“You can judge a man by how he treats someone who can do absolutely nothing for him.”
While you were sleeping, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some very talented, articulate, knowledgeable, and witty individuals on FanNation. Many of these folks are trying to do something worthwhile with their respective talents. Perhaps they want to go into business for themselves one day. Maybe they want to go to college to further their academic careers. Perhaps they want to go into the business of sports. Whether it be in the form of sports journalism or working in the “front offices” of the teams they follow. Regardless, they all have dreams. Maybe it’s presumptuous of me (it’s the right thing to say even if I don’t think so), but a big reason for me being here is to help them. I’ve been around. I’m no Joe Paterno nor Bobby Bowden nor Pat Riley nor Tim Duncan. Not Rick Reilly nor Mike Lupica nor Frank Deford. But, in my own way, as an older man and teacher, I find it important to me to offer guidance when asked. And I’ve been asked. So I’ve tried to give. I learned this lesson from some of the people I’ve just mentioned. There was a time when I went to them for advice and guidance. They gave it freely. Isn’t that an obligation we all have in this world? Or am I deluding myself into thinking that I have more to offer than I really do (again, the right thing to say, even though I don’t believe it).
The letters recieved, I saved (no one would believe me otherwise). The phone conversations are remembered (can’t “document” those, so you’ll have to take my word for it).
I once called “directory assistance” in an effort to get the phone number for a prominent sports journalist. I don’t want to say who it was because it wouldn’t be fair to him. Suffice it to say, if you know the world of sports, you know who it is. (So does a certain “chair-throwing” ex-college basketball coach). So I got the number and called him. Out of the blue. He didn’t know me “from Adam.” He took my call and graciously offered advice as he spent the good part of 15 minutes or so talking to me about my desire to become more of a writer. I’ll never forget his lesson.
On another occasion, I called up former Mississippi State/Texas A&M, and University of Pittsburgh head football coach, Jackie Sherrill (talked about this in a previous blog). He took my call too. I’ll never forget the negative press heaped upon him over the years. Yet for some reason, I felt compelled to reach out to him. His words of encouragement are used to motivate me on a daily basis in the classroom as a teacher. I have used his model and influential comments as a way to show others that you get back what you give.
Then I wrote to Bobby Bowden (coming on the heels of his national championship season at Florida State). He had the time to respond to an “unknown” fan and Florida Gator to boot in me. His words reminded me how important it was to have faith in yourself, to lead others by example, and to give more than expect. I’ll not forget that he too had time for me.
Joe Paterno had time for me as well. Wrote me a letter while flying to see a recruit. He told me about “the will to prepare” being more “vital” than the “will to win.” I fall back on his advice when I find myself (often) not wanting to forge ahead.
Gene Stallings (former head football coach at the University of Alabama) had time for me too. And guess what? He didn’t “know” me either. Yet he took time out of his busy schedule to talk about the value of good associations and honesty.
There are others too. And while this seemingly foray into “name dropping 101″ is IN NO WAY MEANT TO IMPRESS ANYONE, I want to lend some import to the idea that I feel an obligation to help others who ask. And who’s asking, you ask? Plenty of folks just like you. They want to know what they can do to improve their writing, expand their audience, get into a good college, do better in school, and improve their chances of making something of their lives with the unspoken desire to help others as well. And some have come to me for answers.
I started this blog not just to give my opinions on the world of sports and the results of games. They’re plenty of those out there (you might even find them here from time to time). But most of the kind members of FN who regularly read what I write have come to realize what I’m trying to do here. I’ll keep trying as long as you’ll indulge me. Thanks
