I’ve spent a lot of time the last few months speaking to kids in several area middle schools.
It’s been pretty cool meeting some incredible children. At the same time, it’s definitely been a ye-opening experience.
You have to realize that I have been speaking to students for many years. I always try to relate my personal experiences along with tying it back to their always going after their dreams but at the same time having a back up plan.
Every time I speak to a class, there always seems to be a few kids who’s only plan is becoming a pro athlete. While that is ad admirable dream it also is a dream with very long odds.
Statistics show that in 2004 only 1 our of every 1200 kids who played a varsity sport in high school would ever go to college on an athletic scholarship.
OF those, statistics showed that only 1 of 662 regardless of sport would sign a professional contract.
There was new information just received from the NCAA on football players.
3,000 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players eligible for pro football in
2004. Of those, 252 were drafted into the NFL. Of those drafted, about 60
made NFL rosters. Beyond that, only a quarter of the first-year players played3.3 seasons, the average length of an NFL career.
Let’s put that in perspective, only ½ of a percent of players at the 1A level (Clemson and South Carolina) made an NFL roster. Of those only 1 in 4 will survive to play 3.3 seasons.
Now, take the story of Myron Rolle. The Florida State safety will study at Oxford instead of entering this year's NFL draft.
Rolle won a Rhodes scholarship in November and plans to seek a one-year master's degree in medical anthropology, The New York Times reported Monday in an entry on its college football blog.
Rolle, projected to be an early round pick, said he plans to enter the 2010 NFL draft.
A native of Galloway, N.J., Rolle got his undergraduate degree in pre-med after two and a half years, and has been taking graduate courses at Florida State this year.
After his NFL career, Rolle has said he plans to attend medical school and then open a clinic for the needy in the Bahamas.
Rolle made waves this season when he risked missing one of Florida State's conference games to have his final interview for the Rhodes Scholarship. Rolle had the interview in Birmingham, Ala., then found out he got the scholarship. The safety then received a police escort and took a private plane back to the stadium for the Seminoles' game against Maryland. He entered the game in the second quarter, as Florida State rolled to a 37-3 win.
My point to every parent, grand parent, aunt and uncle as well as student is that while it is perfectly fine to aspire to be a professional athlete, just like the NCAA commercials say…just about all of them go on to the pros in something OTHER than sports!
The one thing a kid should never do is get to a point in their lives that they say, “if only I had…” and regret their choices.
It’s a brand new year, and the last thing I always tell kids is you have absolutely no control over what happened in the past but you have ABSOLUTE control over this moment forward.
Don’t let the opportunity at bettering yourself slip away.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
2009, when things REALLY CHANGE!
The New Year is only a week old, but we’re already off to some wild changes!
No, I am not talking about our soon to be president. That in itself is a huge change but the sports landscape is changing rapidly.
In the first week of January we have already seen:
1. Boston College fires their football coach for interviewing for the vacant head coaching position with the New York jets.
2. Bobby Bentley resigns at Presbyterian College to go back to Spartanburg District 5.
3. John Smoltz apparently agree to terms with the BOSTON RED SOX!
That last one has my head spinning! Smoltz, who has spent his entire 21-year career with the Braves apparently has come to terms on a one year, $5.5 million guaranteed contract that could pay him an additional $5 million in incentives.
While I am keenly aware that Smoltz is 41 and coming off a major shoulder surgery to me, there comes with 21 years of service with one organization a certain amount of loyalty to the same employee.
Smoltz on more than one occasion turned down significantly more money to resign with the Braves.
The Braves have had a less than stellar off-season so far. They failed to come to terms on a trade for Jake Peavy, the ace of the San Diego Padres. They then identified A.J. Burnett as their fall back target and lost out to the Yankees for him.
They still have not acquired that power hitting corner outfielder they publicly stated was a priority and now, will have to deal with the fall-out from no signing Smoltz.
Let’s be clear, signing Smoltz baseball wise is a risk. NOT signing Smoltz is a BUSINESS disaster! Sources say that less than $3 million was the amount that Smoltz and the Braves were apart.
