tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39573678281254619422024-03-14T04:32:12.741-05:00The Athlete's Sports Experience: Making a DifferenceThis blog was designed to aid in the promotion of attitudes that support a more intrinsic purpose behind sports participation, especially in youth, high school and collegiate sports. And to spark interest in my forthcoming book "Becoming a True Champion: Achieving Athletic Excellence From the Inside Out," which has the same general purpose, along with giving athletes the tools they need to become successful.Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-49518640120693327472013-07-09T06:39:00.001-05:002013-07-09T06:39:29.550-05:00A "BETTER" Path Toward Athletic Excellence and Success<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DDGKD18dNlo" width="480"></iframe><br />
Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-11824290284072001652010-09-03T17:07:00.000-05:002010-09-03T17:07:36.467-05:00"The Athlete's Sports Experience" Has Moved Locations!!!<em><strong><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/">The Athlete's Sports Experience: Making a Difference</a> </strong></em>has moved to the Tribunes ChicagoNow blog network!!! Same great posts, same great content. I've uploaded all the related content/posts from this site for your convenience.<br />
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Stay with me as we talk about how to truly succeed, on the inside and out, without sacrificing your character in the process.<br />
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You can either click on the blog title in this post or click the link below:<br />
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<a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/">http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/</a><br />
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Hope to see you there, and don't be shy - leave comments!!!Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-60726372936989228882010-06-25T10:04:00.000-05:002010-06-25T10:04:34.847-05:00Not World Cup But Tempers Flare At 9 Yr. Old Youth Soccer Game: DON'T MISS THIS STORY & RADIO SHOW<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/TCTFIBRukhI/AAAAAAAAAYE/xi6vMgNLiAo/s1600/Girls+playing+soccer+III.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/TCTFIBRukhI/AAAAAAAAAYE/xi6vMgNLiAo/s200/Girls+playing+soccer+III.jpg" width="200" /></a>Yes, skirmishes between adults do occur at prestigious events like the World Cup, however, ever hear of a fist fight breaking out at a youth sporting event?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Well, that is exactly what happened this past weekend at a girls youth soccer game.<br />
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When parental emotions run high during competitive events involving their own kids, volatile situations can result - especially when a situation occurs where one parent sees unfair play that they feel puts their own child at risk.<br />
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Now I don't want to add too much of my own flavor to this since it is such a hot topic right now in the Westchester, NY area where <em>AM 1230 WFAS Radio </em>will be covering the topic on this <strong>Sunday's</strong> morning radio show, <em><strong>"Let Them Play"</strong></em> at <strong>8:00 a.m. Central Time</strong>.<br />
<blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;">If you want to know more about what happened, I encourage you to read the story and responses at the blog here: <em><strong><a href="http://ttony5.wordpress.com/2010/06/20/there-was-almost-a-fist-fight-at-a-soccer-game-of-9-yr-olds-and-guess-who-was-involved-thats-right-me/">Let Them Play</a></strong></em><br />
And you certainly don't want to miss the show. Here is the link as it is being streamed this <strong>Sunday</strong> the<strong> 27th </strong>(8:00 a.m. Central Time): <strong><em><a href="http://player.cumulusstreaming.com/SLPLayer.aspx?WFAS-AM">Listen In to 1230 WFAS</a></em></strong><br />
If that doesn't work, try the radio station link here: <a href="http://www.wfasam.com/"><strong><em>AM 1230 WFAS Radio</em></strong> </a>and click the Listen Live link near the top, left.</blockquote>If you are a coach or a parent of young athletes, or just plain interested in what is going on in our youth sports culture,<strong> DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!!!</strong>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-8187266777620369782010-06-16T14:00:00.000-05:002010-06-16T14:00:46.158-05:00WARNING: All Baseball Cheaters Using HGH - Your Time Has Come!!!<form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="130318" style="display: inline;"><div class="pkg embedded-image left" style="width: 200px;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/assets_c/2010/04/Wrigley%20Field%20at%20night-thumb-200x150-130318.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Wrigley Field at night.jpg"><img alt="Wrigley Field at night.jpg" class="mt-image-left" height="150" src="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/assets_c/2010/04/Wrigley%20Field%20at%20night-thumb-200x150-130318.jpg" width="200" /></a>The article on Reuters, <em><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63N0PT20100424">Improved doping test for growth hormone on its way</a></em>, details a new test that reveals HGH up to two weeks after its use. Prior to this, a test would have to be given within 24 hours of an athlete's use to yield a positive response.</div><br />
</form>Great news coming from the U.S. edition of Reuters.com (the latest news from around the world) for all honest, ethical, hard working, intrinsically-driven major league ball players - an improved new test for human growth hormone (HGH) is just around the corner.<br />
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This obstacle could easily have been a roadblock to adoption by the MLB players union due to the higher possibility of false positives with such a short window (along with their issue that the more accurate HGH tests require blood testing; see<em> </em><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/2010/03/mlb-union-opposed-to-blood-test-for-hgh-go-figure.html"><em>MLB Union Opposed To Blood Test for HGH: Go Figure!!!</em></a>). The new test eliminates that stumbling block.<br />
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Dr. Richard Holt (University of Southampton, U.K.) states, "We strongly suspect that a number of elite athletes are abusing growth hormone as a means of improving their performance," which confirms the need for an accurate test like this.<br />
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Continuing to validate how substantial the new test is, it even proved accurate with 12 - 20 year old athletes, whose naturally high levels of this hormone might be problematic. However, this was not the case, as none of this age group tested were tagged as users of HGH.<br />
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Regarding their ultimate goal, Dr. Holt said "our hope is that if you have an effective test, that will dissuade athletes from taking growth hormone."<br />
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Now if we could only find a way to get athletes to stop looking outside themselves, and their own physical efforts, to reach their potential, then we might truly have something.<br />
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And wouldn't that be nice!!!Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-11053452835322656862010-06-05T08:35:00.002-05:002010-06-05T08:37:15.664-05:00Sports Loses One Of Its All-Time Greats: There Will Never Be Another John Wooden!!!<div style="float: left; margin-right: 5px;"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=John Wooden&iid=9029510" target="_blank"><img alt="NCAA Basketball: DePaul vs. UCLA" border="0" height="305" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/3/d/8/6/NCAA_Basketball_DePaul_4f22.JPG?adImageId=13106837&imageId=9029510" width="234" /></a></div><script src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>I could, as so many are, easily feature the extraordinary and unparalleled accomplishments of Coach John Wooden. <br />
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Possibly elaborate on how few coaches today, perhaps few men, could ever come close to establishing and encouraging the sound philosophical principles for which Coach Wooden was known.<br />
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Maybe even detail his life story based on the numerous accounts of a <strong><em><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/2010/02/if-you-live-to-be-100.html">life that was truly worth living</a></em></strong> as he gave back to <strong>all</strong> ten times more than he gained.<br />
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However, I think it best to let the Coach speak for himself as his own inspirational words tell a story of a man unsurpassed in thought, unequaled in wisdom.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/2010/03/a-tribute-to-john-wooden-a-role-model-for-us-all.html">A Tribute to John Wooden: A Role Model For Us All</a></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Videos in the Linked Post Above)<br />
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As <strong>Steve Jamison</strong> (co-author of <em>My Personal Best</em>) puts it:<br />
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<em>"...simply, he's an American icon who has been hailed as 'The Greatest Coach of the 20th Century' and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House."</em><br />
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And <strong>Rick Reilly</strong> (<em>Sports Illustrated</em>) was quoted as saying:<br />
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<em>"There has never been a finer coach in American sports than John Wooden. Nor a finer man."</em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Nothing more to be said, other than</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thanks John Wooden!!!</strong></div>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-30607693545506923422010-06-01T20:17:00.006-05:002010-06-01T20:32:21.687-05:00Inspiration Knows No Gender Bounds: My Top 6 Inspirational Stories of Female Athletes<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/TAWt4mWX9nI/AAAAAAAAAW0/d9krYE5dhEM/s1600/Women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/TAWt4mWX9nI/AAAAAAAAAW0/d9krYE5dhEM/s200/Women.jpg" width="118" /></a>It was after one of my inspirational speaking presentations (to a high school girl's volleyball program) where I solicited feedback from the coaches attending about what they felt I might change or add to the presentation. All were very complimentary of the message given and thought it exceptionally motivating for their athletes.</div><br />
However, I persisted, digging a little deeper by asking if there was anything at all, no matter how slight, that would bring even more meaning to the inspiration I provided. <br />
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After a moment or two one coach spoke up, asking if I had any stories of female athletes who had inspired. She even brought up my own 5'4" daughter playing volleyball for a top Division I volleyball program (and the adversity she faced in doing so) as an example of someone who their girls would certainly relate to, being that they are, well, all volleyball athletes.<br />
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Hmm, that had never really occurred to me. I simply had not given any thought to considering the gender of my audience since my central focus lies with the message conveyed through a story and not necessarily who the story comes from. To me, things like race, religion, and/or gender have no bearing on what one is capable of accomplishing, even though they may actually be part and parcel of the adversity one faces.<br />
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Of course, as this coach so eloquently pointed out, none of this changes the fact that my message might actually have more influence and relevance if I made this an important consideration.<br />
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So, with that in mind, I would like to present to you my top 6 female athletes' most motivating stories. And let me add that they are every bit as inspiring as any sports story you can find; male or female.<br />
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Rounding out my list at #6 is Brandi Chastain and the 1999 U.S. Women's Soccer Team as they win the cherished World Cup Championship by defeating China in the finals. The result ended with penalty kicks (China and the U.S. were tied at the end of regulation) as Brandi Chastain's PK was one heard around the World. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/ZxHzLF2qqnE&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/ZxHzLF2qqnE&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next on the list at #5 is the famous Battle of the Sexes tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, a story that epitomized equitability between the sexes. Billy Jean says it best:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/NTxh8GwQbQE&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/NTxh8GwQbQE&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/TAWvW9lfN8I/AAAAAAAAAXE/eIoUK4GyM-0/s1600/Dara+Torres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/TAWvW9lfN8I/AAAAAAAAAXE/eIoUK4GyM-0/s200/Dara+Torres.jpg" width="200" /></a>Swimming in at #4 is Dara Torres. At age 41 in the following video, she is the oldest swimmer to ever compete in the Olympics. With 12 Olympic medals (3 Silver in Beijing) spanning 5 Olympics, here is Dara Torres: </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
