A few weeks ago, I was interviewed by a Northern Illinois prep sports' writer who was doing an article about youth sports; the good and the bad...so he said. His question for me centered on what cautionary notes I would give to parents of young athletes.
Before I share with you my comments, let me tell you that my answers and expressed opinions are not the result of two college degrees, thirty-nine years teaching/coaching or all the experiences from that journey. My comments to the sports' writer came via a man with but a ninth grade education.
The year was 1954. I was seated at our family's supper table. I was complaining to my parents that I thought my high school baseball coach should have me pitching for the varsity team...not the sophomore team. My father put his fork down and looking directly into face began to speak, "Let me tell you something boy, I never bring my work problems to this dinner table nor does your mother. If you don't like some situation with your baseball or basketball play then I suggest you do something to 'change' the situation. Your mother will have a warm supper for you each night and I'll provide a roof over your head. We'll do those things because we love you no matter what you do in sports."
And now my comments to the scribe: "I would encourage parents to be supportive of their son or daughter's sports play but make sure that they (parents) are encouraging the youngster to take ownership in the commitment made because it is their commitment. Secondly, I would warn parents to be cognizant of the danger in allowing their child to permit sport play to define the kid's self-worth. The young athlete can be the 'star' or a seldom used reserve; the team can win a lot or lose a lot...none of these factors alter self-worth. Don't blame others for your circumstance and enjoy sports' play while you can because one day you must go to work and evidently you'll have problems."
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Not a Complaint but an Observation
Getting older is not fun. Okay, let me pause and make this comment: I am thankful for the seventy-six years I have experienced and certainly, I have been richly blessed with health, family and friends. That does not change the fact that getting older is not fun. Understand that...
most of my family members; grandparents, parents, aunts/uncles and several cousins have died. I find myself on occasion reaching for my telephone thinking (momentarily) that I will call someone only to stop in my tracks as I realize that someone is gone. I attend class reunions to reminisce with fewer friends, those reunions once filled with gaiety are now bitter-sweet.
I look at yard tasks and once matter-of-fact chores that required perhaps a two hour commitment, which now takes five hours due to needed rest-breaks. Some chores and tasks of yesterday are hired out to neighborhood lads. I cannot do those jobs any longer.
My dedication through the years to 'stay fit' with exercise, running and power walking to avoid family tendencies of heart problems may have been beneficial in the short term but now I must pay a different 'Piper,' called 'Arthur,' as in Osteoarthritis. My hips and knees 'bark' at me day and night. My hearing is dependent upon 'AIDS.'
I continue to do sport education consultant work because it makes me 'think' about something other than body aches and what's for dinner. About 120 people take the time to read my daily blog, therefore I pretend that there are folks out there depending on me to state the reasonable and unreasonable.
I must stop now and 'post' these thoughts. Toy Poodle, Yodie is standing in front of my chair, growling and 'raking' his hind leg. He wants me to take him outside and sit on a backyard swing that gets full morning sun...it feels good to his bones...mine TOO!
most of my family members; grandparents, parents, aunts/uncles and several cousins have died. I find myself on occasion reaching for my telephone thinking (momentarily) that I will call someone only to stop in my tracks as I realize that someone is gone. I attend class reunions to reminisce with fewer friends, those reunions once filled with gaiety are now bitter-sweet.
I look at yard tasks and once matter-of-fact chores that required perhaps a two hour commitment, which now takes five hours due to needed rest-breaks. Some chores and tasks of yesterday are hired out to neighborhood lads. I cannot do those jobs any longer.
My dedication through the years to 'stay fit' with exercise, running and power walking to avoid family tendencies of heart problems may have been beneficial in the short term but now I must pay a different 'Piper,' called 'Arthur,' as in Osteoarthritis. My hips and knees 'bark' at me day and night. My hearing is dependent upon 'AIDS.'
I continue to do sport education consultant work because it makes me 'think' about something other than body aches and what's for dinner. About 120 people take the time to read my daily blog, therefore I pretend that there are folks out there depending on me to state the reasonable and unreasonable.