Smoltz has been the face of the franchise, their best pitcher in the post season, EVER and a main stay in working in the community.
Not signing Smoltz sends the wrong message to the fans. IT is a typical example f short term gain is long term foolish.
The powers at be with the Braves evidently got caught up in saving some money now but will see the consequences for their decision for years to come.
Fans make emotional investments in their teams regardless of sports. Fans get crushed when their players leave for another franchise and more often than not blame the player.
This time, the fans can squarely level their fury in the direction of the Braves.
Smoltz gave 21 years of service to the Braves and that should have earned him the right to get a fair market offer.
This should be a good lesson for everyone that the body of a persons work should far and away mean more than one event you’re trying to work through in the present.
Again, short-term gain will be long term foolish!
There's a petition out calling for Frank Wren's firing:
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/petition-sign.cgi?FireWren
We’re only a week into the new year, if it’s been this hectic to start, buckle up cause the rest of the year should be very, very interesting!
No, I am not talking about our soon to be president. That in itself is a huge change but the sports landscape is changing rapidly.
In the first week of January we have already seen:
1. Boston College fires their football coach for interviewing for the vacant head coaching position with the New York jets.
2. Bobby Bentley resigns at Presbyterian College to go back to Spartanburg District 5.
3. John Smoltz apparently agree to terms with the BOSTON RED SOX!
That last one has my head spinning! Smoltz, who has spent his entire 21-year career with the Braves apparently has come to terms on a one year, $5.5 million guaranteed contract that could pay him an additional $5 million in incentives.
While I am keenly aware that Smoltz is 41 and coming off a major shoulder surgery to me, there comes with 21 years of service with one organization a certain amount of loyalty to the same employee.
Smoltz on more than one occasion turned down significantly more money to resign with the Braves.
The Braves have had a less than stellar off-season so far. They failed to come to terms on a trade for Jake Peavy, the ace of the San Diego Padres. They then identified A.J. Burnett as their fall back target and lost out to the Yankees for him.
They still have not acquired that power hitting corner outfielder they publicly stated was a priority and now, will have to deal with the fall-out from no signing Smoltz.
Let’s be clear, signing Smoltz baseball wise is a risk. NOT signing Smoltz is a BUSINESS disaster! Sources say that less than $3 million was the amount that Smoltz and the Braves were apart.
Smoltz has been the face of the franchise, their best pitcher in the post season, EVER and a main stay in working in the community.
Not signing Smoltz sends the wrong message to the fans. IT is a typical example f short term gain is long term foolish.
The powers at be with the Braves evidently got caught up in saving some money now but will see the consequences for their decision for years to come.
Fans make emotional investments in their teams regardless of sports. Fans get crushed when their players leave for another franchise and more often than not blame the player.
This time, the fans can squarely level their fury in the direction of the Braves.
Smoltz gave 21 years of service to the Braves and that should have earned him the right to get a fair market offer.
This should be a good lesson for everyone that the body of a persons work should far and away mean more than one event you’re trying to work through in the present.
Again, short-term gain will be long term foolish!
There's a petition out calling for Frank Wren's firing:
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/petition-sign.cgi?FireWren
We’re only a week into the new year, if it’s been this hectic to start, buckle up cause the rest of the year should be very, very interesting!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
I’m still living!!!!!
I know some of you have checked in to see the blog has gone neglected here the last few weeks!
It’s definitely been a wild and crazy last few weeks. Between trekking all over the country with the PC basketball teams, as well as working my cheerleading obligations it definitely has been an interesting few weeks!
Why, I’ve learned several things!!!!! One, whenever you walk from the check-in counter at the Atlanta airport to where you THINK you’re catching the underground tram to your fate, which is on the entirely other end of the airport and the train is out of order…..NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!
A literal mile walk alter I get to the gate at 4:45AM. I then get to Charlotte, to catch my connection to Greensboro. Again, when you have to walk from one end of the Charlotte airport to the other end to catch a plane…NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!
When you get to the gate…only to see a plane with PROPELLERS ON IT!!!!!!! NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!