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Will we ever forget #3, Kerri Strug, as she defied the odds by competing on a badly sprained ankle bringing the Gold medal to the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. As a former gymnast, I can tell you that performing that vault on that ankle was not an easy thing to do - not by a long shot, and, basically, landing it on only one foot, WOW:<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/TAWwIXsex9I/AAAAAAAAAXM/XrLl88jOnp4/s1600/Bethany+Hamilton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="136" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/TAWwIXsex9I/AAAAAAAAAXM/XrLl88jOnp4/s200/Bethany+Hamilton.jpg" width="200" /></a>We are getting close now, can you feel the tension building? So who is it that took the #2 spot in my heart, who truly pushes the inspirational envelope, and who may someday equal that coveted #1 spot? It is none other than the Hawaiian-born soul-surfer, Bethany Hamilton, who, at age 13, lost her arm to a tiger shark while surfing...yet is still surfing - PROFESSIONALLY! Ok, maybe you did not get that the first time so let me repeat it a little more forcefully - soul-surfer, Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm to a tiger shark while surfing... yet is still surfing today, only now as a PROFESSIONAL:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><object height="340" width="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/V8vB1dW09AE&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/V8vB1dW09AE&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="450" height="340"></embed></object><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/TAWwkJNOLnI/AAAAAAAAAXU/ed2mVRmQKPE/s1600/Wilma+Rudolph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/TAWwkJNOLnI/AAAAAAAAAXU/ed2mVRmQKPE/s200/Wilma+Rudolph.jpg" width="127" /></a>And my #1 pick for the most inspirational female athlete's story of all time (at least in my book), who might that be? Well, let me put it to you this way, say you were an African American girl born in the 40's (a time when racial inequalities and inequities were widespread) and at age 4 you contracted polio, a crippling disease that drained much of your physical strength, a disease that your doctors told you would leave you unable to walk correctly without braces, if at all, for the rest of your life. What would you do? I don't know about me, but I can sure tell you what Wilma Rudolph did. She taught herself to run - and boy did she run. Ran herself all the way to the Summer Olympics in 1956 and 1960 where she brought home a Bronze Medal (1956, 4x4 relay) and 3 Gold Medals (1960, 100m, 200m, and 400m relay). How is that for inspiration? Sure clarifies the idea behind "overcoming all odds" doesn't it: </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Ok, anyone want to try and top these women's stories? Go right ahead!!! Equal in inspiration, yes - possibly, but better, good luck!!!Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-47353012343790798342010-05-16T18:08:00.000-05:002010-05-16T18:08:30.735-05:00Chicago Area Suburbs Not Alone: Milford School Committee Changes Athletic Code<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S_B61s68WgI/AAAAAAAAAWs/oaMFs-4MxDw/s1600/heineken+beer+bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S_B61s68WgI/AAAAAAAAAWs/oaMFs-4MxDw/s200/heineken+beer+bottles.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a>Supporting the information discussed in my article <em><a href="http://becomingatruechampion.blogspot.com/2010/04/current-high-school-athletic-codes-are.html">Current High School Athletic Codes: Are You Aware They Have Changed?</a></em>, Milford High School (Massachusetts) has adjusted their athletic code policy to include consequences for athletes who attend social gatherings where alcohol is present, whether they are consuming or not.</div><br />
Chairman Paul Mazzuchelli stated, <em>"We feel those individuals who sign up for sports hold themselves at a higher level...Just being in the presence of illicit drugs or alcohol would be considered a violation of this policy."</em><br />
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In a unanimous decision last Thursday night, the school committee of Milford voted for stricter standards of student athletes, stating that the MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) rules allow for this change, which now reads as follows: <br />
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<em>"...it is Milford High School Athletic Department policy that the presence of an athlete at an event and/or location where alcohol, marijuana, or any other illegally controlled substances are being illegally consumed or any other controlled substances are present or are being illegally consumed by minors shall be considered to be a violation."</em><br />
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This is a significant change over the previous policy that held student athletes accountable for consumption, possession, use, sale, or giving away of any controlled substance (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, etc.), something that will surely test the character and integrity of athletes at Milford, in addition to the parents of these athletes.<br />
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Just reading many of the comments located at the bottom of this front page article from the Chicago Tribune, <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-met-social-hosting-laws-0416-20100416,0,5346248.story"><em>Adults put on notice about teen drinking</em></a>, help to demonstrate the division in thought processes of parents on a topic such as this.<br />
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Even though the article above pertains to <strong>all</strong> teens and not just athletes, it is this type of divisiveness, especially from those supporting illegal underage drinking, that exponentially multiplies the effect of normal peer pressure that teens, and teen athletes, feel. It is not only that teenagers want to behave as adults, certainly not something new, but that there are a significant number of parents whose own behavior demonstrates a parenting style that supports, even encourages, such activities.<br />
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It is hard to argue that these parental shifts, along with the well-publicized media attention given to top athletes and their poor behavior, is partially to blame for the increased emphasis by many in our educational system, especially the athletic side, to warrant these swings in the athletic code. Whether directly or indirectly, consciously or subconsciously, they (parental shifts poor behavior from top athletes) do have some kind of impact on the thought processes of our youth today when it comes to underage drinking. Many young people just don't see it as an issue or problem.<br />
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As spring approaches, when prom and other end-of-school-year activities get into full swing, it is likely that there will be more attention brought to this issue. The sad thing is how many lives will change because of the inability of adolescents, and some of their parents, to see a <em>bigger picture</em>.Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-4185077486487664762010-05-07T21:33:00.000-05:002010-05-07T21:33:52.868-05:00Parents Suing Over Athletic Code Violation: Nothing Beats a Real Life Example!!!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S-TNR4WRDRI/AAAAAAAAAWk/XXPNIcLn9gA/s1600/US+Supreme+Court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S-TNR4WRDRI/AAAAAAAAAWk/XXPNIcLn9gA/s200/US+Supreme+Court.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a>I set my Google account to alert me to breaking stories and news dealing with sports and youth sports issues. On opening up my email this morning I received an alert on my tag "athletic code." As I perused the titles and short briefs available I key in on one specific title, <em><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2010/04/09/maine_family_sues_in_over_school_honor_code/">Maine Family Sues Over High School Honor Code</a></em> from <em>The Boston Globe</em> at <em>Boston.com</em>.</div><br />
It should be no surprise to anyone who has read my last two posts (<em><a href="http://becomingatruechampion.blogspot.com/2010/04/current-high-school-athletic-codes-are.html">Current High School Athletic Codes: Are You Aware They Have Changed?</a></em> and <em><a href="http://becomingatruechampion.blogspot.com/2010/04/teens-athletes-parents-and-drinking.html">Teens, Athletes, Parents, and Drinking: What's a Parent To Do?</a></em>) that this would be of immediate interest to me. I promptly click on the title and head to the article knowing full well what I am about to discover, and this article did not disappoint.<br />
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The story of these parents, and I use that term loosely here, bringing suit against the school district over their Yarmouth High School student violating the school's "honor code" (athletic code) and being suspended for three weeks from her lacrosse team for a photo allegedly holding up a beer is <strong>all</strong> too typical. <br />
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The suit, filed through the family's lawyer Michael Waxman, claims that their daughter's constitutional rights of due process were violated by the assistant principal of the school and a third school official. <br />
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Michael Waxman goes on to say, and I quote from the article, "I don't feel comfortable with the school intruding into my home life or my kids' home life. If they do something on school grounds or at school-sanctioned event, they can discipline my kids. There's no doubt about it. But I'll handle my kids on weekends. I'll handle them at home." <br />
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Wow, Michael, there's certainly a stroke of brilliance in that thought process. I suppose then, if a teacher gave some assignment over the weekend that your son or daughter failed to complete and turn in on the due date, and received zero credit for because of this, you would claim that the school has no right to do this because your son or daughter was not at school, right??? <br />
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The analogy above is a slight stretch, however, giving zero credit is the school's or teacher's consequence for not fulfilling the expectation for that assignment, and the suspension for a student athlete not abiding by the "honor code," (something every athlete knows full well going in) is the consequence for not fulfilling the expectation of that "honor code." <br />
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To not see this is to be blind to sound, ethical-based principles that are set up for the safety and benefit of all involved (let alone in support of the character development that these principles encourage) or circumvent appropriate consequences for self-serving and enabling purposes.<br />
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To me, this is very simple, and is exactly how I posed it to my two daughters as they entered high school as athletes: "These are the rules for participating as an athlete in high school, they are important and part of building your character, your and my signatures commits us both to abiding by these rules, you to follow them and me to hold you accountable for doing so. Your and my signatures is our word that we will abide by these rules, and your <em><strong>word</strong></em> is one of the most important things you can give to anyone, more important than our actual signature on this piece of paper. If you do not want to abide by these rules, then don't be an athlete, it is as simple as that."<br />
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The article goes on to identify another pending case in New Jersey for drug and alcohol policy violations off campus. That case surrounded a 15-year-old female student athlete who was eventually kicked off the team.<br />
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Keep in mind that these two cases are only a small representation of the actual numbers of athletes participating in these activities. They are the ones who were caught and the ones whose parents took it upon themselves to take their cases to court.<br />
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Now, I am not saying that all parents today are like this because they are not; however, in my 30 years of education (many of those coaching), I do see the type of attitudes supported by the actions taken by these parents becoming more common. And whether we like it or not, it does make life much more difficult for parents attempting to actually be "parents."<br />
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Like I said in my most recent piece, <em><a href="http://becomingatruechampion.blogspot.com/2010/04/teens-athletes-parents-and-drinking.html">Teens, Athletes, Parents, and Drinking: What's a Parent To Do?</a></em>, as difficult as it might be, when placed in a position where one must choose between being their son's or daughter's friend versus being their parent, there is only one choice to make, and that choice should be obvious.<br />
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Hey, Yarmouth High School student parents, <strong>get a clue</strong>, accept the 3-week athletic suspension for your daughter, teaching her a valuable life lesson - that rules do apply to her and that abiding by them, no matter how hard it might be, will build her character and strengthen her as a person on the inside.<br />
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Boy, that would be a novel idea!!!Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-45786293270012731662010-04-28T20:26:00.002-05:002010-04-28T20:32:18.603-05:00Teens, Athletes, Parents, and Drinking: What's a Parent To Do?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S9jfzIkODDI/AAAAAAAAAWU/FujXBLpqr0o/s1600/Corona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S9jfzIkODDI/AAAAAAAAAWU/FujXBLpqr0o/s200/Corona.jpg" tt="true" width="143" /></a>In keeping in line with my last piece, <em><a href="http://becomingatruechampion.blogspot.com/2010/04/current-high-school-athletic-codes-are.html">Current High School Athletic Codes: Are You Aware They Have Changed?</a></em>, I would like you to try something for me. Using your internet browser, pull up Google and type in High School Athletes Suspended for Drinking. Now click search and peruse what comes up. </div><br />
