To Call Them Cheaters is Just Too Easy: Michigan Football and Integrity

I think of myself as a positive person. I try to see the good in people, places, institutions and organizations and give them the benefit of the doubt. However, I have entered into new(ish) territory. I find myself actively, passionately rooting against a team: the University of Michigan Wolverines. Their entry into the College Football national championship has raised many questions for me. What's it like as an alumni of the school to cheer for a team like this one? How do you defend your alma mater? What do you think of Coach Harbaugh? For those who are Michigan fans: What's it like to stand behind a team that has a foundation of sand? And for me and others who share my misgivings: Is it wrong to cheer against a team (even when it doesn't affect your own?) And why should I even care?

From an early age I have had it out for USC and for the Los Angeles Dodgers. I never wanted to see their success, and on occasion I've delighted in their demise, but this one feels different. I feel my blood begin to boil. I went so low as to cheer for Alabama. I fear the worst on Monday, January 8 but hope for the best (the University of Washington story is so good). What gives?

Notre Dame and Michigan are natural, long time rivals. I learned the alternative lyrics to their fight song within two weeks of my freshman year. The home opener that Fall day, September 3 1992 resulted in a tie (17-17). While I never wanted a "Muck Fichigan" shirt—that's definitely not my style—I saw plenty of them. I don't think I have ever rooted FOR them but certainly not actively against them.I  know I am not alone. Ohio State, Michigan State, Central Michigan—any Big 10 school football fans share my sentiment. Here's why.

To refer to Michigan as a bunch of cheaters is easy. To me, however that label is short sighted. What grates me about this team is their utter and total lack of integrity. As written in The Sporting News, 

the 2023 season for Harbaugh and the Wolverines has now been marred by an investigation into sign-stealing allegations, a scandal that follows closely on the heels of another of alleged recruiting violations and lying to the NCAA during its investigation. His program has also come under further scrutiny when former quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss was fired after the 2022 season amid an investigation into computer access crimes.

They have violated sportsmanship rules, NCAA rules, and privacy rules. Their actions have led to a four game suspension for the head coach and the firing of others. At what point is enough, enough? or too much?!

There isn't a program out beyond reproach, but this one—has yet to take responsibility for their actions. Were it my alma mater, I would keep a very low profile. I wonder, if they raise the championship trophy on Monday, how many people will see its tarnish? Will you?

Integrity is a catch-all virtue. It combines honesty with bearing responsibility. It builds trust and leads to human flourishing. Integrity is compromised when the truth is hidden. Since the beginning, Harbaugh has denied knowledge of the sign-stealing scheme and said he never instructed staff members to break NCAA rules. A friend said "he reminds me of 45...always feels he's picked on and is never responsible for his actions." Ouch. I wonder how things might be different, if Harbaugh admitted otherwise. He still hasn't, but recourse was taken. As written on ESPN,

"This is not a sanction of Coach Harbaugh," Petitti wrote. "It is a sanction against the University that, under the extraordinary circumstances presented by this offensive conduct, best fits the violation because: (1) it preserves the ability of the University's football student-athletes to continue competing; and (2) it recognizes that the Head Coach embodies the University for purposes of its football program."

Everywhere he goes, Harbaugh has taken programs from the red to the black. He works incredibly hard, he demands a lot of himself and his players. With Harbaugh, there is no confusion—he wants to win. It's his job to win. The perpetuation of offenses however sends the message: winning is the ONLY thing. It's not a matter of why you win or how you win, it's "Just Win Baby!" (FWIW: I would love to see Jim Harbaugh as the head coach of the Raiders—a team that thrives on disfunction). Thoughts?

If I went to Michigan, I honestly do not know how I could—in good conscience be excited about this team. I've asked people who I respect and trust to answer this question. I ask it from a place of curiosity and not judgment. I have yet to hear a principled response, most Wolverines waffle. They've lived with Harbaugh for eight years now. They've beaten Ohio State, too (I get it).

I'm not throwing stones.This is not newish territory for me. Super Bowl XLVII, featured my San Francisco 49ers against the Baltimore Ravens. A life long Niners fan (thanks Dad), I actually felt dirty—a moral slime—cheering for my team. This team was undeniably physical, but they played dirty...tons of penalties...a whole lot of very late hits. Losing in the Harbaugh Bowl was disappointing, but not in the way it could have been had I loved this team.The elder brother, John Harbaugh and the Ravens beat Jim Harbaugh and the Niners 34-31. Seems that the better Harbaugh won. (This team also didn't have a series of league offenses that went unaccounted for or left fans scratching their heads. That was one year later when Niner LB Aldon Smith was arrested for a DUI and played a game a few days later....Harbaugh explained why he allowed Smith to play. I did not support that decision. Niners lost and Smith went into rehab that week. I supported that one).

