What It Takes...

Writing a sports column can be very interesting to say the least. There are those times when the topic and story just flows so easy. There are other times when it’s a grind. But whatever it is, I try to put it all together and come up with something that is enjoyable to read.

I hear from a lot of people who are very kind and tell me how much they enjoy reading this column. I know that most people want to read about stuff that they can relate to but that is not always going to get more than three or four paragraphs. For some reason that just doesn’t seem to be enough and if was a school assignment I would receive an incomplete.

Anyway, I do appreciate those kind comments about this column. Someday I’ll know exactly how to just say thank you and leave it at that.

Since it is summer and we are in between school years many of us are looking forward to football season because we really like football. For those youngsters in high school who are lifting weights and have a good understanding of what it takes to be a better athlete those early morning weight sessions are character builders. Not easy, but very valuable.

I’ve seen a lot of athletes as a player and a coach who are really good. There are a few who are naturally good and may not think they have to put in that solid effort every day. There are others who have figured out that they need to give everything they’ve got in order to make the improvements that get the attention of the coaching staff, which will lead to more playing time.

But when the best athlete on the team works the hardest it usually exemplifies leadership. There is such a short window in the amount of time that all athletes have before their playing days become fond memories. Unfortunately, a lot of people haven’t figured that out and by the time they have it is way too late to return to the scenes of their glory.

I’ve seen so many people leave for college or the work force along with their baby fat and shed it for some serious muscle. It doesn’t matter that the coaches told them that they could have done that in their junior year of high school they sometimes have other things influencing them, which they think is more important.

Great players are built in the off-season but each player needs to understand that fact. Unfortunately, the motivation may not begin until a week or so before the season starts. When that happens, they usually find out how far behind they are to those who have been working out and getting in shape. You can lead a horse to water but it doesn’t mean they’ll take a drink. You can also lead an athlete to the weight room but it doesn’t mean they’ll push themselves to get stronger.

Coaches know what it takes to be a great team. That recipe is a time commitment to improve as an athlete and a teammate. When these athletes figure that out it usually leads to victories, which is a lot more fun than the alternative. Hopefully, the leaders on our favorite teams will flex their muscles and lead by example. Because that is what good leaders do.