Take a good look at the number of articles indicating suspensions for underage consumption of alcohol by athletes. Not much from 2010, certainly not yet anyway, but a good number from 2009 and earlier. <br />
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Sure seems like a fairly large number of suspensions right? That's even when we consider some of these pieces are a little dated. Furthermore, it is imperative to keep in mind that this search represents only a small fraction of the actual athletes who consistently break their athletic code through this type of illegal behavior. These were only the athletes who got <strong><em>caught</em></strong>, a very important point indicative of much larger participating numbers.<br />
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I can tell you with complete confidence that the number of athletes, and students, breaking their athletic codes by drinking is quite a bit larger. Parties where alcohol and other drugs are consumed by underage participants are a common occurrence, almost every weekend and in every community.<br />
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As I indicated in my most recent post regarding the athletic code, not a lot has changed with student athlete behavior and alcohol over the last several decades. Student athletes "partied" when I was in high school, they did it when I was coaching (even though I took a very strong ethical stand on this issue), they did it when my own kids were in high school, and they are still doing it. However, there is something, other than the more strict athletic codes of today, that has changed - and it is not necessarily with the student athlete.<br />
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Adolescents, just by their general nature, will push limits. I think it is part and parcel of who they are, along with a teen's inability to see that they are <strong><em>not</em></strong> invincible and that bad things can and do happen to them. What they need is solid parental <strong><em>guidance</em></strong>, some <strong><em>structure</em></strong>, to be held <strong><em>responsible</em></strong> and <strong><em>accountable</em></strong> for their behavior - so they learn where acceptable conduct ends and unacceptable conduct begins, along with a modest amount of <strong><em>discipline</em></strong>, all mixed in with a little understanding and compassion.<br />
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In my mind, this is where many have lost touch. The balance between <strong><em>all</em></strong> of these important aspects has really broken down. There seems to be such an overwhelming sense of understanding and compassion from parents and/or caregivers that when situations arise regarding a young athlete crossing the line (making a mistake), it turns into something that was "not the athlete's fault" or behavior that indicates "the rules don't apply" to them. There are even times when parents become "party" to (no pun intended), or most certainly turn a blind eye to, what goes on when it comes to alcohol and athletes underage drinking.<br />
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I don't know about you, but when I was in high school, parents were <strong><em>not</em></strong> their kid's best friend. Don't get me wrong, I was lucky enough to have a great relationship with my own parents and I could talk with them about anything, and/or get honest, sound advice when I needed it; however, I, as did most of my friends, had boundaries and limits. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S9jf9iDnrQI/AAAAAAAAAWc/iw5df5-VyD8/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S9jf9iDnrQI/AAAAAAAAAWc/iw5df5-VyD8/s200/clock.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a>We had curfews, expectations and rules, and if we stepped over the line, something happened. We were held responsible and accountable for the things we did. We did not anticipate or expect our parents to appeal an athletic code violation - let alone take it to court to circumvent a suspension and get us back on the playing field. </div><br />
Parents did not automatically take their son's or daughter's side when they did something wrong or protect them from the cost of their own choices. If we got into trouble, we were much more concerned about the consequences we were about to experience at home than the ones given out by the school.<br />
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It was uncommon years ago to see attitudes indicating that it was never the kid's fault or that the rules didn't apply. The rules did apply to us and, most times, it was our fault. <br />
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Parents were much less likely to turn a blind eye to activities that even they themselves may have participated in when they were kids, let alone put newspaper all over front windows of their house so individuals walking by could not see the underage drinking going on inside - something that allegedly happened last year on New Year's Eve in Elmhurst, IL (CBS 2 News: <em><a href="http://cbs2chicago.com/services/popoff.aspx?categoryId=48&videoId=55198@wbbm.dayport.com&videoPlayStatus=true&videoStoryIds=55198@wbbm.dayport.com&videoTime=9.404&">Student Athletes Suspended</a></em>).<br />
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Parents were unlikely to ever call teachers to take a look at the final exam their son or daughter failed; leaving the initial impression that there must be something wrong with the test, not with what their kid either did or did not do. It was rare that students, and student athletes, in my day were given money, cars, spring break vacations, and other expensive items just because we turned 16. If the possibility of getting things like this existed, most of us would have had to earn them somehow. If my memory serves me correct, very few things were just given out free, at least not in the world I lived in. <br />
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And what about this ridiculous and crazy new trend of purchasing breast implants for a young lady's high school graduation present - seriously, am I living in the twilight zone? Maybe it is just me, but I seem to recall a lot less focus on the superficial back not too long ago.<br />
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Life lessons. They were taught through the experiences we had as kids, and parents were far less likely to get in the way of that learning. This sense of entitlement so many young people appear to exhibit today was just not as prevalent or pervasive in my years growing up.<br />
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This "enabling" short-term gratification parenting style has led to athletes believing that the rules simply don't apply to them, that putting their signature on a piece of paper (athletic code) having expectations and rules on it that they are supposed to follow, is simply a formality. There is no real meaning to them about the <strong><em>fact</em></strong> that they have made a commitment to a set standard of conduct, something that when followed, even when the pressure is great not to, builds character and integrity; nor is this meaning or these concepts truly supported or taken seriously by many of their parents. It just "is, what it is," something they have to sign in order to play.<br />
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As difficult as it might be, when placed in a position where one must choose between being their son's or daughter's friend versus being their parent, there is only one choice to make, and that choice should be obvious.<br />
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And we wonder why so many athletes today have very skewed ethical compasses.Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-69210399656201295062010-04-18T18:41:00.000-05:002010-04-18T18:41:18.867-05:00Current High School Athletic Codes: Are You Aware They Have Changed?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S8uYN1-mD2I/AAAAAAAAAWM/i31_9qrBKWQ/s1600/beer+glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S8uYN1-mD2I/AAAAAAAAAWM/i31_9qrBKWQ/s200/beer+glass.jpg" width="150" wt="true" /></a>I am not sure about all of you, but back in my high school athletic days, I remember our athletic code focusing on a few basic points. You know, passing a certain number of classes, not smoking, drinking, and/or using drugs, showing good sportsmanship, etc. Basically, not engaging in behavior that was unbecoming an athlete - vague, yet understandable. And all of it centered on the athlete themselves not participating in said activities. </div><br />
Were there some that did? Of course, and it is probably misleading to use that word "some" since that would indicate a small number. Back during the 70's when I was in high school, there were many more than some who broke the athletic code. With regard to this, not much has changed over the last 35 - 40 some odd years.<br />
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So, I hate to break it to those parents who may believe that the types of misbehavior most of us witnessed, and many participated in, as high school students and student athletes, has somehow vanished into oblivion. To believe that demonstrates a real disconnect with high school kids today. <br />
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However, that is a slightly different slant (something I may address on another day) than what I will focus on here. What I want to bring attention to in this article are a couple of definite shifts, one in particular, occurring in H.S. athletic codes since many of you were in your teens. As a parent, it behooves you to know what you are signing and agreeing to with regard to your student's high school athletic code as you send your budding young athlete off to practice.<br />
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Now I have a distinct advantage over most parents raising teen athletes today since I am part of the school system as an educator - 30 years, former coach, and parent of two graduated high school athletes. It is through these experiences that I have seen some significant changes in current athletic codes, at least in my area.<br />
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First, there is an increased emphasis on student athletes pulling better grades than what was once required years ago. Just passing most of your classes isn't good enough, certainly a change that was long overdue. What your student athlete's specific grade expectations are is something you really need to find out for yourself since each school district has their own set of expectations. However, I am sure this information is readily accessible within the athletic code of conduct for the school where your kids attend.<br />
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Second, and the area of major focus in this piece, is that student athletes are not only prohibited from any tobacco, drug use, or other illicit/illegal behavior, but are also expected to either not attend, or remove themselves from, social gatherings where such activities are taking place.<br />
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This means if your son or daughter goes to a party or get-together with their friends, and any attendees are participating in activities that violate the athletic code, they (your son or daughter) are expected to leave immediately, or better yet, never attend in the first place. Otherwise, they are in violation just as if they were participating in such activities.<br />
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In addition, all of these expectations go beyond the season for which the athlete is participating in. They include their current season, all the way through the calendar year to the start of that same sports season the next year. That includes the summer. The idea here is that behavioral expectations like these should not just begin and end with an athlete's season; there is a bigger picture.<br />
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On a personal note, I was known as one of those evil parents. You know, the ones who call the house where the get-together is being held to talk to the parents, or personally meet them at the door when dropping off my high-school student, and asking them if they would be home to supervise and whether alcohol (other drugs) were allowed. The answer was always "yes" they would be home and "no" there would be no alcohol (drugs), but no sooner did 10:00 or 10:30 pm roll around and I'd get a call from my daughter stating that I needed to come and get her because of code violations. <br />
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I also distinctly remember friends within my other daughter's high school peer group all of a sudden disappearing from their group. When I asked what had happened, I always got that look. You know the one that says, "Dad, they started to 'party' (drink) and don't hang around us anymore." But I digress.<br />
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If all of this is news to you and you are not familiar with any of the "new" rules that exist for today's high school athletes, it is probably in your and your young athlete's best interest to familiarize yourself with all the rules that apply to you and to them. That little piece of paper, or card, that you and your son or daughter sign, that allows them to play high school sports is truly a promise, a commitment, to abide by any and all the expectations set forth in that code.<br />
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I guess my kids were right about one thing, there are some things that are tougher today than what once was in my day. <br />