There could be a rematch of the Ravens and Niners in the 2024 Super Bowl. I will be thrilled if my team plays in it. They aren't perfect but I can say as a fan, they've made my job a whole lot easier. We fans hold our own responsibility and this game has brought that task into a new light.

Good luck to the University of Washington, Huskies. 

Photo Credits
Harbaugh
Michigan vs.
Bingo

Soul of Youth Sports Wrap: Thank You KC!

On February 21-23, I traveled to the middle of America to join nearly 200 coaches, athletic directors and CYO program coordinators for the NCEA's Soul of Youth Sports Conference. Anyone who heard where it was being held, met me with the same response ...or rather, song. Fats Domino sang it best:

I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come.
I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come.
They got some crazy lil' women there.
And I'm gonna get me one.

Can't say I met any "crazy lil' women" but let me share what I did find: there is a vibrant and emerging ministry alive and moving in the Catholic church—and its found in, through and as part of our athletic programs. Here are but a few recollections.

Kansas City, Kansas
Locals make this distinction with ease, though I'm not sure the song does...
I ended up in the place from whence Dorothy and Toto came—or well, Lenexa to be exact. The KC on the west side of the Missouri River resides in the Diocese of Kansas City, KS which is separate from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph (MO). Archbishop Joseph Fred Naumann, who served as the celebrant of our opening liturgy kickstarted the conference with his own insights into Sports and Spirituality before, during and after the homily.

Communion of Saints He told us about his father—a baseball player in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system. He had the honor and privilege of catching for one of the game's all-time greatest, Stan Musial (who started out as a pitcher!). He said, "I never met my father. He died before I was born." My eyes teared up thinking about his mother as a pregnant widow. I imagined what she endured and yet what she was able to give. "My mother made sure my brother and I knew and loved the game of baseball. It was a way for us to know and have a relationship with our father," he said. Again and again, I believe in the Communion of Saints.

The Better Player Before the benediction at the opening banquet, the loquacious Archbishop sought to teach us once again. Knowing that we would be celebrating sports as a school for human virtue, he told us the great Mickey Mantle once admitted: "I had a better arm, I was a better hitter and I was faster than Stan Musial, but he was a better player because he was a better man." 

In spite of his tremendous personal shortcoming, Mantle is still beloved by sports fans everywhere. Reading his humble insight on another Hall of Fame legend, it's easy to see why. What that we could teach all the young people we serve to be great people? They'll be better athletes for it. 

Arrowhead Stadium!
I'm more of an NFC football fan, but the opportunity to visit one of the founding AFC teams might have been the crown jewel in this experience. The son of the original owner, Lamar Hunt, Jr. offered our group private tours of the stadium, the locker room, the press box and his own family suite (replete with artwork chosen by his late father, football artifacts and a space for their family and guests to stay--that's right, there are six bedrooms on site). 

Though I've lived in some frigid locales, my California roots are just too strong. I reluctantly walked out into the 29-degree night air to stand on the field of natural grass (I came to learn all 8 teams in the AFC West play on it!). I looked up and around me, inside a stadium that has remained largely the same since it was built nearly 50 years ago! I thought of the history, the loyalty, the passion of the people who have filled those seats. I could almost see players of the past running routes and scoring TDs. I forgot about both the time and the temperature. And, when KC fans say they are the loudest in the game, I believe them. We were told to yell "Chiefs," the natural acoustics of the venue echoed our cry loud and clear. They had me at "Chiefs..."

Our host, Lamar Hunt, Jr. a convert to Catholicism, gives generously to Catholic schools and causes. Though his life has not been without controversy, the man we met aims to serve others through hospitality and more. His biography says:

He is a member of the board of the Hunt Family Foundation and also serves on the Advisory Board of the Catholic Radio Network, a religious broadcasting group operating radio stations in the greater Kansas City, Wichita, and Denver markets. He has served on the Case Review Task Force appointed by Archbishop Joseph Naumann, which formulated recommendations for the future growth of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas.

I was humbled when he thanked US for our service. "The athletes you are forming can only make us better." When he said us, he may have been referring to the Chiefs, but I think he meant the Catholic Church. Thank you, Lamar!!

