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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-27-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

Coaches will tell you that they learn more about their team after a loss rather than a win.  While no one enjoys defeat, learning from your mistakes is what coaches want you to build from for future success. 

What do you learn about yourself and your team after a loss?  Are you able to put aside your emotions and evaluate your play?

Ask yourself these questions:   Was I ready to play?  Did I follow through on the game plan?  Did I make excuses when I failed?  Do I know where I can improve and do better? 

Very few teams go undefeated.  Losses are not fun to accept, but they happen.  How you react in practices and games that follow will determine how committed you are to improvement and overcoming past mistakes.

All teams go through tough times.  It is the teams that continue to learn from their mistakes and miscues that will be playing the best at the end of the season!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-20-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

High school athletes can get discouraged for a variety of reasons.  They may be undersized, lacking in speed, or not fully developed physically.  

Never give up because of one of these deficiencies.  Most high school athletes are not fully developed and can change significantly while in high school and/or college.

In a recent article by Dr. Bob Rotella, he mentioned that three of the greatest athletes of this modern era--Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, and Tom Brady-- only one was destined to be dominant in his sport at an early age.  That was Tiger.  Jordan started developing his junior year in high school and Brady was a good high school athlete with few scholarship offers, and got little field time his first two years in college.

Keep working hard as your mind and body continue to develop during your high school years.  You may not be where you want to be today (very few high school athletes are), but don't give up on where you want to end up tomorrow!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-13-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

This past weekend, our nation remembered the great loss our country suffered at the hands of a terrorist attack.  It occurred 20 years ago, before high school students today were born.

Our nation stopped for days--no airline flights, no professional sports, no college or high school games.  It was a somber and fearful time.

But the result of our shared loss as a country afterward was a time of unity and hope for the future.  There was no division based on our differences, but instead a common goal to work together.  Our country was stronger in a new way as a result.

As you face challenges as a student-athlete in the classroom or the playing field, it is important to find unity with those around you.  To achieve our greatest goals, whether in life or in sports, we must put aside our differences and realize we are stronger facing those challenges together.

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-6-21)

"Promoting Educated Based Athletics in Indiana"

You may have recently watched the new NFL Hall of Fame Inductees acceptance speeches in Canton, OH.  While Peyton Manning may have been the biggest draw, I was inspired by the words of Calvin Johnson.  

Johnson was a great wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and said, during his acceptance speech, that his best advice came from his former wide receivers coach.  

"Stay ready so you don't have to get ready."

If you stop and think about this simple quote, it can be useful to you in all walks of life, but especially as a student-athlete.  

The way to stay ready is to be prepared for anything a teacher or coach may throw your way.  Hopefully you are up for that challenge as another school year gets underway!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (5-31-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

Every year I encourage student-athletes to work their hardest in the summer and off-season.  That is when you can truly work on fundamentals and skills that will make you better for the next school year.  

The following quote sums up what the summer should be about if you are striving for growth and improvement (Dale Carnegie).  "Inaction breeds doubt and fear.  Action breeds confidence and courage.  If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it.  Go out and get busy."

Now is the time to make the commitment and plan of action.  Why not chart your progress?  Don't just talk about getting better, put in the time and effort to make this summer special. 

Athletes are made in the summer!

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