Courage

Sixty-one years. That's how long ago it was when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947. Not only was MLB changed forever, so was our country. Robinson went on to win the Rookie of the Year and was the MVP two seasons later. In a sense, he is one of the MVP's of out nation in the 20th century. Robinson showed the courage to fight against discrimination, racism, and the pressure that this role in history threw at him. Kudos also to Branch Rickey of the then-Brooklyn Dodgers to have the guts to sign him.

Do you show that same type of courage in much "smaller" matters? When a player needs to be benched or taken off the team due to discipline or academic reasons, do you have the courage to take the right action? When you have to face an ethical decision with the big game on the line, say playing an injured athlete, do you do the right thing? Do you have the courage to confront unreasonable parents to keep the drama around your team to a minimum?

Jackie Robinson not only is a civil rights hero, he is a great role model for coaches and athletes who want to be courageous.

Dan

Changes coming!

To all you coaches who read my blogs, my apologies for not being a consistent blogger. I am making some changes to my services for coaches and will soon be introducing a web site dedicated to just coaches. This will be out in the next 30 days. I promise you will be the first to hear about it. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Dan

Inspiring even 15 years later - Jimmy V

I recently ran across this video of Jim Valvano accepting the Arthur Ashe Award at the ESPY's in 1993. It was just a few short months before he passed away from cancer. I remember watching it then and it's still as moving and inspirational now 15 years later. I hope you feel the same way...

Dan

Sorry for not posting!

Boy...it's been a long time since I last posted. My apologies. I've been very busy with my business and Rotary Club functions. As chair of our Rotary auction committee, I feel like I'm once again a coach. I spend a great deal of time extolling, ranting, raving, begging, and motivating members to get their donations in. I realize now it's all part of being a team.

Whatever your goals in life, your education as a coach will help you in whatever you do. Business is all about teamwork, regardless of your situation. For instance, I have no employees, but the members of my team are my Rotary friends. Working together as a team wins on the court, the field, or in business.

How well does your team work together? It's your role to make sure they all communicate, respect each other, and work towards a common goal. I guess the same can be said for my Rotary club, too! Seems like I'm back on the sideline again. I hope I have a great halftime locker room speech!

Dan

P.S. If you'd like to contribute and support our Rotary club auction, visit our web site and bid early and often - http://poulsborotary.cmarket.com/. Thanks for your help.

The Last Lecture

I just received an e-mail from a good friend who sent this You Tube video out. You need to see it. I had heard the name Dr. Randy Pausch from my friend Doug Petch, but I didn't know why he mentioned him. I should have asked.

Want to get out of the blues? Want to be energized? Need a pick me up on life or just your day?

Watch this video by clicking here -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tIyt8oSLVs

We do have a choice in how we approach life...thanks for the reminder!

Dan

Happy Valentines Day

Last night, I spent a good portion of my evening working on my Rotary Auction project as I'm the chair of the committee. I came upstairs, bleery-eyed after a couple of hours of working...ready to hit the stack.

My wife Barb was sitting on the coach waiting for me and asked, "Dan, do you know what tomorrow is?"

My reply - "Thursday."

Her facetious response was fitting - "Boy, did I marry the most romantic guy!"

Whoops.

Happy Valentines Day to everyone, especially Barb!

Dan

P.S. Speaking of my auction, you can help support our cause regardless of where you live. We are doing an online auction starting March 4 and running through April 18. To donate an item or register to bid, go to http://poulsborotary.cmarket.com. Help us make a difference in the lives of millions.

The General Retires

Any of you who have been a basketball coach respect Bob Knight for his knowledge. You may not care for all his methods , but his genius is unquestionable. You probably have heard that Knight stepped down yesterday after 42 years as a head coach at Army, Indiana, and Texas Tech. The number of athletes and coaches he has influenced is enormous, assuredly including people he never met. In faxct, I can consider myself one of them.

Certainly, his tactics, antics, and methods were not models for me. His attention to detail, knowledge, and dedication to the game were. His passion for discipline was also important. Even though it may not always be acceptable, you will find his players at every stage intensely loyal to him.

The game will miss him for his personality, his passion, and his skill. College basketball...in fact basketball as a whole...is better off because of him. Happy retirement Coach.

Dan