Two very enthusiastic football coaches

What I Enjoyed Learning the Most
A conference like Soul of Youth Sports suits me as it provides opportunities to learn not only through the shared experiences—the trip to Arrowhead, keynote speaker, daily mass, and table fellowship but as you might expect the sessions, themselves. My favorite takeaway from the entire conference was what the head football coach and Dean of Students from Father Tolton High School in Columbia, MO shared with us. In the eight years, the school has been open, 14 students have been baptized and welcomed into the Church. Every one of those new Catholics has been a student-athlete. I would like to believe their experience of Sports and Spirituality has played a critical role in the formation of their faith. I pray it will continue too, as well.

Coach Jim Harbaugh
I could hardly believe my eyes when I read that NCEA secured the University of Michigan's own Coach Harbaugh as the keynote speaker. A high profile name, he is both polarizing and popular, beloved and bewildering. I was both excited to hear him speak and hesitant. I left with equal parts respect and resentment (ok, that's a little strong...but I like the alliteration). I'm still not 100% sold, but I like that I am not. Leaders should challenge us to consider what we value, why we do what we do and how we do it. Harbaugh did all of that and so much more. Here's the full story. Thank you, Coach!

#Grateful
I was able to present "Implementing the Playbook" with my friend Danielle Slaton. I love teaching others how to apply the content of my book "Pray and Practice with Purpose: A Playbook for the Spiritual Development of Athletes" but enjoyed it that much more given the classroom—the Soul of Youth Sports Conference and the opportunity to do so with a friend, colleague and all around incredibly inspiring person.

Congratulations to the NCEA staff who made this time together happen. I know none of this was possible without your commitment to this ministry, your vision for what can be in Sports and Spirituality and in particular to the leadership of Pam Bernards. Can't wait for the next one!

Photo Credits
Banner for Conference
All other photos via Twitter from #SOYSC2018

Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Soul of Youth Sports

Even before he was hired to serve as the head coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines' football team, I held mixed feelings for Jim Harbaugh. A Michigan alum (boo), a practicing Catholic, a man who has been outspoken about the dangers of specialization (thank you!), a true coach and competitor, I have never known quite what to do with him. At his best, Harbaugh demonstrates a deep passion for football and competition. I respect how fiercely loyal his players are to him. Showing up to practice when he was with the 49ers, just hours after an ablation of his heart (which I do not consider a routine procedure) one would never doubt Harbaugh's commitment to coaching. I believe it when he yells "who's got it better than us?! NOBODY!" and yet over time, I have seen how the answer to that question changes. At his worst, Harbaugh's relentless pursuit of the W is polarizing. He had crossed the line of respect toward officials in too many games AND among other coaches (admitting he never wants to shake hands with another coach after a game). Part of me appreciates and values much of what he stands for and the other part of me has been happy to critique and criticize what he has done or failed to do. So, when I saw Coach Harbaugh listed as the keynote speaker at NCEA's Soul of Youth Sports Conference, I was anxious—no, almost nervous, to discover what I would learn....not just about him but about myself. This is what I have gained.

No Khakis
Every single person with whom I told that Harbaugh was the Keynote at the 2018 SOYSC in Kansas City had the same reaction/response/remark: commentary on his khakis. Mr. Khakis....I bet he will wear khakis...that's the coach who wears khakis. On one hand, it's surprising to me that this coach who has a lifetime record of 44-19-1 has been reduced to a pair of pleated, or no longer pleated pants. The other part of me gets it...it's branding, he's human, and those khakis have characterized more than a singular news story!

No, Coach Harbaugh showed up in a handsome navy suit with a Michigan tie (not a surprise). He was leaner than I expected (I think weight fluctuates for a significant number of coaches....in-season weight and off-season lbs!). He was as high energy and present as I expected he would be. All parties are aware that Coach Harbaugh is in a room because, with his excellent posture, he stands tall. He holds a laser focus on whatever is in his sight. Make no mistake about it, the man holds a powerful presence, khakis or not.

I Heart Football
Coach Harbaugh's love for football is infectious. "My goal as a player was to play as long as I can. My goal as a coach is to coach as long as I can....and then die." A number of attendees commented on his charisma, which is undeniable, but this quality combined with his sheer love of the game is compelling. He said, "football is the greatest game, ever." It's fair to say he had every single person considering these words as truth. He added, "I've heard too many athletes say I regret not playing football but I've never heard one say I regret playing football." 