I must stop now and 'post' these thoughts. Toy Poodle, Yodie is standing in front of my chair, growling and 'raking' his hind leg. He wants me to take him outside and sit on a backyard swing that gets full morning sun...it feels good to his bones...mine TOO!
Monday, September 28, 2015
We Must Hope
Emblematic of Pope Francis' visit to the United States is the (in the moment) rebirth of simple kindness in spirit. The Pope' humbleness shakes one's own self-centered reflections when he often asked others to pray for him and even should one be unfamiliar with prayer, he then requested their good wishes.
This spiritual man with great ease walks as Jesus Christ with simple statements of subtle admonishments as he reminds the powerful lawmaking body (Congress) to 'Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.' Lessons of our youth resonating in our adult years.
Many non-Catholics, as this writer, felt this Pope's all encompassing messages of hope and love. The contagious energy emitted by this 78-year old man is a rejuvenating blessing.
He has now departed our nation. Many have stated that they experienced a sense of love, cooperation and hope in his wake. However, most Americans will unfortunately respond as a group of misbehaving grade school children when a teacher appears in the classroom, for the moment the children come to attention and focused upon the correct behavior and right mission...but how many will truly grow from the lessons?
I notice many American people are quick to fight for their religious beliefs but slow to live by those religious principles.
This spiritual man with great ease walks as Jesus Christ with simple statements of subtle admonishments as he reminds the powerful lawmaking body (Congress) to 'Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.' Lessons of our youth resonating in our adult years.
Many non-Catholics, as this writer, felt this Pope's all encompassing messages of hope and love. The contagious energy emitted by this 78-year old man is a rejuvenating blessing.
He has now departed our nation. Many have stated that they experienced a sense of love, cooperation and hope in his wake. However, most Americans will unfortunately respond as a group of misbehaving grade school children when a teacher appears in the classroom, for the moment the children come to attention and focused upon the correct behavior and right mission...but how many will truly grow from the lessons?
I notice many American people are quick to fight for their religious beliefs but slow to live by those religious principles.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Spread Offense, My Butt !
My sport-playing and coaching philosophy was simple: When its your turn; give it your all then walk away satisfied. I did that as a player and I did that as a coach. I have avoided second-guessing other coaches, (not withstanding managers of my beloved Cardinals). I have stayed completely away from my coaching successors. This said, I have attempted to keep thoughts to myself thus avoiding the mantle of the 'old coach being critical of the current game.'
With the aforementioned in mind, I make no apologies for these observations: Recently, a sport news article suggested that a newly embraced high school football offense, 'the spread' is creating a nightmare for defensive coaches.' I simply don't accept that premise. It appears to me that most sports' offenses benefit from the following: Rules changes, I.e., football protection of quarterback, must keep hands off receivers and dumbing-down tackle techniques for concussion fears. The we have baseball: baseball lowers the pitcher's mound giving distinct advantage to hitter. The basketball rules manipulators give us the 3-point shot while ignoring 'traveling' for the purpose of giving advantage to the scorer.
Aside from rules changes there is a subliminal message, which has promoted 'softness of play.' Anytime feelings of entitlement gain a foothold, you will notice a loss of intense effort; we are there as a society. Entitlement is common place with youth 'equal play' mentality and parent coddling.
In 1964, my Mason City players would fight one another to pick up a charging foul to impress the coach. My last year coaching (2001) my Decatur players avoided that defensive technique at all expense hoping to block the opponent's shot. I attend high school football games and note more arm-tackling than ever.
As a kid growing up in East St. Louis (1950's), I recall a plethora of sandlot games of (tackle) football, baseball and basketball. Today, I see those blacktop hoop games in inner city neighborhoods but nowhere else. I notice occasional sandlot soccer games but never the tackle football or baseball games.
I am afraid that we have become a society that wishes to over-indulge and take a diet-pill to address our obesity. Likewise, we'd wish to have a coach 'make' us a skilled athletic performer. Years ago, my wife and I purchased a rather expensive piano for our two young girls. We paid for lessons. Our adult girls don't play. They don't play because they did not practice. I'm going to stop here and telephone Kanoski. If that piano teacher is still alive, we might be able to sue her.