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How hard is that to admit!!!Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-23781729948700168822010-04-14T18:09:00.013-05:002010-04-18T21:33:44.957-05:00Sports and Ethics: The Debate Over Performance Enhancement<form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="111149" style="display: inline;"><div class="pkg embedded-image left" style="width: 200px;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/assets_c/2010/04/Steroids%20IV-thumb-640xauto-111149.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Steroids IV.jpg"><img alt="Steroids IV.jpg" class="mt-image-left" height="140" src="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/assets_c/2010/04/Steroids%20IV-thumb-200x140-111149.jpg" width="200" /></a>Several of my recent articles explore the continued debate over the use of performance enhancement substances with regard to possible baseball Hall of Fame nominees, the MLB blood testing for HGH, and suggested guidelines that differentiate between appropriate versus non-appropriate sports performance enhancement practices. </div><br />
I know there are some who believe that performance enhancement drug (PED) use is no big deal, that maybe it would be best to just legalize all of it, and that the entertainment value of higher levels of performance is most important. Then there are those whose beliefs operate on a completely different plane, the opposite of that which I just described. And, of course, there are those whose thoughts on this topic fall somewhere between these two extremes. <br />
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Just to give you an idea on how diverse thought processes on this issue can collide, take a look at the comment section near the bottom of this article: <em><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/14923-alex-rodriguez-fallout-is-there-any-stopping-steroids?search_query=Steroids Baseball Bonds">Alex Rodriguez Fallout: Is There Any Stopping Steroids</a></em> on Bleacher Report - an informative sports reporting blog site. <br />
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Even though I do not want PED use to become the major focal point of my blog, it is hard to stay away from the issue since, in one way or another, it tends to pop up in the media pretty regularly. <br />
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Recently, from a more scientific source blog comes a short piece titled, <em><a href="http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/baseball-season-opener-athletes-and-ethicists-look-fairness-sport.html">Baseball season opener: Athletes and ethicists look at fairness in sport</a></em>. Within this piece is highlighted information from The Hastings Center, a bioethics institution, and Thomas H. Murray's (CEO of this center) essay titled, <a href="http://www.thehastingscenter.org/Publications/HCR/Detail.aspx?id=4545">Making Sense of Fairness in Sports</a>, along with other essays in <em><a href="http://www.thehastingscenter.org/Publications/HCR/Default.aspx">The Hastings Center Report</a></em>.<br />
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I only had the option of reading an excerpt from the <em>Making Sense of Fairness in Sports</em> piece; however, its essence certainly supports a much more ethical view of performance enhancement in sports, something I wholeheartedly agree with. The suggestions I raise in my two-part article on ChicagoNow, <em>A-Rod, McGwire, Bonds, Baseball, and Performance Enhancement: Where Do We Draw the Line?</em> (<a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/2010/03/a-rod-mcgwire-bonds-baseball-and-performance-enhancement-where-do-we-draw-the-line-part-i.html#more">Part I </a>& <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/2010/03/a-rod-mcgwire-bonds-baseball-and-performance-enhancement-where-do-we-draw-the-line-part-ii---the-guidelines.html#more">Part II</a> - The Guidelines), seem to have more than passing similarities to the principles echoed in the excerpt from Dr. Murray's essay as well as highlights in the <em>Baseball season opener </em>piece.<br />
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In that piece, a question is raised about removing the ban on non-harmful PED's. Murray's answer, according to the article, was "no because 'athletes would confront a terrible choice: refrain from drugs and give up an edge that will often be decisive, or join in an ever-rising spiral of drug use'."<br />
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<div align="center">His thoughts are even more detailed in this accompanying video below.</div><object height="265" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/Nb9Op9NEevw&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/Nb9Op9NEevw&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="265"></embed></object><br />
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<div align="center">Personally and professionally, I like his stance.</div></form>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-52928410151635451552010-03-31T15:45:00.002-05:002010-04-03T14:10:56.933-05:00Jaylin Fleming: The Nation's Finest 10-Year-Old Basketball Player - WOW!!!(Photo from<br />
Chicago Tribume)<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S7eSfT79n1I/AAAAAAAAAV8/w2qghjdU58Q/s1600/Jaylin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S7eSfT79n1I/AAAAAAAAAV8/w2qghjdU58Q/s200/Jaylin.jpg" width="90" /></a>In today's Chicago Tribune, Anne Stein highlights the exceptional talents of a very young and rising basketball star (can you be a rising star at 10?) in her article <strong><em><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-spt-0331-boy-basketball-star--20100330,0,6138584,full.story">The Best 10-Year-Old Basketball Player in America</a></em></strong>. On the current online version of this story, they have a video demonstrating Jaylin's basketball prowess, along with comments from his father regarding how he is being raised and where Jaylin's and his family's priorities are.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>What I find most interesting as I watched the video clip, and read through the commentary in the article, is how much of what Jaylin is doing and dedicating himself to resembles what I went through as an athlete my last year of high school, only, for me, at a much older age. His passion for mastering the skills of his sport, at least at this point, is very evident, and the solid foundational upbringing of placing family, school, and religion as important pieces in his life is also obvious.<br />
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<strong>Just check out the video and see for yourself</strong><br />
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Yet, because of his age, and because of the increasing interest and rhetoric over our current youth sports culture, some will not be too pleased, placing judgment on whether this type of behavior is healthy for someone this young. An NBA assistant was quoted in Anne's article as stating, "He represents much of what is wrong with our athletic system," and Lindsey Hunter, a former guard for the Bulls, doesn't let his son travel to other states to play saying that he wants his son to experience "childhood."<br />
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I suppose a lot of the concern over what will happen to Jaylin lies more with the outside influences that will present themselves to him, something else the article brings to light, rather than the immense dedication, work ethic, and talent he demonstrates. Just like David Sills in my article <strong><em><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/athletes-sports-experience/2010/03/college-recruits-getting-younger-and-younger-kindergarten-the-next-great-recruiting-venue.html#more">College Recruits Getting Younger and Younger: Kindergarten the next great recruiting venue!!!</a></em></strong>, the recruiters are likely coming. Additionally, propositions from others will present themselves (especially as he reaches high school age) and the pressures that cause one to lose focus on what is really important will happen.<br />
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These are reasons why (no matter what level athlete) higher importance should be placed on intrinsic (internal) value development over the extrinsic (external) rewards that one can gain through sports participation. One should always encourage development more from the inside out, something that does need to include family, school, and other beliefs (depending on the family) that support a more grounded type of behavior (something certainly apparent in the article and video) than what we see from so many athletes today. This, to me, will be the ultimate issue or test as to whether Jaylin fulfills his potential as an athlete, and as a person. <br />
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Will he be able to stay grounded in a belief system that allows him to set priorities that are truly in his best interest or will he develop that sense of entitlement we see so often from gifted athletes? Will he continue to enjoy dedicating himself to the kind of time it takes to be a "great one" or will he grow tired of all the efforts as his classmates and friends develop other areas of interest? Will he look on his experiences as something positive that give him opportunities few get to realize or will he regret all the work and start to feel that he is losing his childhood - never to be regained? All are possibilities; only time will tell.<br />
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Me, I hope he brings to himself, and to his family, all that his potential as a person and as an athlete has to bring, that he is able to forge a path others seem unable to do - and really, truly, enjoy doing so, and most importantly, that he is happy with his choices, himself, and in setting a solid upstanding example for others.<br />
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Our sports culture sure could use a <strong>real</strong> <em><strong><a href="http://www.becomingatruechampion.com/">True Champion</a></strong></em>, and from what I see, he certainly has the ability to become one.Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-32885233511733478752010-03-28T13:01:00.005-05:002010-03-28T13:20:40.985-05:00Inspirational Sports Speaking Presentation: Achieving the Impossible<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S6-YJbISVFI/AAAAAAAAAV0/RmZNdrrVCzE/s1600/High+School+Iron+Cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" nt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S6-YJbISVFI/AAAAAAAAAV0/RmZNdrrVCzE/s200/High+School+Iron+Cross.jpg" width="200" /></a>Ever wonder how certain athletes, certain people, are able to accomplish objectives (goals) through adverse conditions or circumstances that look, from the outside, to be insurmountable? </div><br />
I mean, how is it that people like Jim Abbott (former one-handed pitcher), Wilma Rudolph (polio survivor who was never expected to walk again, yet won 3 gold medals in track), or the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team (who went on to win gold after defeating the best hockey team on the planet, the Russians, in the semis) are able to "beat the odds." Examples like this exist at all levels of competition, and in all types of sports. Even though few in number, they are there representing a pinnacle of performance not many seem to be able to reach - or that is what most believe.<br />
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But what if you could? What if there was a secret? Some attribute that these individuals learned through their life experiences, or subconsciously knew before they traveled their path to greatness, that allowed them to reach their full potential.<br />
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Over the past year, I have had the wonderful opportunity to speak directly to athletes, coaches, and parents regarding how the "impossible" is achieved. It is through these inspirational speaking presentations that I attempt to answer that question posed in the paragraph above, and in doing so inspire others to make choices that lead them toward increasing their chances of success.<br />
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The imbedded video below gives a 10 minute clip of the 1+ hour long presentation. This particular one was given to approximately 60 athletes and coaches. You should get a good sense of the thought process that leads to achievement through adversity even though only a portion of the presentation is represented here.<br />
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Feel free to comment on the video, or the topic as a whole, if you like.<br />
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<em><strong>"The Power To Become Whatever And Whomever You Decide, And the Realization That You Actually Have This Power, Is One Of The Greatest Gifts A Person Can Give To Themselves"</strong></em><br />
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-- Excerpt from<br />
<strong><em><a href="http://www.becomingatruechampion.com/">Becoming a True Champion</a></em></strong>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-86923029522712635142010-03-28T12:49:00.002-05:002010-03-28T12:53:16.576-05:00NCAA March Madness: Low Graduation Rates For Some - Why?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S6-Xg5pRwUI/AAAAAAAAAVs/gHsbie7LG8Y/s1600/NCAA+Basketball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S6-Xg5pRwUI/AAAAAAAAAVs/gHsbie7LG8Y/s200/NCAA+Basketball.jpg" width="146" /></a>There has been a swirl of articles floating around on the internet pertaining to the Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's statement that teams with a graduation rate below 40% should not be allowed in the NCAA tournament, something that the Chicago Sun-Times expanded on in its article, <i><strong><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/2113412,CST-EDT-edit21.article">Low grad rate should bench NCAA teams</a></strong></i>, this past Sunday.</div><br />
Much of the information currently presented centers its focus on basketball and March Madness stating that there are 12 teams in the men's tournament below this 40% level, some of which are as low as 8%. Sure had to scratch my head on that one. Do they go to class at the University of Maryland?<br />