Given the state of high school sports today, I wish more athletes would consider his words and his belief in football. At Michigan football will take you to places like South Bend (this Fall!), a bowl game in January and in 2017, to the Vatican. "I wanted my players to experience a new culture, taste new food, hear other languages. My players had the chance to meet Pope Francis. I think it's important to learn about other faith traditions and for many of my players and for me, more about our own." For Harbaugh, football is the vehicle whereby young men compete, feel good about themselves and learn to put others (the team) before themselves. The fuel for all of it? Love.

Faith, Family, Football
Harbaugh recognized and thanked his mentors in the game. Of no surprise, his father— Jack—a former coach and now his next-door neighbor in Ann Arbor came at the top of his list. Next, Harbaugh said his coach at UM, Coach Bo Schembechler drilled just two words into his players' psyches.  The team! The team! The team! was the mantra. Harbaugh confessed that his own immaturity as a college athlete got in the way of fulfilling this charge. He admitted the challenge to understand and embody those words, however, was a noble and worthy pursuit. He strives to help his own players understand the importance of The team! The Team! THE TEAM! today. 

This team, however, is not as important as two other priorities. Before he married his (second) wife Sarah, her father told Jim he must live with his focus on faith, family, and football— in that order. Jim said that list is easy to remember but our actions can make it easy to forget. He said, "when I keep my priorities straight, I know I am living right." Not everyone needs to be a football coach to understand the truth of that matter.

Leadership, Competition, and Fun
I was able to ask Coach Harbaugh a question during a brief Q & A that followed his address. I told him I am from San Francisco and wanted him to know we have missed him, but things are also on the up and up (it's true! Thanks, Coach Shanahan and GM John Lynch). I inquired how he develops leaders and what he does to have fun with them.

Harbaugh responded by stating his looks for leaders when he recruits athletes to Michigan. He said, "with technology today, a coach can see—athletically—all they need to see. However, when he talks to coaches, he wants to know what kind of person they are. Do they have integrity? Describe their work ethic? Do they maintain a coachable attitude? Are they hungry? honest? trustworthy?" These are the qualities Coach Harbaugh is seeking. He broke this down by sharing what he learned from Judge Judy of all people. "You know when you buy a basket of blueberries and there's that one blueberry that is moldy, right? Well, what happens if you keep that blueberry in the basket? The other ones begin to mold as well. You have to remove that blueberry or in this instance, don't buy the basket with the moldy blueberry to start. Leadership is no different"

Though honest, I found his response unsatisfactory. I think there is a lot that a football team, even on the D1 collegiate level do to form leaders. Young men who are 18, 19, 20 and 21+ years of age are not fully formed. Coaches, graduate assistants, and captains can and ought to play an important part in their formation. Feel free to disagree, but I left with a deeper appreciation for Brian Kelly after hearing Coach Harbaugh in this regard. I truly DO believe that BK and his staff take the formation of Notre Dame football players very seriously. I think they do much more than recruit leaders. The Irish have failed to become the leaders, alums like myself expect from those representing Our Lady's University; they have been held accountable. Others do so much to make us proud. And, when I heard Brian Kelly speak a few years ago, I heard him mention these players by name. This is something Coach Harbaugh did not do.

Coach Harbaugh did not answer my question on how he has fun with his players. I'm not sure I needed him to, for I think I know the answer. He has fun in competition. No one loves the thrill and challenge of competition more than he does. And that fact remains a bone of contention for all of us who watch him work. The word competition means "to strive together." A good competitor will raise the level of play for all those involved. Competition has come to mean winning...or victory...sometimes at all costs. I'm not convinced Harbaugh doesn't see competition the way I do. I wish we had more time to talk.

The Power of Friendship
Coach Harbaugh came to Lenexa Kansas to speak to 200 coaches and athletic directors at the request of a friend. These two men became friends through the context of football, but I came to understand the nature of their friendship is rooted in so much more.

One of the most life-changing experiences for Coach Harbaugh has been his missionary efforts. Again, he traveled to this rural village of Piura, Peru at the invitation of a friend. Friendship for Harbaugh is a two-way street. Fortunately, we have learned of the mutual benefits and gains from those parties.

Coach Jim Harbaugh began his keynote address with an invitation for us to consider how athletics can and do serve as the cornerstone/foundation of building community. True Christian community is never inclusive of people who "think like me or act as I do." No, in Harbaugh, I came to see a man who has committed to building community—albeit it differently at times—in his own unique way...with passion, with commitment, with friends and family through football, with or without the khakis. Looking forward to seeing you again on Saturday, September 1 at Notre Dame stadium.