With the aforementioned in mind, I make no apologies for these observations: Recently, a sport news article suggested that a newly embraced high school football offense, 'the spread' is creating a nightmare for defensive coaches.' I simply don't accept that premise. It appears to me that most sports' offenses benefit from the following: Rules changes, I.e., football protection of quarterback, must keep hands off receivers and dumbing-down tackle techniques for concussion fears. The we have baseball: baseball lowers the pitcher's mound giving distinct advantage to hitter. The basketball rules manipulators give us the 3-point shot while ignoring 'traveling' for the purpose of giving advantage to the scorer.
Aside from rules changes there is a subliminal message, which has promoted 'softness of play.' Anytime feelings of entitlement gain a foothold, you will notice a loss of intense effort; we are there as a society. Entitlement is common place with youth 'equal play' mentality and parent coddling.
In 1964, my Mason City players would fight one another to pick up a charging foul to impress the coach. My last year coaching (2001) my Decatur players avoided that defensive technique at all expense hoping to block the opponent's shot. I attend high school football games and note more arm-tackling than ever.
As a kid growing up in East St. Louis (1950's), I recall a plethora of sandlot games of (tackle) football, baseball and basketball. Today, I see those blacktop hoop games in inner city neighborhoods but nowhere else. I notice occasional sandlot soccer games but never the tackle football or baseball games.
I am afraid that we have become a society that wishes to over-indulge and take a diet-pill to address our obesity. Likewise, we'd wish to have a coach 'make' us a skilled athletic performer. Years ago, my wife and I purchased a rather expensive piano for our two young girls. We paid for lessons. Our adult girls don't play. They don't play because they did not practice. I'm going to stop here and telephone Kanoski. If that piano teacher is still alive, we might be able to sue her.
Friday, September 25, 2015
A Microcosm of Race Relations; Mine.
Much is said about 'race in America' and much remains stagnat regarding race in America. Let me immediately extend the following disclaimer; I am not an expert on the subject of America's race-relations, however I do qualify to speak on personal race-observations and experiences in East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Jacksonville and Decatur. One community I call my hometown and I coached high school basketball in the other communities all of which were racially mixed.
I have had the anonymous telephone calls and letters accusing me of being a 'N' lover, other callers and communications saying that I was a prejudice-bigoted-ass. I had a malcontent Edwardsville parent constantly stirring racial issues. I had a Jacksonville adult black man ask me, "Do rich white parents offer coaches money to play their kids?" I had black basketball players tell me that all they ever heard in the streets (growing up) was that 'the white coach ain't going to give you a chance.'
The aforementioned tidbits were my coaching realities. Nevertheless, I managed to build trust in every coaching charge in spite of vindictive viciousness, ignorance and sad insecurities.
I regret but one thing. You grow old and lose energy to continue the fight. I enjoyed the journey and will leave the train thankful for the opportunities and all the assistant coaches, players and administrators who were committed to my efforts.
I have had the anonymous telephone calls and letters accusing me of being a 'N' lover, other callers and communications saying that I was a prejudice-bigoted-ass. I had a malcontent Edwardsville parent constantly stirring racial issues. I had a Jacksonville adult black man ask me, "Do rich white parents offer coaches money to play their kids?" I had black basketball players tell me that all they ever heard in the streets (growing up) was that 'the white coach ain't going to give you a chance.'
The aforementioned tidbits were my coaching realities. Nevertheless, I managed to build trust in every coaching charge in spite of vindictive viciousness, ignorance and sad insecurities.
I regret but one thing. You grow old and lose energy to continue the fight. I enjoyed the journey and will leave the train thankful for the opportunities and all the assistant coaches, players and administrators who were committed to my efforts.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
BOO ! Yourself.
We Americans use scare-tactics in simple communications. Someone sends me an email or Facebook note with a post script suggesting I should agree with the message and pass it on if I love Jesus and/or my country. Therefore, failure to follow these do or else instructions places me one step closer to hell. We are stupid with gullibility! Trump lead the 'birther' charge against Obama. Trump also tells everyone that the 'American Dream' is dead. Untrue statements...designed to 'scare.' Carson attacks Muslims reminiscent of Hitler's strategy as he offered Jews in the 'scare-game.'
