Dear Bobcat Nation –
It seems as though I talk about perseverance a lot. Maybe it is because I see it practiced almost on a daily basis. Character development is something we as coaches and administrators try to teach our young people and what better mechanism than through intercollegiate sports. Watching young men and women strive to be their best in their respective sports is encouraging as they go about it in the right manner – classroom attendance, community service, and sportsmanship.
Those of us who were at the men’s lacrosse game Friday evening know full well about what I am talking about. We have struggled putting a good product on the field and we have faced a large amount of adversity in trying to get the program headed in the right direction.
In our game against Florida Tech, we witnessed every emotion sports can bring to mind. We were up 4-1 early and with a minute to go held a slim one-point lead, however penalties put us three men down on the game’s final play, resulting in a game-tying goal and forcing overtime.
We lost the opening draw and were forced to play sound defense in the sudden death format of men’s lacrosse. Fortunately, we held strong and our ensuing possession we slipped one past the goalie for an extreme amount of jubilation for our players and fans. It was our first win in over two years, but also it showed how far we have come to not let this one slip away.
In the locker room afterwards, I told the players I was proud of their performance and their willingness to not let up. We are all defined by our character and for this I want those young men to know that while this was just a game, the life meanings can be transferred to everything we do.
I want to share the locker room speech with you as I have found it to be very powerful and meaningful. Please take a look at what I’m talking about in the video below.
We are very grateful for your support of Lees-McRae College and the athletic department. We are striving to make the best student-athlete experience. If you want to help make a difference, please just let us know.
Until next time,
Best wishes,
Craig
Excellent!! — accolades to the student athletes and coaches!