Photo Credits
Brothers Harbaugh
Faith and Football
Khakis
Rivalry
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SOYSC2018&src=typdSOYSC Tweet

What the New York Giants Should Learn from Cross Country Runners

Although any press that cross country receives in the sporting world is a good thing, I wish it wasn’t (once again) about a runner collapsing at the state meet. Even though I am not a New York Giants fan, I should have been excited to read that Coach Tom Coughlin recently showed the team an ESPN video of University High senior Holland Reynolds crawling over the finish line to help secure the 2010 CIF Division V State Championship. His intent was to motivate his players, to help them visualize and understand what a true "fight to the finish" looks like—how gritty victory can be.

Don’t get me wrong, Holland’s feat was remarkable. Her will to complete the race truly shows an athlete who is unafraid to demonstrate much of St. Ignatius’ prayer of generosity: “to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not seek for rest," but I see other heroic acts in cross-country all the time. So, with those respective sports in mind, let me offer an example of what I might show the Giants, were I head coach…

Considering that “The Nielsen Co. said an estimated 111 million people watched the Green Bay Packers outlast the Pittsburgh Steelers in professional football's ultimate game,” I believe the Super Bowl should be a showcase for sportsmanship par excellence. To me, the post-game ritual is a small but significant moment where sportsmanship is on display, revealed and necessary. And on October 16, 2011, Forty Niners head coach Jim Harbaugh sent sports-talk radio a-buzz as his over-exuberant handshake with Detroit Lions coach Jim Swartz that was analyzed for nearly two weeks.

According to the Huffington Post, "Schwartz didn't take it very well. He appeared to say something to that effect while the two were meeting on the field, but Harbaugh kept running toward the locker room. That's when Schwartz chased Harbaugh down and started yelling at him. Harbaugh looked as if he said "get out of my face" as Schwartz had to be separated by several staff members. Soon enough the players were taking cues from the emotions of their coaches and a scuffle ensued."

Harbaugh admitted that emotions got the best of him. He promised to “work on his handshake” which is funny to read but worth considering if you want to lead with class and poise.

I love his competitive nature. I also love that the Niners took down an undefeated team in their house. But, true sportsmanship loves something else. Sportsmanship in this moment is gracious and poised; it is pumped but it is respectful. And in that way, I think what I have witnessed as a cross country coach can serve as a shining example.

During the 2006-2009 school years, I coached a great runner at St. Ignatius College Prep, Katy Daly. Katy was a three-time WCAL champion, two-time CCS champion and as a junior, she was the CIF Division III State Champion. She excelled at every level, but her greatest title in my eyes is that of the consummate sportswoman.

After every race, Katy would wait for her opponents and her teammates to congratulate them. She would look them in the eye, give a high five or a pat on the back and say “good race." After the big races when Katy battled it out with another girl, without fail, she would initiate a hug. It was something I have rarely seen in this demanding sport. Girls are crying, writhing in pain, trying to open their lungs and Katy had the clarity and desire to extend her arms in a gesture that modeled true sportsmanship.

Runners may not speak to one another during a race, but that does not mean they are not communicating. Runners are dealing with an inner-monologue, they are assessing their opponents' strengths and their weaknesses while determining their own and that of the course. When Katy hugged an opponent, I saw this as a sign of reverence—for both the sport and the athlete. She would never say “look at what I did!” or what you did. No, to me it was Katy’s way of saying “3.1 miles of blood, sweat, and tears—we did that."

If you were to ask me what I would like a coach before the Superbowl to show his team, it might be something like that. But the irony is, as one of Katy’s coaches, this nothing we asked her to do. We never gave her any advice or input on how to handle victory or defeat—I don't know why. I suppose that’s the joy of being a witness to greatness in athletics. We get to take in the beauty of the moment and pass it on. And clearly, that’s why the stories of Holland Reynolds and Katy Daly are worth telling. One demonstrates a desire to get to the finish and the other is one of to be at the finish. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Photo Credits
Holland Reynolds
Harbaugh Handshake
Head CoachesKaty Daly—and I know she'll kill me for writing this!

Vernon Davis: Prodigal Son

In his review of the Broadway revival of Godspell, Rob Weinert-Kendt writes “When my theatergoing companion, a secular Jew, asked me to give him a rundown of some parables before the show, I found myself unable to retell the parable of the prodigal son without getting choked up with emotion."

