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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-30-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

Not every athlete on every team gets along well with each other. It's just human nature. However, as long as they get along in practice and games it usually doesn't cause a major issue when it comes to the team's success.

But when your best player (or players) are not good leaders and care more about themselves than the team, issues can and will happen.

Former baseball great Alex Rodriguez said it best when others accused him of being phony early in his career, which he was at the time, and admitted so to Sports Illustrated.

"I had it backwards. I tried to say the right things, instead if doing the right things. I didn't realize that it actually does matter."

If you are one of the best players on your team and receive much of the publicity for the team's success, how are you looked at by others? Do your teammates respect you? Do you treat them and your coaches with respect or do you demean them?

If your team depends on you for an outstanding performance game in and game out, let  your teammates know by your actions and words every day that you are there for them and they can count on you!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-23-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

Being a backup or substitute player is one of the most difficult and challenging positions that any athlete can face. When you enter the game, the coach still expects the same results as a starter. Preparing yourself to come off the bench is a true challenge both mentally and physically.

That being said, it's still a great opportunity for those who aren't starters. My guess is that you can look at the different sports at your high school through the first four or five weeks of competition this fall and see where a player that started the season as a backup is now the starter and contributing to the team's success.

This past weekend USC upset Utah ( a top 10 team) in college football with a third string quarterback coming off the bench and leading the Trojans to a surprising victory. His coach complimented his player (Matt Fink) for remaining patient but prepared. And when his number was called he made the most of his opportunity.

So if you find yourself being in a backup role, there is no time for complaining and sulking. Instead, practice and train every day like your opportunity will come, and when it does (and it will) be sure to make the most of it!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-16-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

Former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams played in the league for over ten years, but his career was cut short because of bad decision making. In fact, in 2010 Williams pled guilty to assault in the accidental shooting death of a limousine driver and served a 27 month prison sentence.

Williams appeared this week on a television talk show, where it was evident that he was sorry for his past and was focusing on the present. He even offered up some great advice for young people, whether you are an athlete or not.

Two things caught my attention. He stated that "bad company can corrupt good company" and then stated if "you show me your friends, I will show you your future."

While Williams refused to blame his substance abuse and issues on others, he did come to the realization that he should have chosen better friends and role models throughout his high school and college days.

Are you in bad company? Are you making your own choices or going along with the crowd? Doing the right thing should always be first on your mind. Doing the wrong thing can lead you down a path of destruction!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-9-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

 "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."  I know, it sounds a little corny, but I had a former coach who said that to me a thousand times through my high school years.

In looking back, it did me a lot more good than I realized.  It has stuck with me, it has influenced me in a variety of ways, and when my back is up against the wall it still inspires me to keep going and do my best.

It's rewarding when we are fortunate enough to have teachers, coaches, and administrators who have a lasting effect on us. Who in your school has had that influence on you? 

We play sports for a variety of reasons, but in the end it's the growth we make individually that really counts. Seek out those individuals who challenge you to work harder and smarter to push you to reach your full potential. Every day is a new day for that goal. Learn from the past and look toward your future goals!

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 IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-3-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

The recent retirement of Colts quarterback Andrew Luck caught the entire football world off guard. There is much speculation for the reason, but Andrew cited current and past injuries as the main reason. It's never easy for any athlete to walk away from their sport, and especially at the professional level where so much money can be left on the table.

Most people have supported Luck with his decision, but there will always be naysayers who want to make this more about them and tweet negative comments and opinions. Regardless, Luck came to the conclusion that now was the time for him.

There comes a moment in every athlete's career when it's time to step away from the sport they have played. The reasons can range from injury, lack of ability, or loss of desire. When the time comes for you to make that difficult decision, I hope it's because you have come to that conclusion on your own and for all the right reasons. 

In the meantime, cherish those moments you have now with your teammates and coaches. Have fun every day and enjoy the comaraderie.  These days are never guaranteed!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports