I started reading a book the other day by Chad Lewis named “Surround yourself with greatness.” I recognized his name on this book while cruising our local library, in a section where they’re getting rid of books. I recognized his name because my uncle Dave and my dad have talked about him throughout the years, after my uncle Dave had helped coach him in football through high school. He went onto play for BYU and ultimately in the NFL for 8-9yrs, for a couple different teams. It’s been a great book so far, and it got me thinking heavily about coaches. Especially after reading this sentence yesterday, from a page I follow.
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“There are people who coach, and there are COACHES. People who impact lives.”
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Wether they’re out on the field, out on the mat, in the ring, on the court, or in our corner…it does not matter. We all have “coaches” in our life.
Both literally and figuratively.
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Some, unfortunately/fortunately, however you wanna look at it, coach us in a way that shows us what not to be. I think examples of that are just as powerful, but that’s not what this is about.
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Great coaches are just that. GREAT. Just as Chad puts it in the paragraph about his high school coach. They’re real. They’re honest. And they are brave. Simple, yes. Easy, no. But that simple formula is what makes em great. The ones who will hold you accountable no matter what. The ones who help push you to your true potential. Because they truly know deep inside, that the accolades aren’t what matters. It’s the “character” that comes out in the end, that matters most.
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This first picture is of two of our wrestling coaches at our little school. A father and a son. The Foy’s. I’m just getting to know them, over the course of this past year, and they are great. The one on the right helped coach Colt last year during his freshman year of baseball. And I hope after witnessing what happened this year for our wrestling team, Colt will give wrestling another shot.
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These two men pictured took seven…seven!!…kids through a wrestling season, and ultimately to our state championship tournament last weekend, where they took second place as a team. Think about that. Now I wasn’t there to watch much of any of their daily work, but the results speak for themselves. They all put in the work necessary to pull off an almost impossible feat.
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I say I didn’t watch much of it because I never watched them practice. But the entire team would come into the gym, a lot of the mornings we were there this past month, and get it in. Their determination could be seen from afar. They had what it takes.
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More about this picture. The young man in this picture is my nephew, Kaleb.
He started the season at a weight exceeding the cut off of 285. He missed most of the season because of that. He didn’t quit though, he worked his ass off daily amongst the team, and a lot of extra time alone, and was able to cut around 50lbs in a couple months. Earning him the chance to compete right towards the end of the season, and here at the state championship that is pictured.
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I don’t think he knows or understands the inspiration, and fire, that he helped pour into my soul…and probably several others around him by accomplishing what he did. He may not have faced as many competitors as he could have. But he boldly faced the fiercest one he’ll ever face in this life…and won. Himself.
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This picture was taken in his final match, for 3/4 place, during an overtime period…wherever who gets the first points, wins. Kaleb took the kid down first…winning the match. That is the moment that is pictured.
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My point with all of this, is this…if you don’t have people/coaches like this in your corner of life…begin the process today of surrounding yourself with this type of greatness.
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Simple…yes. Easy…no. But get after it nonetheless.
“If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”
Whit Beal 