Dr. Larry Lauer of Michigan State and Detroit Police Officer Marcus Norwood discuss Detroit PAL’s mentoring and coaching programs to better the lives of Detroit’s youth. Lecture was created for Wingate University.
Sports Participation Trophies: A New Perspective by Brad Jubin of APIVEO
8 Mar
Youth sport participation trophies should have meaning, not be handed out mindlessly by adults. Picture from Jubin of APIVEO
It is tradition for youth sport programs to give participation trophies at the end of the season for, well, participating. Unfortunately, what does participating really mean? In this post Brad Jubin, youth sport coach from Atlanta and co-founder of APIVEO, explains the issues with mindlessly handing out trophies. Continue reading
Grit, Determination are Rewarded: Voracek Scores after Crushed on Wall
21 FebFlyers Voracek Hat Trick Game Winner Versus Penguins, NHL.com
The Philadelphia Flyers led 4-2, 5-3 and allowed the lead to slip by giving the Pittsburgh Penguins three straight 5-on-3 power plays. Pittsburgh eventually tied the game late. However, the resilience that defined the 2010 Flyers came to life.
Jakob Voracek played a great game and delivered the game winning goal after being crushed on the wall. This video is a testament to doing the right things. If you play with grit, determination, perseverance you eventually will be rewarded.
Link
Keep Wrestling in the Olympics
13 Feb
Picture courtesy of MHSAA and 20-20 photo
Keep Wrestling in the Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has put the sport of wrestling on the chopping block for the 2020 Olympic Games. While wrestling will still be considered along with other sports trying to get in or get back in the Olympics (i.e., softball), there is no doubt that for an original Olympic sport dating back to Ancient Greece this is a huge blow.
This decision comes at a time where wrestling has been on the decline in the United States relative to Division 1 Men’s programs, but is actually quiet healthy in other collegiate programs, in high school, and even growing in popularity with female athletes. What effect not having wrestling in Olympics would have on the growth of wrestling in our country I cannot predict. However, it certainly would not be positive.
To their credit USA Wrestling has tried to take a positive stance to the issue. Instead of blasting the IOC in quick retaliation, USA Wrestling has set up a Keep Wrestling in the Olympics page, a facebook page to support the cause, and talking points for discussing the issue. Continue reading
Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII with Aggression and Resilience
4 FebThe Baltimore Ravens victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII was a testament to aggression and resilience.
If Super Bowl XLVII was played 10 times the Ravens may win five, and the 49ers five. But, it is only played once and the small things play a large role in the outcome. With all of the distractions of a Lewis scandal and surprises of the Superdome power outage in the third quarter, the Ravens continued to find a way to win. Coach John Harbaugh of Baltimore summed it up well during the post game celebration.
“How could it be any other way? It’s never pretty. It’s never perfect. But it is us.”
The Ravens put on an exhibition of passion and team that is a good reminder to us all. Furthermore, and probably the difference in this game and the season, Baltimore displayed aggression and resilience. These were the keys to their victory over a tremendous San Francisco squad.
The more I watch these championship games the more important aggression and resilience under pressure become. Baltimore’s defense was being pushed around by the explosive 49ers offensive attack in the second half. However, the Ravens defense kept attacking. Sometimes it cost them, but when the 49ers needed to make a two-point conversion the Ravens blitzed and forced an errant Kaepernick throw. And, with San Francisco driving with ease to win the game the Ravens legendary defense made a legendary stand at the five-yard line. How? By being aggressive. The Ravens blitzed and Kaepernick’s fourth-down throw went over the head of wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Holding on the play? Maybe. But, as the Ravens always do they fell back on their values and played it aggressive in the big moment. Ultimately, this aggression led them to the second Super Bowl in team history. Continue reading
Learn to Beat Your Opponent with the Mental Game like Ray Lewis
31 JanRay Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens Imposes His Will on His Team to Play with Passion
Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens will play his last game Sunday. Can you imagine how much passion he will bring to the Super Bowl? What kind of pregame speech he will give? Wow! I would love to be in the Ravens’ locker room on Sunday.
Lewis has a huge motivational influence on his team. He wills them to be their best every Sunday. This passion has helped lead Baltimore to victories in Denver and New England with only San Francisco in the way of a storybook ending to Lewis’ career.
There is no doubt that Lewis has a profound psychological effect on his team. Have you wondered how Lewis’ non-stop intensity affects his opponent? I believe Lewis helps his team win the mental game and negatively influences his opposition by constantly bringing the energy, intensity, and the confidence.
Winning the mental game is an often discussed topic. When I present to teams, groups of athletes at camps, coaches, and sometimes parents I will talk about the mindset, the training, and the skills great athletes use to win the mental game. But, for some in the audience that does not necessarily answer the question of “How do I beat my opponent with the mental game?” Continue reading
The NHL is Back
15 JanThe NHL is back on Saturday and the league is trying to tap in to the true passion that hockey fans have for the sport. It will be interesting to see the reaction of the fans when players take the ice for the first time in 7 months. Will residual frustration and anger from the lockout reveal its self? Or will the fans jump all the way back in? The shortened 48-game season is going to be a thrill ride for sure. There will not be time for slumps or taking games off. If you are a hockey fan, and may be you were turned off by the lockout, you will not want to miss the passion that will be on display in this intense, shortened season. I am excited that we have labor peace and it is time for hockey.
