roddick Youth tennis program in San Antonio, Texas, which assists over 150 disadvantaged children each year.
Because of Andy’s charitable efforts, he won the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in 2004.
Today’s Inquiry: If we look at our life, where are we on the verge of giving up, saying it’s not worth it? And if we look, is that the right choice? Or would it be better to follow Andy Roddick’s lead and keep going? And possibly, by doing so, pull off a miracle?
To read more on Andy Roddick:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-streeter-wimbledon6-2009jul06,1,2430739.column [1] (This is a GREAT article on the epic match at Wimbledon – almost poetic in the way it’s written.)
http://www.tennis-x.com/story/2009-07-05/h.php (This is the post-Wimbledon interview and the source of today’s Real Zeal Quote.)
http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Roddick/Roddick_bio.html (A comprehensive biography of Andy.)
http://jeffpearlman.com/?p=2311 (An interesting take on Andy Roddick beginning his “third act”.) |
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Category : General
| Posted By : admin |
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| 09 Jul 2009 11:23:07 pm |
| RICHARD QUICK, Legendary Swim Coach |
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“Believe in belief.”
Richard Quick, legendary Hall of Fame swim coach, died from brain cancer on June 10, at the age of 66. These words reflect Richard’s mantra for coaching and for life.
Richard Quick (winner of 13 NCAA swim championships and coach of 6 Olympic teams) wrote in The Swim Coaching Bible that the most important requirement for living an extraordinary life is: “Belief in yourself and belief in the possibility of success. Believe in belief.”
Today’s quote is worthy of serious inquiry. A belief in belief acknowledges the power of believing. Implies that what we believe becomes our reality. Says that if we believe we can, we will. If we believe we can’t, we won’t.
Our beliefs can be the source of a life filled with pain and failure, AND our beliefs can create an extraordinary life. Bottom line, our beliefs give us a life that is a perfect match to what we believe. Now, THAT’S powerful!
Answer each of the following questions with a simple yes or no: Do I believe in myself? Do I believe I deserve to be happy? Do I believe I have what it takes to be successful? Do I believe I will achieve my dreams?
If we don’t like what we see, we know where to start ... with our BELIEFS!
FOR THE BIGGER STORY READ ON ...
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It’s amazing how inspired athletes find their way to me ... or I find my way to them. In the case of Richard Quick, I was introduced to him by a friend who sent me a link to his Caring Bridge site. (For those of you who aren’t familiar with Caring Bridge, it’s a nonprofit web service that connects family and friends during a critical illness, treatment or recovery.) I promptly signed up and have followed Richard’s life, via this Caring Bridge journal, from his diagnosis of brain cancer in December of 2008, to his death and memorial service in June of this year.
As a Caring Bridge subscriber, I was privileged to read the notes written to Richard and his family wishing them well and acknowledging the tremendous impact Richard has had on their lives. Very quickly, it became crystal clear that Richard’s life has been one of service, faith, love, integrity, and unprecedented success.
From David Marsh, one of Richard’s first recruits at Auburn University in 1978 who later became a coach at the university: “Richard made the world a better place every day. There wasn’t a day that went by where people around him weren’t better, lifted up and challenged.” [1]
From Brett Hawke, current Auburn coach, “Richard had an ability to make people believe in the impossible. If you heard it from someone else, you’d laugh at them. But if you heard it from Richard, you’d sit and listen and actually believe.” [1]
About achieving goals and dreams Richard asserted: we must first believe that any goal or future accomplishment is attainable before we can ever achieve it. It’s much more than something we simply write down, or hope we can reach, or that someone else wants us to do. It is something we must know we can accomplish. This belief, then, that we can accomplish our dream, allows us to fully commit to achieving it as if we cannot fail. And with that, we’ll do what it takes to achieve it. “Believe in belief.” [2]
Today’s Inquiry: Take a minute and look at the dreams and goals we’ve set for ourselves. Ask these questions: Do I believe that I can achieve them? In other words, do I believe they are attainable – by ME? If so, have I fully committed myself to achieving them and am I doing what it takes?
Our beliefs – about life, success, people, health, money, ourselves, fairness, right/wrong – have given us the life we have right now.
Never forget the power of belief!
To read more about the inspiring Richard Quick:
[1] http://www.amazon.com/Swim-Coaching-Bible-Dick-Hannula/dp/0736036466/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246559339&sr=1-1# (This is a link to Amazon and The Swim Coaching Bible. Chapter 1, “Believing in Belief” is written by Richard Quick.)
[2] http://www.oanow.com/oan/sports/college/article/szvetitz_column_quick_left_behind_legacy_of_love_leadership_to_all_who_knew/78578/ (This is the source of the two wonderful quotes from David Hawke and Brett Marsh. Plus, it’s a great tribute to Richard Quick)
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Swimming-loses-a-coaching-legend-Richard-Quick-?urn=oly,169560 (This is a wonderful interview with Richard in March of 2009 – 3 months before his death. In the video he makes a profound statement: “I’ve been blessed far too often, far too many times, to be questioning why something’s happening in God’s world.”)
http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/Page.aspx?pid=612 (A good summary of Richard’s career, his life, and 3 interviews with and about him.) |
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Category : General
| Posted By : admin |
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| 02 Jul 2009 05:53:27 pm |
| ARCHIE, PEYTON, AND ELI MANNING, Father-Son Quarterbacks |
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"Work as hard as you possibly can, but have fun along the way."