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The women's DI basketball bracket seems to fare much better with only 3 teams below that 40% mark and no one anywhere near 8% (went back to research that again, could not believe my eyes). The statistical "out-of-balance" sheet holds true as we move up to both 60 and 70% graduation success rates (GSR) with women close to doubling the men in percentage at both of these levels (w 60% GSR=<strong>92%</strong> of total, m 60% GSR=<strong>58%</strong> of total, w 70% GSR=<strong>82%</strong> of total, m 70% GSR=<strong>45%</strong> of total).<br />
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So is it that women are <strong>that</strong> much smarter than the men..., or is it something else? I am sure my wife would concur that the former is true, something I certainly will not debate, however, those are some huge margins.<br />
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Well, I am not one to just look at articles and statistics from only one dimension. That tends to give a person blurred vision when it comes to interpreting data such as this. A primary question that comes to my mind is whether this is something relative only to basketball? Do other sports fare as poorly?<br />
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To find that out, let's go right to the source - <strong><em><a href="http://ncaafoundation.biz/wps/portal/ncaahome?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/ncaa/ncaa/academics+and+athletes/education+and+research/academic+reform/gsr/2009/841gfw951_2009_d1_school_gsr_data.html">The 2009 NCAA Division I GSR Data</a></em></strong>. Clicking on the <strong><em>All Division I</em></strong> link we find (when all DI schools are combined) that only 3 sports fall below 70% - Football, Basketball and Baseball. We also find that a good number of the sports on both sides of the gender bracket have GSR's of over 80%. (And yes dear, only the women have GSR averages in the 90's - Arrgh.)<br />
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Another key point, bringing this discussion back to basketball, is that there are a solid number of men's teams in the bracket whose GSR's are at or above 80%, and many of those in the women's bracket. That certainly proves, gender discrepancies aside, that it can be done, meaning much higher graduation rates than 40, 50 or even 60 %.<br />
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Ok then, what is going on here? If women basketball players <strong>can</strong> have much higher GSR's, men basketball players <strong>can</strong> have higher GSR's, and most all other sports as a group <strong>can</strong> have much higher GSR's, what's the deal with football, basketball, and baseball?<br />
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I am not sure about baseball and how that fits into the puzzle (some of you might be able to shed light on this), but football and basketball, well, I think it boils down to 3 things:<br />
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1. <strong><em>EXPECTATIONS</em></strong> - both in recruiting and performance when they are attending said university.<br />
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2. <em><strong>SUPPORT</strong></em> - I would think that universities with higher expectations would also put a higher priority on supporting these athletes in their academic endeavors.<br />
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3. Last, but certainly not least, <strong><em>MONEY</em></strong> - and the fear from those universities with lower academic expectations of losing their cash cows if they hold their athletes to higher standards. How sad is that?<br />
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From my vantage point, I would like to see all move toward adopting higher standards like, say, holding a GPA of 2.0 or higher and always being held in "good academic standing" which would in turn insure graduation, unless one decided to turn pro.<br />
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And we wonder who is supporting this sense of entitlement so many complain about regarding some high profile athletes. Could it be the environment that some of our own college systems are allowing, even encouraging, for a select few groups of athletes.<br />
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Nah, that couldn't be part of it.Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-70894350025177096322010-03-28T12:35:00.002-05:002010-04-03T14:12:16.739-05:00Tim Tebow: Can He Make It In The NFL?In perusing the internet looking for various sports stories of interest, I came across several conversations about Tim Tebow and what others think he can and can't accomplish. This young quarterback from Florida is currently facing the daunting task of silencing his critics and becoming a premiere NFL quarterback, something I believe to be a goal of his based on what I have read.<br />
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Now, I certainly do not claim myself to be an expert on football (especially quarterbacks), something I am sure my colleagues where I teach, and coached, would be quick to point out given half the chance. However, I do believe I have some insight into what it takes to overcome adversity in athletics (<em><a href="http://www.becomingatruechampion.com/">Becoming a True Champion</a></em>). Tim's story, still at its beginning, just hits home with me.<br />
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So as I searched the internet for more information on Tim, his personality (as best as I could gather), work ethic, character, skill set, etc., etc., what I find is a young man with great internal strength of will who (according to some "experts") has certain technical issues (wide throwing stance, poor release, etc.) that hamper his chances for NFL greatness. All things, to me, that can be overcome with proper training.<br />
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Well, as I stated earlier, I am not an expert in football, not even a big football fan, but I am most assuredly a fan of any athlete, any person, willing to take on challenges related to one's destiny. The kind of obstacles that create a situation of adversity, that from the outside appeas to be difficult, maybe even impossible, to achieve. This is what makes Tebow's story so compelling.<br />
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Now the one thing, above all others, essential for Tim Tebow to achieve the success he seeks, and shut the door on all his critics and naysayer's, centers on the amount of inner will and determination he brings to his training and competitive table each and every day.<br />
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This is something I speak to athletes about regularly through my <em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f-0JoJyd84">Inner Will & Determination Presentations</a></em>, something I believe too many don't take into account when discussing one's ability to achieve goals through adverse conditions. And it is something I detect is very strong within Tim Tebow as I read more about him and watch this young athlete speak on his <strong>Pro Day Recap</strong>.<br />
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Tim Tebow's NFL story is one that has yet to be completed; in fact, it is he who will write it, not the experts, nor the media, nor anyone else. And from my perspective, at least from what I have read, he has the "right pen" (stuff) for this story.Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-34817016702623305142010-03-28T12:26:00.000-05:002010-03-28T12:26:39.631-05:00MLB Union Opposed To Blood Test for HGH: Go Figure!!!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S6-QIJeLd9I/AAAAAAAAAVU/ucRVfSiq7gc/s1600/HGH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" nt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S6-QIJeLd9I/AAAAAAAAAVU/ucRVfSiq7gc/s200/HGH.jpg" width="200" /></a>In today's <strong>NY Daily News</strong>, it is reported that the World Anti-Doping Agency is encouraging Major League Baseball to take a stand and start testing for use of HGH (Human Growth Hormone), something the MLB players union has not been in favor of. Yea, what a surprise!</div><br />
The article <strong><em><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2010/03/18/2010-03-18_wada_calls_on_mlb_to_implement_hgh_testing.html">World Anti-Doping Agency calls on Major League Baseball to implement HGH testing</a></em></strong> by Christian Red and Nathaniel Vinton delves into the idea that the players union feels it "inappropriate" for blood testing to be done. They are much more inclined to approve a urine test but seem to be opposed to a blood test for this or any other performance-enhancing drugs (PED).<br />
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United States Anti-Doping Agency chief Travis Tygart stated that "There are at least four potent performance-enhancing drugs that are not detected in urine," (HGH is included as one of these four), "It is simply false to say that urine can detect everything that you would be concerned about. It can't." <br />
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Ok, can someone shed some light on any of this? I mean if baseball wants to demonstrate its honest and sincere efforts to "clean up the game," then why would they oppose such a test?<br />
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Additionally, the MLB, even though it seems to catch the brunt of thrashing from the media, is certainly <strong>not</strong> the only elite level sports venue where HGH (or any other PED) is being used. Anyone who believes that is either very naïve or has been living under a rock for many years.<br />
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So with that in mind, is there any logical reason that elite and professional athletes, their unions, and/or organizations would oppose blood tests that could prove complete innocence above all else? <br />
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That is, any reason other than $$$$$$$.Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-89797275039301581652010-03-28T12:14:00.000-05:002010-03-28T12:14:59.797-05:00Do Not Miss: "The Long Green Line"<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S6-NeRRlkVI/AAAAAAAAAVE/b_vRq-f9slU/s1600/The+Long+Gren+Line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S6-NeRRlkVI/AAAAAAAAAVE/b_vRq-f9slU/s200/The+Long+Gren+Line.jpg" width="200" /></a>I recently had the wonderful opportunity to watch the award winning film, <strong><em><a href="http://www.longgreenlinemovie.com/">The Long Green Line</a></em></strong> by LGL Productions. A colleague of mine, a fellow teacher and coach, strongly suggested that I see it. He felt the film would help support and confirm all the positive things sports should be encouraging in others.</div><br />
Now traditionally, I am a sucker for true-to-life stories that motivate; however, documentary-type films are not necessarily the kind that jumps to the top of my list. That particular point is what made this film such a nice surprise (it most certainly did not disappoint) as it details Joe Newton's incredibly successful coaching career at York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois.<br />
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The documentary reiterates the account of Joe's and his team's quest for a 25th State Cross Country Championship, highlighting his many coaching accomplishments along the way. Included are all the trials and tribulations, of which there were many, that took place throughout that one fateful season, along with a strong emphasis on Coach Newton's coaching philosophies and the many positive concepts he tries to instill in <strong>all</strong> athletes under his direction.<br />
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A very inspirational film, it is a "must see" for any kid, parent or coach involved in sports, and not just cross country, but any sport. The consistent and resolute discussions and examples of intrinsic (internal) principles like commitment, discipline, work ethic, heart, teamwork, etc., by Coach Newton and his assistant, over and above anything else, hammer home how essential they are to goal achievement.<br />
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I find it especially interesting, almost uncanny, how similar many of Joe Newton's ideas dovetail the concepts I used to achieve my own athletic success. They are the same types of things I support and encourage in other athletes when I speak, and they most certainly support the underlying guidelines emphasized in my book, <strong><em><a href="http://www.becomingatruechampion.com/">Becoming a True Champion</a></em></strong>.<br />
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The last time I felt this way about a coach's philosophy on success occurred during a Master's course where I was assigned homework to watch a videotape on Coach John Wooden and his coaching, and life, principles. In retrospect, the emotional response I had as I watched coach Wooden detail intrinsic components I used myself as an athlete, long before I ever knew who he was, were similar to what I experienced when watching Joe Newton in <em>The Long Green Line</em>.<br />
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What strikes a cord with me most, the one thing that really holds my attention, is how incredibly similar all three of our thought processes are regarding the path toward, and meaning behind, "real" achievement. This is even with decades of age between us - me in my early 50's, Newton in his early 80's, and Wooden one year away from being a century old. <br />
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In fact, when I find others who have struggled through their own tough and most difficult situations of adversity, whether in sports or in life, even those much younger than myself (some 80 years younger than John Wooden), I hear them speak of, and see them demonstrate, the same exact principles that I and these two coaches support and encourage.<br />