When you get on said plane, and the captain walks in AFTER you and is multi-tasking as the flight attendant…NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!!!!!!
I also learned, just this past weekend that it takes over 8 hours to bus, from Detroit to Milwaukee, in the FOG!!!!! That was the part of the trip that was supposed to be the PC men’s team’s connection from Charlotte to play Marquette in Milwaukee but our flight was cancelled due to the fog.
At the same time, there’s a ton to be thankful for this holiday season. I still have all my hair (sorry Manley and Stephon!!!!) have a wonderful family and am able to work with and around some great people at PC as well as with All-Star Challenge cheerleading.
Oh, if you’re a music buff, check out Toby Mac’s Alive & Transported CD, awesome live stuff!
Anyway, that’s my rant, what’s yours??????
It’s definitely been a wild and crazy last few weeks. Between trekking all over the country with the PC basketball teams, as well as working my cheerleading obligations it definitely has been an interesting few weeks!
Why, I’ve learned several things!!!!! One, whenever you walk from the check-in counter at the Atlanta airport to where you THINK you’re catching the underground tram to your fate, which is on the entirely other end of the airport and the train is out of order…..NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!
A literal mile walk alter I get to the gate at 4:45AM. I then get to Charlotte, to catch my connection to Greensboro. Again, when you have to walk from one end of the Charlotte airport to the other end to catch a plane…NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!
When you get to the gate…only to see a plane with PROPELLERS ON IT!!!!!!! NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!
When you get on said plane, and the captain walks in AFTER you and is multi-tasking as the flight attendant…NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!!!!!!
I also learned, just this past weekend that it takes over 8 hours to bus, from Detroit to Milwaukee, in the FOG!!!!! That was the part of the trip that was supposed to be the PC men’s team’s connection from Charlotte to play Marquette in Milwaukee but our flight was cancelled due to the fog.
At the same time, there’s a ton to be thankful for this holiday season. I still have all my hair (sorry Manley and Stephon!!!!) have a wonderful family and am able to work with and around some great people at PC as well as with All-Star Challenge cheerleading.
Oh, if you’re a music buff, check out Toby Mac’s Alive & Transported CD, awesome live stuff!
Anyway, that’s my rant, what’s yours??????
Sunday, December 7, 2008
On the fast track!
It’s been a wild and crazy last few weeks. The Laurens Raiders completed their best season in football since the 1991 State Championship season when they completed the 2008 season 11-3.
There is a laundry list of positives that Raider Fans may take away from this season.
Greg Lawson has gotten the foundation built on what appears to be a long and prosperous resurgence of Raider football.
This season saw a Raider player selected to the Shrine Bowl, two garner North/South recognition and six players filled seven slots on the All-Region team.
Add to that, that a Raider was named the Laurens County TD Club player of the year and indeed this season was special.
Even more special are the prospects for the future. The depth that was built this season will prove to be vital in the coming seasons.
When you look on both sides of the ball there is a lot of experience coming back. The offensive line will return four players who at one time or another started this season.
The skill positions will see both starting running backs return while several key players from a JV squad that finished 9-1 will join Zak O’Bryant at wide receiver.
The defense returns a defensive line manned by three players who started multiple games.
The same is true at linebacker, anchored by Hunter Smith. While the secondary will miss the names, Cromer, Cain, and Cunningham, Coach Hawk was wise and planned for the future rotating several underclassmen in throughout the season.
Ruben Perez returns to anchor the kicking chores. The big question mark will be the quarterback position, or will it?
Don’t get me wrong, Logan Hall’s absence will surely be felt, but with Kevin Johnson and B.J. Moses along with Allen Staton hitting the weight room and having a full spring practice and a summer to battle I think the Raiders will see one of the three rise to the top to grab the job.
There are a lot of decisions to be made for sure, but one thing is certain, these Raiders are definitely moving forward in the right direction.
And a HUGE shout-out to the fans that made the Raiders run through the playoffs so special.
The noise in the stands was tremendous and the text messages and emails we received during the games were something to behold.
I hope you are as excited as I am on what the future holds for Laurens Raider football.
