It's funny, but every year I hear different opinions on this subject. We all have an idea, whether stated or not. People's expectations start to take root.
Last year, some people thought that simply having 7 seniors would be enough. This year, some think that having few seniors will mean we lack what we need. Some think getting a year older is all that is required ... just do the same stuff, you know, "get your reps." You know me enough to know that I want to do more than simply "get our reps." Repeating something only has value to the extent that the thing being repeated is valuable.
I think that deliberately practicing those things ... with passion, persistence, and purpose ... that we each need to improve is what is required. I would suggest that this approach is needed more than ever before. We are going to have to get after it.
So, what do we need to improve? We've talked about some of those things as a team. But what about each coach and player taking individual ownership of what he needs to do? What about you? That is what the great teams do. Because of a sense of brotherhood and accountability, they do the hard work as individuals necessary to get where the team wants to go. They do it for themselves, but ultimately, they are doing it for each other, as well.
And where does ... or can ... this team go? That is up to each of you. Two years ago, we had no (as in zero) seniors and folks expected a tough rebuilding year; instead, we ended up finishing higher at the HWS than ever before. Last year, with a team loaded with seniors and experience (with 5 of those players now playing in college), we set a lot of new marks and records but still finished behind the 2010 team ... the one with no seniors.
As homeschoolers, we know better than most how artificial characterizations about who we are or what we can do are just that -- artificial. Rather, our experiences and performance are defined by what we do with the time and God-given opportunities we have.
So, what do you need to work on? What is your weakness, or weaknesses that you want to eradicate or turn into a strength?
If you have any questions in this regard, ask me. Email ... text ... call ... whatever. Talk to your team captains. Find out where to be working, and then start chipping away. Do a little bit at a time, and then pretty soon you are a long way down the road.
Let's make a pledge to be as good as we can possibly be in 2012. I promise you that if we all do this -- commit to deliberately work on our weaknesses and lessen them as much as we can during the coming year -- that we will have a very special year around here.
It's a dangerous trap to think that success is the eventual result of simply hanging around or showing up. At some point, each of us has to step up to the plate and compete.
My challenge to you is to start facing those things you know you need to address to fulfill your part of the bargain. That's what I will be doing.
So, be part of the stampede. A stampede starts with one Mustang running as hard as he can ... and then another ... and then another. When they are all running in unison, you can see, hear, and feel the power. It's exciting. And then the energy starts to spread amongst the group. And the running becomes more determined, yet easier.
Let's go.
See you on the field ...