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So much about sports and sports participation has changed over the years; yet there is still so much that has stayed the same. And those things that have stayed the same - the things that every single athlete, every single person, will need in order to ever have a chance at reaching their potential (athletic or otherwise), are <strong>all</strong> characteristics that come from within: Internal values, beliefs, and principles which help build an inner strength that is difficult to measure. They are constants, cornerstones of success that can never be forgotten, nor ever be eliminated from the equation. Essentially, they are the foundations or building blocks for anything that one wants to accomplish - in anything.<br />
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Yes, <a href="http://www.longgreenlinemovie.com/"><strong><em>The Long Green Line</em></strong> </a>is a must see for anyone involved in sports, for it truly does remind us all about the real purpose behind athletic endeavor, and the intrinsic components necessary for achieving "true" success in that endeavor.Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-14419101424793886682010-03-16T17:10:00.004-05:002010-03-24T21:47:27.210-05:00Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez, and the rest: Are They Truly Hall of Fame Material?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S6ABk5zp5rI/AAAAAAAAAU8/OJOrWXM88Q0/s1600-h/baseball+hall+of+fame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S6ABk5zp5rI/AAAAAAAAAU8/OJOrWXM88Q0/s200/baseball+hall+of+fame.jpg" vt="true" width="200" /></a>In this Sunday's <em><strong>PARADE</strong></em> section of the Chicago Tribune, the article <a href="http://www.parade.com/news/intelligence-report/archive/100314-do-steroid-users-have-a-place-in-the-hall-of-fame.html"><strong><em>Do Steroid Users Have a Place in the Hall of Fame?</em></strong></a><strong><em> </em></strong>raises a question that holds some heated debate within a variety of sports venues, something it will do for some time to come. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>PARADE.com even has an online poll, asked from a different slant than their article title (be careful of this), for individuals to vote one way or the other. And the current statistical trend seems to be weighing heavily on the <em>YES</em> they should <strong>NOT</strong> be allowed into the Hall of Fame side of the equation.<br />
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For me, the answer is simple, and, aside from what some who read my posts might guess, has no direct relevance to the poor character choices these athletes have made and examples they have set.<br />
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The key lies with the idea that these athletes have not really accomplished anything at all. Basically, that they have "cheated" their way into the record books and highlight tapes. No different than how a card player might use cards hidden up their sleeve to win at poker.<br />
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When an athlete takes a substance that artificially creates ability, something not possible without that substance and something that falsely inflates their true potential, then they become someone other than their true self.<br />
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It is really not "them" at all who hit those homeruns, batted in those RBI's, or pitched beyond that 100+ mph mark striking out all those batters, it is someone different than who they really are. On a much grander scale, it is like those basketball players in the Walt Disney film <em>Flubber</em> where they put a rubberized concoction on their shoes and start dunking basketballs from half-court because of how high this material allows them to jump.<br />
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Yes, I know that is quite an exaggeration; athletes do still have to practice and train hard in order to gain the benefits from their steroid use. However, that <em>Flubber</em> analogy does help to prove a point. That something unnatural and outside of oneself gave these athletes the ability to perform at levels they simply could not have without that something. Higher performance levels than an equally talented athlete who applied the same commitment to excellence and put forth the same work ethic as the user did. <br />
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And no that is not the same as an athlete who has a higher level of inborn natural talent than another and the lesser talented player, who works just as hard, can't catch up. Steroids and PED's (performance-enhancing drugs) simply help to create <strong><em>false</em></strong> talent or potential.<br />
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Not that long ago, I had a conversation with Dr. Charles Yesalis of Penn State University regarding his expertise on the consequences of steroid and PED use for the chapter on cheating in my forthcoming book <strong><em><a href="http://www.becomingatruechampion.com/">Becoming a True Champion</a></em></strong>.<br />
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For those not familiar with Dr. Yesalis, he is one of the foremost U.S. experts on the nonmedical use and abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AS) and performance-enhancing drugs and dietary supplements. He has testified before the United States Congress on four occasions regarding the use of these substances in elite sports (high-level amateur athletics at the high-school, college and Olympic levels), and by children.<br />
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Dr. Yesalis drew up a very interesting analogy for me in our conversation that I think has solid reference to the question posed in that Parade article mentioned above; along with the perspective I am painting here. <br />
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He said that if you took two genetically identical twin athletes and one of them used steroids to enhance their training while the other just trained with as much dedication and commitment as they could muster, the non-steroid-using twin would never catch up to the steroid-using twin in ability and performance. In Dr. Yesalis' view, it was just not possible.<br />
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I suppose that makes a strong case for why Olympic athletes must forfeit their Olympic honors, medals, and world records for performances that were tainted by steroid use. It is not only an unfair advantage but constitutes a physiological change in body chemistry that says <strong><em>they</em></strong> did not <strong><em>earn</em></strong> those medals or those records at all.<br />
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And that brings us back full circle. A Hall of Fame honor is bestowed unto an athlete for outstanding levels of performance and the positive impact that an athlete had in the sport for which they played.<br />
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Doesn't allowing someone into a Hall of Fame who used substances like we are describing here (whether deemed legal or not at the time), the kind that help create performances not possible without them, cheapen the honor for those who have <strong><em>earned</em></strong>, or will <strong><em>earn</em></strong>, their way into the Hall of Fame honorably?<br />
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How is that any different than, say, letting the individuals who caused the Enron scandal keep the money they "cheated" so many out of when they get out of prison? Would that make sense? They certainly did not <strong><em>earn</em></strong> that money, or did they?<br />
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So I guess my answer to the question posed by that <em>PARADE</em> article, <em>Do Steroid Users Have a Place in the Hall of Fame?</em>, is an emphatic <strong>NO!!!</strong>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-13473550468381820842010-03-09T22:20:00.001-06:002010-03-09T22:24:21.009-06:00A Tribute to John Wooden: A Role Model For Us AllThe first time I ever heard the name John Wooden was during a master's course I was taking for a post-graduate degree in administration. One of my assignments was to write a synopsis on a video of Coach Wooden's principles, relating his beliefs to information being taught in the course. Before then, I really had no idea who John Wooden was - let alone his coaching accomplishments. He was <em>not </em>someone I had ever come across. Boy, what a small world I lived in, right?<br />
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Pushing the video into my VCR, I sat back on my couch, with a pad of paper and pencil to jot down some notes, and proceeded to watch what I thought would be a mundane lecture on success, leadership, or something else along those lines. However, what I got was <strong><u>so</u> </strong>much more.<br />
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As I listened to Coach Wooden make clear his principles and beliefs about sports, success, and life in general, I distinctly remember becoming emotionally vested in everything he said. A stoic, genuine, and earnest man who exuded confidence and wisdom certainly beyond my years, I was amazed over how relevant the concepts he discussed mirrored many of my own beliefs. Even with decades between our ages, a surprising number of his principles I followed as an athlete, and later as a coach trying to instill this same ideology in athletes that were under my direction. I actually remember saying to myself, "that's it" - those are exactly the same ideas and concepts I used to achieve the successes I had as an athlete. I was truly captivated by all he had to say.<br />
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Now, I could write pages on Coach Wooden's beliefs detailing their importance, how following them would make an enormous and positive impact on today's sports and youth sports culture, and how they should be the center of focus for <em>all </em>athletes, parents, and coaches wanting to be successful. However, my own words could not possibly bring the depth and breadth of meaning that John Wooden himself would bring to them. So, with that in mind, here are a variety of video pieces that depict how the man so many call "Coach" sees the world.<br />
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</div><object height="405" width="660"><embed style="WIDTH: 505px; HEIGHT: 405px" height="405" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="505" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/BFbZckxrTTQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br />
<object height="326" width="334"><embed height="326" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="334" src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/JohnWooden_2001-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/JohnWooden-2001.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=320&vh=240&ap=0&ti=498&introDuration=16500&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=2000&adKeys=talk=john_wooden_on_the_difference_between_winning_and_succe;year=2001;theme=what_makes_us_happy;theme=master_storytellers;theme=how_we_learn;event=TED2001;" allowfullscreen="true" bgcolor="#ffffff" wmode="transparent" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object><br />
<object height="405" width="500"><embed height="405" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/vvX0fkEp0cs&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br />
<object height="405" width="500"><embed height="405" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/w-FyRMpo824&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br />
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<strong>Hey Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, A-Rod, Mark McGwire, Marion Jones, Tim Montgomery, etc; and even: I'm not anyones role model Charles Barkley, the following is for you:</strong><br />
<object height="405" width="500"><embed height="405" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/exAuFSWxSSw&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<div align="center"><strong>(Please excuse the Gatoraid commercial at the end)</strong></div><br />
<object height="405" width="500"><embed height="405" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/cZ358_YrFAM&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
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<div align="center"><strong>There will never be another man like Coach John Wooden</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>May We All Aspire To Be As Much</strong></div>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-62565005669894363732010-03-01T20:44:00.002-06:002010-04-03T14:13:45.335-05:00College Recruits Getting Younger and Younger: Kindergarten the next great recruiting venue!!!Ok, let me make sure I have this right. According to ESPN Los Angeles, <strong><em><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=4888515">Sills, 13, commits to USC</a></em></strong>, and CBSSports.com MaxPreps, <a href="http://www.maxpreps.com/news/wDIF09OtEd6tqwAcxJTdpg/delaware-seventh-grader-is-a-usc-commit.htm"><strong><em>Delaware seventh-grader is a USC commit</em></strong></a>, we now have 13-year-old student athletes making college commitments. Is this for real? Do 13-year-olds even know what size underwear their mom buys them, let alone what college will be the best fit five years into their future?<br />
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Look, I am all about dedication, commitment, setting high goals, and becoming the best one can be; however, adding to that the challenge of college decision-making at such a young age? Not so sure about that one.<br />
<a name='more'></a>I was aware of, and did expect, a difference between my college recruitment and commitment and my oldest daughter's, but there was almost a thirty-year difference between those time frames. I even noticed the difference between the recruiting of my two daughters, with age range involving three years, but I attributed some of this to different sports played. But 7th grade?<br />
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Considering all points and positions, is this really in the best interest of the young athlete involved, of any athlete in this age bracket? I mean what's next, kindergarten recruiting?<br />
