DIVINE CONNECTIONS

While watching Joel Osteen on television last night his topic was Divine Connections.  Osteen talked about people you meet on your journey through life and the relationships you build with them.

As a coach, who has been instrumental in your career?

Everyone starts somewhere in the profession.  Whether it’s at a low level (middle school) or if you are lucky enough to start at the college level as a Graduate assistant.

Some call it ‘mentors’, I’m not crazy about that word – YOU, and only you shape who you are as a coach along the way.

You shouldn’t emulate anyone.  Be yourself!

Sure it’s ok to borrow material used by the person who gets you started in coaching, or listen to advice given in times of confusion -  but always be who you are.

Who gave you your start in coaching? Who was the first person to hire you?

How is your relationship with other coaches?

Is there someone you met at a clinic or worked together at a camp that you have become good friends with over the years? Maybe it’s someone you reach out to in times of concern?

If the relationship is solid, it’s called ‘Divine Connections’.

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Let’s wish Cleveland Cavalier assistant coach Hank Egan a speedy recovery as he rests from triple bypass heart surgery. Head coach Mike Brown on Egan.  Ohio. Com has the story.

“He’s a people guy. You can’t do anything but respect him because he comes right at you,” Brown said. ”You know how little kids have blankies? He’s my blankie.”

Mike Sutton at Tennessee Tech still battling paralysis (Guillain-Barre Syndrome) .  Chattanooga Times Press has the piece.  Here’s long time equipment manager at Kentucky Bill Keightley on Sutton.

“Mike’s always been one of the most compassionate people I’ve known. I’ve always said I wish he could be my next-door neighbor. And anyone who knows anything about Mike knows that no one’s shown more toughness and courage than him these last few years.”

To conclude, I had never heard about this operation before I came across it this morning.  Jeff Nix, a former coach and NBA scout has teamed up with other coaches to help kids of military parents. It’s called Camouflage for Kids.  In a nutshell, what they do is supply tickets to sporting events for the kids.  Here’s some information from their website.

We donate tickets to college athletic events to the children of those soldiers called away to active duty. By giving these kids a unique field-trip experience, hearing from coaches and athletes while touring the campus on gameday, we hope to lift up their spirits at a time when they need it most

It’s a great idea and kudos to Jeff Nix for getting it up and running.  Here’s the website for more information.

T.P.P.

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