WHO DO YOU HOLD UP AS HEROES TO YOUR PLAYERS?

As a coach, I hope this question inspires you to think and grow.  Part of our lessons to our student athletes this season is to give our kids examples of people of integrity whom they can model.  Some of these people are international heroes, and some are local. I have chosen them to give our kids hope and a vision what they are capable of.  What each of these men have in common is each will be mad that I have labeled them as heroes. Too bad, as this is my article.

• GARY HAUGEN

Gary is a local man from Sacramento and a Rio Americano graduate (he played linebacker for Harvard and got his law degree) who risks his life freeing kids from being sex slaves in 3rd world countries around the world.  He is a man who, despite his world travels, came to speak to our kids at a Playmakers dinner, inspiring them to achieve great things in their life.  I am proud and blessed to call him my friend

• DAVID HUMM

David still holds records as a quarterback and All American at the University of Nebraska.  That is the least of what David Humm is all about.  You can read about David by reading an article written by Donna Miesbach called But Life Is Good… Just go to her web site, www.donnamiesbach.com, and click on the Gleanings link. The article is in the archives and is more than worth the read.

• LORENZO WALSH

Lorenzo is a youth football coach in Oak Park, California.  Lorenzo and his wife, Dee Dee, have created a youth football program in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Sacramento.  They have provided mentoring, food, and shelter for forgotten kids who depend on them for the basics of survival.

• JOE BODNER

Joe left a successful career in finance to teach 2nd grade to kids in one of the toughest and poorest areas in Sacramento.  Joe has the heart of a giant who works daily with kids who have little to nothing.  Joe, like all the men I have mentioned, are champions for lost kids and underdogs.  Our books, Raising Your Teenage Athlete, A Playbook for Moms, and Coaching for a Bigger Win, A Playbook for Coaches, speaks of men like these, and many more.

WE NEED REAL HEROES

In our technological age today, our kids are bombarded with images and stories like:

• Will Michael Vick be reinstated
• Will T.O. be happy in Dallas
• Did Manny “tank it” in Boston to get traded
• How many bodyguards will keep “Pacman” out of jail

I just want to tell our kids about men like the ones I have mentioned to you.  These are men who can be counted on to build youth to lead and serve.  Send me some information on REAL HEROES that you know, and we will use them as examples throughout the year and at our football camps this summer.

Our books, Raising Your Teenage Athlete, A Playbook for Moms, and Coaching for the Bigger Win, A Playbook for Coaches, explain in detail how you can transform your program into one of lasting value.