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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-25-22)

"Promotion Education-Based Athletics in Indiana"

As a student-athlete, you are always facing tough teams and individuals who are hard to beat.  The good thing about sports is that you usually get a second chance somewhere down the road.

Sometimes there are no second chances with automobiles and car wrecks. Once you get behind the wheel, your attention must be on the road and the other vehicles around you.  It is easy to be distracted by others in your car, your phone, music or any number of things.

Driving is one of the most important responsibilities you have.  The laws regarding speeding, drinking and driving are there to protect you and your passengers and others on the road.  

Unfortunately, around the end of the school year, we often hear of a tragedy involving high school students and car wrecks. So many of them can be avoided with common sense and concentration.

Do your best to protect yourself and those who ride with you! Be a responsible driver!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-19-22)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

This past week, the long-time Lawrence North boys basketball coach announced his retirement.  Jack Keefer coached for 50 years and was the only varsity coach since the school opened.

While Jack won numerous state and conference championships, it was an article in the Indy Star that caught my attention about his philosophy and how he led his student-athletes throughout his career that moved me.

On a white board, Coach Keefer had posted "10 Thing That Require Zero Talent."  While the article didn't list all 10, "Being On Time", "Work Ethic," and "Body Language" were 3 that were listed.

All three of these could easily apply to all sports.  As you plan and prepare during your off-season, think of one or two things that require zero talent that could pertain to you and your sport and follow through with your commitment!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-11-22)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

This past week, PGA great Tiger Woods participated in the Masters Tournament, 14 months after a horrific auto accident.  His right leg injury was so severe that he was told he might not walk again, let alone play golf on the tour.

His rehabilitation to return to competitive golf had to be one of the most strenuous of all times in any sport.  Tiger stated this past weekend his thoughts about being able to return to the sport he loves.

"Never give up.  I fight each and every day.  Each and every day presents its own different challenges for all of us.  I wake up (each day) and start the fight all over again."

You may have to fight through an injury some time in your career.  It takes determination and dedication in order to give yourself the best chance to heal.  Like Tiger, take one day at a time and keep fighting!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-4-22)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

Most high school student-athletes strive for perfection in the classroom and on the field of play.  An anonymous quote I read puts things in perspective, especially if you feel you are coming up short of your expectations.

"It's a funny thing about life, but once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things you lack."

Are you grateful for the skills and abilities you have developed for your sport?  All athletes (your opponents and teammates) have some form of deficiencies and weaknesses.  No one ever plays the perfect game or goes through a contest without making some mistakes.

Be grateful for the things you do well!  Build on your abilities, work hard and enjoy your successes!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-28-22)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

St Peter's University might not win the NCAA tournament this year, but they won the hearts of fans following their games with their upsets the past two weeks.

The Peacocks are from a small school with lightly recruited players, no NBA talent, but a group of young men who believe in themselves and their coach.

They have fans everywhere wondering how this team could play without intimidation and beat some of the country's best talents.  One of St Peter's players responded, "We have a chip on our shoulder.  We have one mentality: whoever we are playing if they put their shoes on and put a jersey on, we do the same thing.  The names on jerseys don't matter."

Regardless of your sport, when you face an uphill battle, a team, or an individual that others perceive as much better than you, know that there are sports stories like St Peters--who prevailed.  They didn't see superstars or soon-to-be NBA players as their opponents, they saw basketball players like themselves with a different jersey.

Don't go into a competition defeated or thinking you can't win before the contest ever starts!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports