More Than a Game

2011 March 31

by Tyler

It’s a common saying after winning or losing a sports game of some kind: “It’s just a game.” And the fact of the matter is that the people who say that (I know I have) are right. Sports are after-all, just a game.

But even as I say it, I begin to have thoughts of how sports taught me so much of what I know about myself today. I always tell people I learned as much in high school classes as I did in high school sports. In fact, the life lessons I learned in sports I put into practice everyday.

Some people believe characteristics such as hard working, courage, and perseverance are God-given at birth, but I’m not one of those people. I believe my parents, mentors, and sports have instilled those things in me.

Bob Hurley is the most “successful” high school basketball coach in the country. But he doesn’t pride himself on compiling wins or developing some of the best college basketball recruits, he prides himself on mentoring young boys into manhood.

“You know what? I would give them up (his over 1,000 victories) for one more chance with some of the kids I didn’t reach over the years,” Hurley said. “If I could have a second chance with some of those, it would be worth all the adulation.”

Hurley was featured on 60 Minutes last Sunday and has a highly acclaimed documentary from 2 years ago (Netflix instant link). Take 13 minutes of your time to watch the 60 Minutes interview, I think you’ll get a great picture of what it takes to change the lives of inner city kids (watch video here RSS readers).

I don’t totally agree with all of his leadership or coaching style…

But clearly he’s a man making a difference, by engaging in the lives of boys just like we can.

So are sports really just a game?

I don’t think so.

Do you?

Filed under: the rest... Tags: mentoring

Bobby

I’m not sure that this applies to all people, sports or locations. Some high school districts make it ALL ABOUT sports to the detriment of other endeavors. It has been proven over and over that music participation, as well as other extra-curricular activities, can have the same positive influence as sports, but many of those have been all but eliminated in our public schools to the detriment of well rounded educations for all. Sports are fine, but I believe that they have been allowed to become the be-all in recent years. Just my 2 cents….
http://thoughtsaboutnothing.com Kyle Reed

I loved this, I watched both the documentary and the 60 minutes feature.
Love that he has not left, love that he cares, and that he is making a difference.

I think he is on to something in the fact that he does not try to be all things to all men (teenagers in this situation).
Instead he holds true to the contract he has them sign and is really good and developing talent.
http://www.manofdepravity.com Tyler

Bobby-

Totally agree with what you said. Sports are too often the end all, be all for kids growing up and that isn’t healthy at all. I would never advocate for dropping the arts over sports. Fact is I love both of them and both are invaluable in development of people.
Debbie

Tyler,
Yes, in some respects, just a game in that it’s relevance to what is important in other areas of life and what is going on in the world (if that makes sense). That said, what is important in playing sports (done right) is learning to play together as team mates, learning that you have certain strengths and your team mates have certain strengths, play to each others strength. Perseverance, a strong work ethic, playing fair and respecting others are some of the really good things that you learn. BUT, some sports and athletes are being elevated above others and that I don’t agree with, but I am guessing that you don’t either. I think sports and the arts are important and different aspects of our being and both challenging and character building. One of the reasons I go to as many of my nephews and nieces games, I cheer them on…we laugh and we learn about sportsmanship and fun!! Thanks for the thought provoking article.
http://www.manofdepravity.com Tyler

The exultation and overpayment of athletes is absolutely a bad thing all the way around.
http://www.dadlife.net kevin

Good stuff.

Technically, just a game.

In reality? Much, much more. Sports teach you life lessons, show you what you are made of, show you what comes from hard work, from being relentless, disciplined, dedicated. A good portion of the habits I have picked up in life came from sports.

Loved that 60 minutes special. Pretty impressive stuff. Need to check out the documentary.