To the players, I issue you this challenge…work twice as hard THIS off-season as you did the last because you won’t be able to sneak up on anyone.
To take the next step, it will require sacrifice, dedication and a ton of hard work.
I look forward to watching every single play.
There is a laundry list of positives that Raider Fans may take away from this season.
Greg Lawson has gotten the foundation built on what appears to be a long and prosperous resurgence of Raider football.
This season saw a Raider player selected to the Shrine Bowl, two garner North/South recognition and six players filled seven slots on the All-Region team.
Add to that, that a Raider was named the Laurens County TD Club player of the year and indeed this season was special.
Even more special are the prospects for the future. The depth that was built this season will prove to be vital in the coming seasons.
When you look on both sides of the ball there is a lot of experience coming back. The offensive line will return four players who at one time or another started this season.
The skill positions will see both starting running backs return while several key players from a JV squad that finished 9-1 will join Zak O’Bryant at wide receiver.
The defense returns a defensive line manned by three players who started multiple games.
The same is true at linebacker, anchored by Hunter Smith. While the secondary will miss the names, Cromer, Cain, and Cunningham, Coach Hawk was wise and planned for the future rotating several underclassmen in throughout the season.
Ruben Perez returns to anchor the kicking chores. The big question mark will be the quarterback position, or will it?
Don’t get me wrong, Logan Hall’s absence will surely be felt, but with Kevin Johnson and B.J. Moses along with Allen Staton hitting the weight room and having a full spring practice and a summer to battle I think the Raiders will see one of the three rise to the top to grab the job.
There are a lot of decisions to be made for sure, but one thing is certain, these Raiders are definitely moving forward in the right direction.
And a HUGE shout-out to the fans that made the Raiders run through the playoffs so special.
The noise in the stands was tremendous and the text messages and emails we received during the games were something to behold.
I hope you are as excited as I am on what the future holds for Laurens Raider football.
To the players, I issue you this challenge…work twice as hard THIS off-season as you did the last because you won’t be able to sneak up on anyone.
To take the next step, it will require sacrifice, dedication and a ton of hard work.
I look forward to watching every single play.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
WHAT A WILD RIDE!!!!!
Greetings from Bitterly cold Cincinnati, Ohio where I am winding up the two-day Queen of the Nile Cheerleading Competition presented by All Star Challenge.
It’s has been a wild a crazy week. Hats off to Coach Greg Lawson and the Laurens Raiders. I had the pleasure of traveling down with the team Friday morning.
Anyone who doesn’t think they have an affect on this team is very much mistaken.
The reaction of these players when they rode through the parking lots at LDHS and then through Laurens Middle and E.B. Morse and Ford Elementary Schools was one I will remember for some time.
Even when we had a problem with a tire on the way down, the kids did not let any of the outside circumstances get to them.
Let me also give a shout out to the 800 + people who made the trip down to Conway to cheer on these kids.
On a cold, windy night you were truly that 12th man that Coach Lawson talks about being a difference maker.
They’ll be counting on you this Friday when we travel to South Pointe.
Another big thank you to Rhett Harris and Mark Freeze for doing a great job on the PC/Georgia men’s game. And while I’m at it another round of thanks to Wyatt Mattison, Jim Iacuone and Brandon our technical advisor from PRTC for helping us pull off broadcasting two games at the same time Friday night.
We didn’t want either group of fans to miss out on the chance to listen to those important games.
And another thanks to Wayne McIntosh and Bill Boroff for getting me back Friday night in one piece. It was a little easier getting on the road t the airport Saturday at 4:30 since they were driving back from Conway,
We’ll have a similar set-up this Friday when Laurens travels to South Pointe and PC makes the trip to Clemson.
Make sure you check out the new picture gallery we posted from Friday’s Laurens win at Conway and I’ll talk with you folks when I get back too much warmer (I hope) locale of Laurens County tomorrow!
It’s has been a wild a crazy week. Hats off to Coach Greg Lawson and the Laurens Raiders. I had the pleasure of traveling down with the team Friday morning.
Anyone who doesn’t think they have an affect on this team is very much mistaken.