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I can see it now as a deluge of college coaches from Purdue, Kansas, North Carolina, Kentucky, Duke, and Villanova pile into an elementary school gymnasium to watch little Johnny "basketball" dribble through his kindergarten classmates en route to the basket. "Hey," as coach John Calipari leans back toward assistant John Robic sitting behind him and whispers in a soft but audible tone, "How do you think little Johnny will look in blue and white?"Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-86675724997231172352010-02-23T17:20:00.008-06:002010-04-20T17:57:49.005-05:00A Time For Change?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S4RiwA9XW6I/AAAAAAAAAUs/9qGBcHIgPoA/s1600-h/1980+US+Olympic+Hockey+Team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="108" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S4RiwA9XW6I/AAAAAAAAAUs/9qGBcHIgPoA/s200/1980+US+Olympic+Hockey+Team.jpg" width="200" /></a>In the wake of Tiger Woods’ indiscretions, the airing of his apology, Mark McGuire’s recent coming clean about his steroid use, as well as a host of other poor character behavior, I can’t help but reflect on how this past decade has inevitably changed the view of many regarding the values taught through competitive sports participation.<br />
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And why wouldn’t they be questioned? These past ten years have been fraught with unprecedented scandals hitting us from every side. Just a little investigation reveals a plethora of incidents of unscrupulous behavior, the kind of behavior that consistently finds its way into news headlines, drawing us in as we shake our heads in disgust or disbelief.<br />
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Let’s see, there was the whole BALCO case, Major League Baseball’s steroid scandal, and Jose Conseco’s book <em>Juiced</em> which all but promotes this common performance enhancement drug use. <br />
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How about NBA star Kobe Bryant’s “did he” or “didn’t he” sexual assault charge, quarterback Michael Vick’s dog fighting fiasco, and New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s “cheating” through his taping of opponents’ play—calling signals. <br />
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Then there’s Michael Phelps’s DUI and bong incidents, Danny Almonte—the 14-year-old Little Leaguer who mowed down opponents (with 70 mph fastballs) in the 12-year-old Little League World Series earlier this decade, and Floyd Landis’s doping and subsequent stripping of his winning medal at the 2006 Tour de France.<br />
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And it is important to point out that behavior “unbecoming an athlete” occurs much too often through athletic code violations at both the high school and college level. Need I mention the Northwestern Girls Soccer team suspended for hazing rituals in 2006?<br />
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I could go on. These are just bits and pieces; by no means is this list meant to be comprehensive.<br />
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You really would be hard pressed to find a sport that has not been rocked by some type of unethical, even illegal, scandal demonstrating poor character choices by athletes, some of them the most elite and celebrated competitors within their respective venues.<br />
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Not even the Olympics are exempt from such disgrace and dishonor, with many, maybe even most, falling under scrutiny for possible cheating through performance-enhancing drug use. In today’s elite sports world, whenever an athlete reaches a pinnacle of performance, breaks a record, or demonstrates extraordinary feats, our first thought has now become “is he or she using PEDs…???” or “isn’t he or she using them…???” <br />
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We are invariably focused on whether what we just witnessed was real or fake, a display of athletic greatness, or something not to be trusted. The list of fallen athletes at this level—the ones who have helped put those terrible thoughts in our heads—is quite long. Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery are two Olympic track athletes whose names immediately come to mind.<br />
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You know, it was not always this way. When a group of college-age hockey players beat Russia, arguably the best hockey team on the planet (amateur or pro), in the semis of the 1980 Winter Olympics, then went on to defeat Finland for the gold medal in the next round, my first thought had nothing to do with steroids. In fact, it was not a thought at all as every single American felt an immeasurable sense of pride as this story unfolded before us.<br />
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It is sad to realize how much everything has changed. It was a gradual process that had its beginnings long before the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey win.<br />
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So many of us involved in sports, whether as athletes, coaches or parents, truly and undeniably support and believe that very valuable qualities – core principles – can come out of competitive sports play. <br />
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Yet when we step back to look at our sports environment today, on a more global scale, that is not what we see. It becomes painfully clear that we are losing the innocence of athletic—no, human—endeavor, a world where honesty, character and integrity support accomplishment rather than become empty words lost in the relentless push to “win” at all costs. <br />
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What is needed is a shift in the thought process of the athlete themselves, preferably at younger, more impressionable ages where it can become an ingrained part of the way they make choices, how they think, and what they value. I’m speaking of a decision-making process that comes out of a belief system based on all the fine qualities we want to see in <strong><em>all</em></strong> competitors, at <strong><em>all</em></strong> levels.<br />
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Yes, I am referring to some type of <em>code or standard of ethical conduct</em> that will bring pride and a deeper meaning to the term “athlete” and what it should really represent. Thus, here is <em>The Code of A True Champion</em>.<br />
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<strong><em></em></strong> <br />
<strong><em>THE CODE OF A TRUE CHAMPION</em></strong></div><br />
<em>I will...</em><br />
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<em>1 Consistently, and without reservation, strive to reach my full potential.</em><br />
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<em>2 Be committed and disciplined in my approach.</em><br />
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<em>3 Take personal responsibility, and any action necessary, to achieve team and individual goals.</em><br />
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<em>4 Demonstrate a deep desire to succeed, applying passion and heart to any and every task at hand.</em><br />
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<em>5 Show an impeccable and relentless work ethic that only true dedication provides.</em><br />
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<em>6 Set priorities, and make the required sacrifices, that enhance the chances for athletic success.</em><br />
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<em>7 Persevere through adversity with a positive attitude and concentration that strives toward excellence and mastery.</em><br />
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<em>8 Establish a mindset that highly encourages the belief and confidence that one can accomplish anything, if they are so willing.</em><br />
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<em>9 Apply a training and competitive focus that creates the opportunity to transform the impossible into the possible.</em><br />
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<em>... All set on a foundation of strong character and integrity that beseeches one to do the right thing just because it is the right thing to do.</em><br />
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<em>And so, you may ask, “Why follow a code of such high standard?”</em><br />
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<em>Because I believe I can make a difference.</em><br />
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<em>And because I believe it, </em><br />
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<em>Then it is something I should do.</em><br />
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<em>Because it is something I should do, </em><br />
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<em>Then it is something I will do.</em><br />
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<em>So I toil and sweat both through the good days and the bad:</em><br />
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<em>Chipping away at any weakness that following the code may reveal within,</em><br />
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<em>Creating inspiration from athletic experiences of days gone by,</em><br />
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<em>From future experiences that have yet to occur,</em><br />
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<em>And from those who may someday attempt to walk the same path – </em><br />
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<em>Never giving up,</em><br />
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<em>Never giving in,</em><br />
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<em>And never swaying – but for a moment – from the Code of a True Champion.</em><br />
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<em>Again, “Why?” one might ask.</em><br />
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<em>Simply – Because I can!!!</em><br />
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<em> Kirk Mango 2008</em><br />
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Originally published on <a href="http://www.weplay.com/sports-parents"><i>ParentHOOD: Expert Advice For Sports Parents</i></a> at <a href="http://www.weplay.com/"><i>Weplay.com</i></a><br />
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<script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-79654418469899913412010-02-21T12:15:00.006-06:002010-04-03T14:16:31.535-05:00The Tiger Woods Apology: Please, Enough is Enough!!!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S7eUBZ8zMvI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Sgl9n6G7CjM/s1600/tiger+woods+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S7eUBZ8zMvI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Sgl9n6G7CjM/s200/tiger+woods+II.jpg" width="128" /></a>Friday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time, Tiger Woods held a press conference to apologize to everyone. My question, Why?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Seriously..., why is this news? Why does the media, or anyone else for that matter, continue to show such deep interest in a story like this? The amount of air time and attention this whole situation has received is simply absurd. Is this really something that ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN, etc., etc. should glamorize in the way that they have? Are we saying, through the enormity of this coverage, that this apology (something that is really between him and his wife) is so noteworthy and newsworthy that it trumps anything else out there?<br />
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HELLO (media), get a clue. Start weighing what's really important. There is better material available for you out there if you look. Case in point, this fall, during a sophomore football game at Downers Grove South High School (in Illinois) where I teach, we had a young man, Dan Leach, break into the open field on a kick-off return purposefully stepping out of bounds at the 1 yard line. And that was with no one around to stop him from scoring. Now think about that for a moment. What could possibly be so compelling to a 15- or 16-year-old sophomore athlete that would "inspire" him to leave personal glory behind? Well, how about giving his coach, team, and one very, very special teammate the opportunity to score a touchdown. </div><br />
Danny Catalano, a student athlete with autism, a young man with limited playing time (only when the second and third strings were called upon), was about to get his chance. You see Danny is a very supportive individual, always giving positive feedback to his teammates, whether they did well or not. The kind of kid who patted you on the back as you walked off the field, one who was always there for his teammates when they needed him.<br />
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So in the face of individual glory, Dan Leach took it upon himself to place the interest of another above himself; how rare is that today (Tiger, you listening???). And with his family looking on in tearful amazement, Danny Catalano trotted onto the field to receive a well-earned gift from Dan and his teammates as he carried the ball across the goal line within the next two plays for a touchdown. (Complete story from Chicago Parent: <a href="http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/special-parent/spring-2010/football-team-rallies-for-teammate-with-autism">Football team rallies for teammate with autism</a> by Liz DeCarlo)<br />
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Maybe it's just me, but the Tiger Woods apology (and the aftermath of opinions that followed), the one that took up so much air time Friday, the 19th of February, (and the tale that has dominated all news venues for over a month), simply pales in comparison to the unselfish and inspirational story detailed above. Now that is truly a noteworthy and newsworthy story, yet, it's not all over newspapers and dominating the media like Tiger's apology, and the rest of his fiasco. <br />