Peyton and Eli Manning, in a Father’s Day interview, were asked by Hannah Storm of ESPN, to share one of their father’s life lessons that has stuck with them. This is Peyton’s answer.
Since our celebration of Fathers Day a couple weeks ago, I’ve been exploring inspired father-son and father-daughter athletes. And I’m pretty clear I won’t find a more inspirational combination than the Manning family – father, Archie, and his two Super Bowl champion sons, Peyton and Eli.
The Mannings are devoted family men, they consistently and generously give back to their communities, and they remain humble in the face of extraordinary success.
As I ponder today’s Real Zeal wisdom, I see that the challenge lies in the combination of working hard AND having fun. Many of us believe these two perspectives are mutually exclusive – that we can’t work hard and have fun, so we choose one or the other.
If we stop and look at ourselves ... who of us are working hard, but not having much fun? On the other hand, who of us lean toward the fun side of life but resist hard work? And, who of us are experiencing that exhilarating combination of having fun while we work hard?
Which are you?
FOR THE BIGGER STORY READ ON ...
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As I said, this Real Zeal quote comes from a 2008 Father’s Day interview in which Hannah Storm of ESPN asked Eli and Peyton to share one of Archie’s life lessons that’s really stuck with them. To see the entire interview with Hannah, please click: http://www.giantsfootballblog.com/2008/06/15/archie-eli-and-peyton-manning-talk-to-espn/
I believe we can trace Peyton’s and Eli’s success to their supportive and loving family. To parents, Archie and Olivia, who wholeheartedly and unabashedly love each other and their sons. To an absence of pressure to follow in their father’s (or anyone else’s) footsteps, and instead encouragement and freedom to choose their own, unique life paths. To a longstanding commitment to assist those in need. To an invaluable life lesson – eldest brother, Cooper, was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and had his own football career cut short – be grateful for each and every moment.
In case you aren’t familiar with the Manning family, I’ll give you a brief overview.
Archie: one of the most successful quarterbacks at Ole Miss (Mississippi University). His jersey is one of only two ever retired in school history. To this day, the speed limit around the college campus is 18 mph to honor Archie’s #18! Had an 11 year career as an NFL quarterback, and while he was never on a winning football team, he produced record breaking statistics and was highly respected by teammates and opponents alike. Married his college sweetheart, Olivia in 1971. Cooper was born in ‘74, Peyton in ’76 and Eli in ’81.
Peyton: University of Tennessee superstar – all time leading passer, numerous college awards, 3.6 grade point average ... 1st all around draft pick to the Indianapolis Colts in 1998, led the Colts to a Super Bowl victory in 2007, statistically one of the best NFL quarterbacks of all time.
Eli: followed his father to Ole Miss, 3.44 GPA, degree in Marketing ... 1st all around draft pick to the San Diego Chargers in 2004. Current starting quarterback for the NY Giants ... led them to a stunning upset victory against the undefeated New England Patriots in 2008 Super Bowl.
Each member of the Manning family is heavily involved in numerous charity efforts.
• Peyton’s Peyback Foundation helps disadvantaged kids in Louisiana, Tennessee and Indiana. St. Vincent Hospital became Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in 2007.
• Eli has pledged five years of his time and a promise to raise $2.5 million to support the University of Mississippi’s “Blair Batson Hospital for Children.”
• Archie, Eli and Peyton – have recently committed their efforts to a literacy project with Scholastic Books – they will publish an original children’s picture book, Family Huddle, and donate up to a million books to disadvantaged children who don’t have access to quality books.
Finally, it’s important to know that Peyton and Eli actually live their father’s guidance: "Work as hard as you possibly can, but have fun along the way."
Both of these men work harder than almost anyone in their profession, yet they love every minute of what they are doing. They are clear they are not only fulfilling their passion, but living their dream.
To learn more about the Peyton family:
http://www.giantsfootballblog.com/2008/06/15/archie-eli-and-peyton-manning-talk-to-espn/ (The ESPN Father’s Day interview with Hannah Storm and the source of the Real Zeal quote.)
http://www.makemyfamilytree.com/articles/manning_football_family.html (A great picture of the three boys as youngsters, but a brief synopsis on each member of the Manning family.)
http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1115706/1/index.htm (This is a wonderful Sports Illustrated article on Peyton’s love of college football.)
http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1115346/1/index.htm (A really good article on Eli, coming into his own as a professional, after his magical season and amazing Super Bowl win. Good quotes, good family stuff.)
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Category : General
| Posted By : admin |
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