The reaction of these players when they rode through the parking lots at LDHS and then through Laurens Middle and E.B. Morse and Ford Elementary Schools was one I will remember for some time.
Even when we had a problem with a tire on the way down, the kids did not let any of the outside circumstances get to them.
Let me also give a shout out to the 800 + people who made the trip down to Conway to cheer on these kids.
On a cold, windy night you were truly that 12th man that Coach Lawson talks about being a difference maker.
They’ll be counting on you this Friday when we travel to South Pointe.
Another big thank you to Rhett Harris and Mark Freeze for doing a great job on the PC/Georgia men’s game. And while I’m at it another round of thanks to Wyatt Mattison, Jim Iacuone and Brandon our technical advisor from PRTC for helping us pull off broadcasting two games at the same time Friday night.
We didn’t want either group of fans to miss out on the chance to listen to those important games.
And another thanks to Wayne McIntosh and Bill Boroff for getting me back Friday night in one piece. It was a little easier getting on the road t the airport Saturday at 4:30 since they were driving back from Conway,
We’ll have a similar set-up this Friday when Laurens travels to South Pointe and PC makes the trip to Clemson.
Make sure you check out the new picture gallery we posted from Friday’s Laurens win at Conway and I’ll talk with you folks when I get back too much warmer (I hope) locale of Laurens County tomorrow!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
LONG WEEKEND!
Greetings from Durham, NC! Site of the 2K Sports Classic to benefit Coaches versus Cancer.
After working the Laurens at Greenwood game, Jim Iacuone, Walt Gary and I piled into the van and made the trek to Charleston, SC for the PC versus Charleston Southern game.
Unfortunately, for Bobby Bentley and PC they just weren’t clicking on all cylinders and came up short of a win losing 29-18.
We rolled back into town Saturday night around 8pm. Fast forward to Sunday morning, 7:30 and I’ on a bus with Coach Nibert and the PC Men’s basketball team headed for Durham.
WE got to the hotel at 11:30am and got settled. By 3:00 p.m. it was back onto the bus for the short drive to Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Trust me when I tell you that it is EVERYTHING that people tell you it is and more. From the moment you walk into the main lobby you are smacked in the face with tradition and history with the plaques, banners, and all the trimmings.
There’s the case devoted to the 2008-09 men’s and women’s teams. Once you walk into the actual arena you can’t help but notice all the banners recognizing the ACC regular season and tournament titles. There’s the many NCAA Final Four banners, and of course the three national title banners for the men.
There are also the banners recognizing the run of ACC titles and final four appearances five years running this decade for the women.
After watching the team practice for two hours we enjoyed a great meal at Texas Roadhouse. I highly recommend it for both food and atmosphere, all the way down to the peanuts on each table.
Once back at the hotel at 9pm it was into a scouting report session with the team. Preparation would be one f the best words to describe a PC Men’s team, as they get ready to face 5th ranked Duke.
The game plan is in place. It all comes down to execution tonight at 7pm.
Duke is good, and has tremendous depth. Win, lose, or draw the exposure and experience these kids will get from playing on such a big national stage tonight will be a tremendous benefit this season and for years to come.
We’re staying in the same hotel as Georgia Southern and Houston, two of the teams in this bracket of the tournament.
Don’t forget tickets go on sale today (Monday) for the Laurens home playoff game this Friday against North Augusta. They’re $6 and are available at Valvoline Express Care and Master Dry Cleaners.
Ok, that’s it. Have a great start to the weekend and make sure you tune in tonight at 6:30 for the pre-game and tip off at 7pm for PC versus Duke.
After working the Laurens at Greenwood game, Jim Iacuone, Walt Gary and I piled into the van and made the trek to Charleston, SC for the PC versus Charleston Southern game.
Unfortunately, for Bobby Bentley and PC they just weren’t clicking on all cylinders and came up short of a win losing 29-18.
We rolled back into town Saturday night around 8pm. Fast forward to Sunday morning, 7:30 and I’ on a bus with Coach Nibert and the PC Men’s basketball team headed for Durham.