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Aside from the Tiger Woods scandal, it is almost mind boggling to think about the amount of unethical behavior and poor character choices that have occurred by high level athletes just over the last ten or so years. Even a sophomore in high school knows how to set a better, more positive example for others to follow than do many of our professional athletes whose influence is much farther reaching, something the media itself and the support of endorsements help make possible for them.<br />
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Yes, a better more positive example for others, something sorely missing from many elite athletes today. So what gives, do we accept statements like Charles Barkleys that "they", as in elite/professional athletes, should not be expected to be anyone's role model, or is it something that should come with the territory - an unwritten rule that because of its long-term possible benefits should be accepted by all to whom it applies.<br />
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I suppose there are two very diverse perspectives on this issue that should be examined before one can decide on which side of the fence one stands.<br />
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First, because of the status and position that elite and professional athletes hold (or anyone else whose visibility can truly effect change and impact others), a status and position given to them by society as a whole, that they should feel a sense of obligation to set good examples for others through positive character choices and act accordingly. That what they do off the field of play has as much, if not more, to do with what they do on it regarding who they really are and what they represent to others. And because they do represent the pinnacle of achievement within the endeavors that they have chosen, that they understand, realize and accept the importance their role can play in the life of so many who look up to them. That they should look at this aspect of their position and status with honor and respect, just like the honor and respect that society gives them (whether right or wrong) through the fame and fortune they so readily accept. Basically, that with "athletic greatness," or any greatness for that matter, comes immense responsibility. <br />
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It is not that they must live by a higher <em>behavioral</em> standard than anyone else, (all should aspire to such), but that their status and position offers them an opportunity to benefit many that others don't have, thus, making all that they do more important and impactful.<br />
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From the opposite perspective, the status and position that these individuals hold should have no obligation or expectation of behavior whatsoever. That they are not and should not be looked at as role models for our youth, for anyone, nor should it be a part of their responsibility. That just because society places them on a pedestal, holding them in high regard, creates and provides enormous visibility to the world for them, and offers them great opportunity for fame and financial reward, that that does not obligate them to give anything back other than the entertainment value they give through what they do. The "playing of the game" is exactly what they are being paid to do; it should begin and end there. That their behavior off the field is irrelevant to anything they do on it, and when society puts the type of burden on them that we are speaking of here, it actually sets up inequities between them and others by forcing them to live by a higher standard than anyone else. Basically, that "athletic greatness" is just that, athletic greatness and nothing more.<br />
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It is not that they are using their celebrity status for benefits not offered to others and then copping out on contractual responsibilities, but that these so-called responsibilities are fabrications that should not exist at all.<br />
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No matter which of the above two positions you subscribe to, I am sure you can pick out the one that best fits the message laid out by Dan Leach, Danny Catalano, and the Downers Grove South sophomore football team at the beginning of this piece.<br />
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<script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-72331907223658850122010-02-15T17:12:00.003-06:002010-02-15T17:31:55.951-06:00Taking The "Im" Out of Impossible: A Matter of Connecting The "Dots"<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S3nUudCC4lI/AAAAAAAAAUc/RkKgP9DZ9RU/s1600-h/skater+MQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q3aEJOBvSxA/S3nUudCC4lI/AAAAAAAAAUc/RkKgP9DZ9RU/s200/skater+MQ.jpg" width="200" /></a>It is in giving several inspirational presentations to high school athletes, and programs, that I have had the distinct opportunity to truly reflect on what allows a select few athletes to achieve greatness through adversity. This “special” ingredient is something that most certainly comes from within, permitting a competitor or a team to reach beyond normal limitations. It is also a major focal point in my speaking engagements.</div><br />
All of us, at one time or another, have seen or heard of athletes who accomplish what looks from the outside to be impossible. You know, that unachievable goal that just can’t happen…….yet, these special athletes somehow find a way of “beating the odds.” Films like <em>Rudy</em>, <em>Miracle</em>, <em>Hoosiers</em>, <em>Remember The Titans</em> and others, all depict true stories of those who have not only taken on challenges like this but have succeeded in the process. They all found a way to <em><strong>beat the odds</strong></em>.<br />
<a name='more'></a>So the question then becomes, “What creates the opportunity to make the impossible, well, possible?” I mean, what is the difference between those who “do” and those who “don’t?” It is this question that I spend my time answering for the athletes, coaches, and parents who attend my presentations. <br />
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What it is that these select few <strong>all</strong> seem to have in common, what any athlete (or athletes) will need in order to accomplish something of this magnitude – to reach their potential, is a deep sense of determination and an unbending and unbreakable inner will. The kind of inner will and determination that brings with it an immeasurable amount of effort and commitment.<br />
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However, as I continue thinking more deeply about this idea of inner will and determination, and examine closely the stories I tell my audiences, I begin to wonder if this was all that is necessary in order to “beat the odds.” It was after a more thorough evaluation, most especially with my own personal story through adversity, where I came to the conclusion that there are other pieces needing attention.<br />
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You see, even with an inner will and determination at the level of which I describe above, one still needs to follow through by applying it to “something.” They need to “connect all the dots.” And these connected dots……..they center on the <em>when</em>, <em>how</em>, and <em>what</em> the athlete actually does during the process or practice phase of their training. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>WHEN</strong></div><br />
Whether high school athlete, college athlete, or beyond, all have a lot on their plates. There is school work and/or job responsibilities, friends, relationships (in addition to other social activities) that are not only a part of life but very important to the success and development of a well- rounded individual. And this is all aside from the training, and sometimes, extra training, an athlete must put in to accomplish “beating the odds.”<br />
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So how is it that these successful athletes are able to do all this and still accomplish what they want? Well, it is all in the perspective they take and how they set priorities. I mean, how important is it? If it ranks high in importance, then priorities tend to become more automatic and fall into place. My experience as a high school athlete taught me that.<br />
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Setting proper priorities is all about the “right” perspective; it is an important part of the learning process for any athlete accepting the challenge of achieving excellence through adversity. It is an integral part of overcoming obstacles.<br />
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Sure there will be sacrifices based on the choices the athlete must make, and some individuals may not always be in agreement with them. However, true friends, the ones they really can count on, will most certainly understand and be supportive in their endeavors.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>HOW</strong></div><br />
This can be a little troublesome to completely understand because it is so situationally dependent. It is very possible that an athlete may not be able to get their training needs met, based on the goals they have set, in the normal practice time allotted. They may actually need to do “more,” on their own, if they are going to truly “beat the odds.” If the coach, or program, does not make this part of an athlete’s practice plan, then the athlete will need to shoulder this responsibility themselves.<br />
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Inspiration is great, but without the “how,” there is no plan. This “how” centers on breaking down an athlete’s sport, position, and skills into their principal parts so that weaknesses and strengths (what they do well and what they need work on) can easily be identified.<br />
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From here a mental plan is developed that incorporates ways to take one’s strengths to the level of mastery and turn one’s weakness into strengths. This is no easy task; however, it is a key component of how one’s potential is reached, and how obstacles are surpassed. <br />
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It is in making the proper choices here that creates the opportunity to develop the “what” the athlete will actually be doing.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>WHAT</strong></div><br />
And herein lies the final key to success, the last dot or connection within the process. It is the final step from inspiration to completion of the task.<br />
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Once priorities are set and time is allotted, and one’s strengths and weakness are identified and a plan is in place, then specific goals and objectives are decided on and completed. These, what I call “mini-goals,” include all the skills and/or strategies specific to the sport the athlete participates in. <br />
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And athletes who are trying to “beat the odds,” the ones trying to accomplish the “impossible,” relentlessly and passionately pursue these “mini-goals” trying to execute them a little bit better each and every day. They are relentless in this pursuit, taking each piece of the puzzle and polishing it up to a level of excellence rarely seen.<br />
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It is in looking at their process of improvement, by seeing each little step up that hill as a major accomplishment (even though they may still be far from their ultimate potential) as being an essential piece to real success. Each step they take, and each increase in expectation, gets them a little bit closer, each and every day, to what they ultimately want to accomplish.<br />
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Going through the motions is simply not an option for these athletes. And they are not only effective in using this format to accomplish what they want but are also efficient in the process, not wasting time or losing focus on the task at hand.<br />
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Yes, an unbending and unbreakable inner will and deep sense of determination are essential ingredients for those athletes wanting to achieve the impossible. However, applying these inner characteristics to the <em>when</em>, <em>how</em>, and <em>what</em> pieces of the puzzle are indispensable parts necessary to complete the process for one who wants to truly <em>beat the odds</em>.<br />
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Originally a headline article on <i><b>ParentHOOD: Expert Advice for Sports Parents</b></i> at <a href="http://www.weplay.com/"><i>Weplay.com</i></a><br />
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</script>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-48184962286877068892010-02-07T16:27:00.001-06:002010-02-07T16:27:53.959-06:00Wide World of Sports - 1978 NCAA DI Still Rings National Championships<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/zJ8q2-BLCW8' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/zJ8q2-BLCW8'/></object></p><p>This is the actual program that was aired on ABC's Wide World of Sports back in 1978. You know, it just does not seem that long ago.</p></div>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957367828125461942.post-46537893137653499872010-02-07T16:21:00.001-06:002010-02-07T16:21:58.503-06:00Face Plant: Oops, Now Thats Gonna Leave A Mark<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/_hbKHgPIuwI' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/_hbKHgPIuwI'/></object></p><p>Ahh, I think the title says it all here. <br /><br />Man, I had a burn on my face for almost a week after that dismount. This occurred maybe a week or two before the National Championships in Eugene Oregon in 1978.</p></div>Kirk Mangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12863490115362995033noreply@blogger.com