As I watch the current political debates, I am constantly told that America is on fire or 'going down the toilet.' Every Republican candidate has the same storyline: This Obama guy in these past six-plus years has damn near destroyed our nation. Without question, we are worse off than we were six years ago. This poppycock is simply untrue.
Let's take a comparative look at the question: "Are we better off today than we were seven years ago?"
1. Lowest deficit since 2008
2. Unemployment below 6% from above 10% in 2008... Don't give me that garbage about people no longer looking for work...that bassackwards logic reminds me of the bigot that keeps changing his beliefs to support his prejudice attitude.
3. America is producing more energy and cleaner energy.
4. Nightly American television news is not reporting soldiers' deaths from Iraq or Afghanistan.
5. America has affordable health care, which five previous American Presidents could not accomplish.
6. Peace...this President has not invaded a sovereign nation during his administration.
And besides that...the following has all improved under Obama over the past seven years: GDP growth, Dow Jones, Teen Pregnancy and Chicago Cubs baseball.
Message to all politicians: Tell me what you plan to do if elected...don't try to scare me with your distorted view of history. Stop shouting 'fire.' It's a lie.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Burning Tears from a Longing Heart
I awoke from a dream one night last week with my eyes burning and tears on my cheeks. I was startled and confused as I attempted to gain my bearings and sift through groggy thoughts trying to make sense of the moment.
It was a dream about my youth and the parts were beginning to fall into order. The time was the mid-1940's. My Dad was serving in our military. Me, my younger brother and Mom were living in the little 'brown' house on the 1610 Kingshighway property owned by my maternal grandparents E.V. & Mary Bennett. There were three homes on that property plus an attached grocery store on the front of one home. E.V. had been a carpenter in his younger days and ended up with his own little revenue driving homestead.
The dream came clearly into light. Mother had just gotten the delivered mail and became so excited. There was a hard-cover small brown envelop. I knew immediately the contents. Inside would be a small record with the voice of my father. Mom's hands were trembling as she carefully opened the envelop and removed the record. She place the record on the player and the scratchy sounds began:
'The Pepsi Cola Company is proud to bring the voice of your service man in the armed forces.' And then I heard my Dad's voice, "Hi, Lou...that's the moment I awakened with those burning tears.
Back then, I prayed that my Daddy would not be killed; that he'd come home. Those prayers were answered. Today, I pray a thankful prayer for those wonderful years shared. I also pray for the safety of those who serve in the Armed Forces today.
I do note that tears of a grown man burn the same as those of a child.
If you're ever near Decatur, stop by for a backyard swing visit...we'll have a Pepsi.
It was a dream about my youth and the parts were beginning to fall into order. The time was the mid-1940's. My Dad was serving in our military. Me, my younger brother and Mom were living in the little 'brown' house on the 1610 Kingshighway property owned by my maternal grandparents E.V. & Mary Bennett. There were three homes on that property plus an attached grocery store on the front of one home. E.V. had been a carpenter in his younger days and ended up with his own little revenue driving homestead.
The dream came clearly into light. Mother had just gotten the delivered mail and became so excited. There was a hard-cover small brown envelop. I knew immediately the contents. Inside would be a small record with the voice of my father. Mom's hands were trembling as she carefully opened the envelop and removed the record. She place the record on the player and the scratchy sounds began:
'The Pepsi Cola Company is proud to bring the voice of your service man in the armed forces.' And then I heard my Dad's voice, "Hi, Lou...that's the moment I awakened with those burning tears.
Back then, I prayed that my Daddy would not be killed; that he'd come home. Those prayers were answered. Today, I pray a thankful prayer for those wonderful years shared. I also pray for the safety of those who serve in the Armed Forces today.
I do note that tears of a grown man burn the same as those of a child.
If you're ever near Decatur, stop by for a backyard swing visit...we'll have a Pepsi.
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