WE got to the hotel at 11:30am and got settled. By 3:00 p.m. it was back onto the bus for the short drive to Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Trust me when I tell you that it is EVERYTHING that people tell you it is and more. From the moment you walk into the main lobby you are smacked in the face with tradition and history with the plaques, banners, and all the trimmings.
There’s the case devoted to the 2008-09 men’s and women’s teams. Once you walk into the actual arena you can’t help but notice all the banners recognizing the ACC regular season and tournament titles. There’s the many NCAA Final Four banners, and of course the three national title banners for the men.
There are also the banners recognizing the run of ACC titles and final four appearances five years running this decade for the women.
After watching the team practice for two hours we enjoyed a great meal at Texas Roadhouse. I highly recommend it for both food and atmosphere, all the way down to the peanuts on each table.
Once back at the hotel at 9pm it was into a scouting report session with the team. Preparation would be one f the best words to describe a PC Men’s team, as they get ready to face 5th ranked Duke.
The game plan is in place. It all comes down to execution tonight at 7pm.
Duke is good, and has tremendous depth. Win, lose, or draw the exposure and experience these kids will get from playing on such a big national stage tonight will be a tremendous benefit this season and for years to come.
We’re staying in the same hotel as Georgia Southern and Houston, two of the teams in this bracket of the tournament.
Don’t forget tickets go on sale today (Monday) for the Laurens home playoff game this Friday against North Augusta. They’re $6 and are available at Valvoline Express Care and Master Dry Cleaners.
Ok, that’s it. Have a great start to the weekend and make sure you tune in tonight at 6:30 for the pre-game and tip off at 7pm for PC versus Duke.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Where's my roller skates??????
What an absolutely crazy week! With election day behind us things are starting to return to normal! As in hectic paced!
It’s hard to imagine, but basketball season is already here! That’s right, you heard me correctly. Monday, November 10th marks our first PC basketball broadcast of the season.
And what a way to start, at one of the most historic venues in all of sports, Cameron Indoor Stadium and a date with coach K and the Duke Blue Devils!
A lot will happen before we even get there. First, we head to Greenwood this afternoon to work the Laurens Raiders game against Greenwood with the hope that we’ll see LDHS win their tenth game of the season.
Tomorrow morning, Jim Iacuone, Walt Gary, Stan Reid and I will head to Charleston to work the PC/Charleston Southern football game.
After the trip back, I quickly pack and meet the PC men’s basketball team at Templeton at 7:30 to pull out for Durham.
Don’t forget that the Bobby Bentley Show will be this coming Wednesday at Springs Student Center from 7-8 and then 8-9 we super size the experience compliments of Fatz with a men’s and women’s basketball show from 8-9.
Tickets t the LDHS home playoff game next Friday go on sale Monday morning at Valvoline Express Care on Hillcrest Drive in Laurens and Master Dry Cleaners on East Main Street in Laurens.
Have a great weekend and make sure you tune in for a TON of sports this next week or so.
It’s hard to imagine, but basketball season is already here! That’s right, you heard me correctly. Monday, November 10th marks our first PC basketball broadcast of the season.
And what a way to start, at one of the most historic venues in all of sports, Cameron Indoor Stadium and a date with coach K and the Duke Blue Devils!
A lot will happen before we even get there. First, we head to Greenwood this afternoon to work the Laurens Raiders game against Greenwood with the hope that we’ll see LDHS win their tenth game of the season.
Tomorrow morning, Jim Iacuone, Walt Gary, Stan Reid and I will head to Charleston to work the PC/Charleston Southern football game.
After the trip back, I quickly pack and meet the PC men’s basketball team at Templeton at 7:30 to pull out for Durham.
Don’t forget that the Bobby Bentley Show will be this coming Wednesday at Springs Student Center from 7-8 and then 8-9 we super size the experience compliments of Fatz with a men’s and women’s basketball show from 8-9.
Tickets t the LDHS home playoff game next Friday go on sale Monday morning at Valvoline Express Care on Hillcrest Drive in Laurens and Master Dry Cleaners on East Main Street in Laurens.
Have a great weekend and make sure you tune in for a TON of sports this next week or so.
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