The Starting Line of Life

A teacher provided an exercise for his students. It is an instructive one and I hope that you watch the video. Joe’s Perspective – Wealth and Privilege: It’s the old adage, you can’t choose your family. We are born into the family we are born into (period). You didn’t choose your parents and you had no impact on the choices …

Be Grateful for What You Have

Inky Johnson is a young man who had a rough upbringing. His mother was 16 when he was born and his father was not involved in his early years. He went on to play football at the University of Tennessee, but suffered a career-ending injury, leaving him unable to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL. Joe’s Perspective: This …

Walk-On Players Receive Scholarships To Reinforce Core Values

All across college football, walk-on players are being rewarded with scholarships. Walk-on players are players who are not “good enough” to receive an athletic scholarship right out of high school. They typically report to camp and try out to make the team as a “walk-on.” They receive no money to do this and typically serve on the “scout” teams for …

Football, Politics and First Amendment Rights

In 2016, Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the playing of the National Anthem. He did this to draw attention to what he perceived as an injustice in America. He believed that young black men were being unjustly killed by white police officers. A handful of players joined Kaepernick in his protest. This became a hot political issue. Throughout the 2016 season and …

New Football Tradition in Iowa

The University of Iowa started a new tradition this year. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the fans turn and wave to the children watching from the top of the Children’s Hospital.  It is a small gesture, maybe even a token one, but those sick and struggling kids know that 70,000+ fans are waiving at them.  To be sure, …

JJ Watt – A True Leader and Role Model

JJ Watt is an all-pro defensive end for the Houston Texans. After Hurricane hit Texas last week, he challenged people to donate money to help relief efforts. Watt initially donated $100,000 of his own money and asked people to match it. That took 2 hours. He raised his goal to half a million, then 1 million, then 2… A few …

Poor Behavior, Social Media and Consequences

Earlier this summer, a team from Virginia competed in the girl’s Little League World Series. They were set to play the semi-final game against the host team from Washington. Prior to this game, one member of this Virginia team posted a picture to Snapchat of her and her teammates flipping off the team from Washington with the caption, “Look out …

“Coolest Surprise Ever”

John Cena is a WWE professional wrestler. His main message is “Never Give Up.” He is an inspiration for many of his fans. Cricket Wireless rounded up a bunch of those fans who sent him letters. Cena was invited to a studio to read the letters. What he didn’t know was that everyone of those fans were waiting backstage to …

First Post for New Athletic Program

This is the first week of the new Student Athlete Program. This program is designed to improve the character, sportsmanship and leadership of high school athletes.  This program should be fun and engaging. It is not supposed to be “one more thing” or “something you have to do.”  Each week we will focus on a different trait.   Season 1 …

Baseball Player Called the N Word

Baltimore Oriole outfielder, Adam Jones, was called the N word during a game at Fenway Park in Boston. The same fans threw a bag of peanuts at him. The fans were immediately kicked out of the game, but Jones wanted more action taken. After an investigation by the Red Sox, the identified fans were banned for life from Fenway Park. …