I was surprised to read this popular Biblical tale evoked such a strong response. Choked up with emotion? Really? And then I recalled my favorite moment from Saturday’s NFC West championship game. Every time I replay that moment, tears fill my own eyes. I too get choked up with emotion. Is it the story of the prodigal son? Yes and no.

After catching a 14-yard pass to put the Niners in the lead with 9 seconds in the game, Forty-Niner Vernon Davis ran to head coach Jim Harbaugh at the sidelines. With tears in his eyes, the tight end met Harbaugh’s whole-hearted embrace. Thanks to a colleague who reads lips, I came to learn that Coach Harbaugh said “You did it!” three times (include one expletive in there). However as much as I love this image in the way I appreciate Rembrandt’s painting of the prodigal son, it’s not the same story.

For one, the Vernon Davis that Harbaugh knows is not akin to the younger son profiled in the parable. This Vernon Davis didn’t squander his talents and abilities under a man I hope is named the 2011 Coach of the Year. This is not the same "Vernon Davis," as he often refers to himself in interviews, as the one who had little guidance of what it took to be a real winner. That Davis got into scuffles during training camp practices. That Vernon Davis--first round draft choice out of the University of Maryland--was sent to the locker room mid-game. That Vernon Davis inspired a tirade by former head coach Mike Singletary after his first game as head coach.

Coach Singletary said

I will not tolerate players who think it’s about them, when it’s about the team. And we cannot make decisions that cost the team and then come off the sideline and its nonchalant. No. It is more about them than it is about the team. Cannot play with them. Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win. I told him that he would do a better job for us right now taking a shower and coming back and watching the game than going out on the field. Simple as that.

When Vernon Davis publicly admitted "I don't miss Singletary” after Singletary was fired, I started to think—wow, he too held in contempt all that he had been given.

According to Samuel Lam in 49ers TE Vernon Davis credits Mike Singletary for guiding him to this point “What Singletary did was prepare Davis for a great moment like that on Saturday. Since Singletary's first game with the 49ers, Davis had transformed into a better teammate and a better person. This season, Davis attended every practice, lifted up teammates and continued to work on his craft as a football player. That all may not have happened had Singletary not given him a reality check by sending him to the locker room back in 2008. And that game-winning 14-yard touchdown catch might have only still remained as an unattainable dream."

And truth be told when asked about Singletary's impact in his career, Davis admitted he now understands what his former coach wanted out of him. According to an interview on KNBR he said, "I'm glad he was aboard from the start because I learned so much from him. And not just about football, but about life, about the team, being a part of a team, and I take my hat off to him. I learned so much from him."

It seems to me this once brash, bold, gifted son came to realize the error of his ways. If I could change just one thing from Saturday’s game, it would be that the man meeting Vernon Davis on the sidelines was the respectable and honorable Mike Singletary. No, I don’t want to return to a Niner team under his leadership. Yes, I realize the Niners would not still be playing if he were the head coach. But because Singletary, a virtuous devout Christian who epitomizes what the father in the parable does, I would love to see him welcome this gifted athlete home. Home to excellence and to victory. Go Niners!

Photo Credits
Davis-Harbaugh embrace
Rembrandt's Prodigal Son
Coach Singletary and Davis
Victory!

Blue Collar Mentality: Sandy, Sweaty & Muddy

I am hearing a lot about the “blue collar” mentality and work ethic these days. And the expression is manifesting itself in the form of some motivational gear. According to Steve DelVecchio of the San Jose Mercury News, 49er head coach Jim Harbaugh “has issued gas station work shirts with personalized name patches to each player on his roster. The message in handing out the blue-collar shirts is simple: Work hard. ‘It’s not real complicated what it stands for — a motivational symbol, if you will’.”

And at St. Ignatius College Prep, a select number of varsity athletes can be seen sporting a new long sleeve RED & BLUE COLLAR ATHLETE t-shirt. Why? The new leadership in the athletic department has implemented the “Red & Blue Collar Athlete Program.” Athletic director John Mulkerrins said “It’s an opportunity to honor a Varsity Wildcat Athlete whose ‘blue collar’ effort is recognized by his or her coach in practices, games, or during any strength and conditioning sessions over a period of two weeks.”

This athlete is recognized because when the tough get going, he or she is going. It’s almost paradoxical. As a coach, I recognize her because she demands little if any work on my behalf. This athlete does more than is required or expected and she does it well. Cutting corners is a foreign concept. When I say give me ten, she gives me twelve. When I’m not looking she is still working.

Just today the SI girls’ cross country most recent "Red & Blue Collar Athlete" got a massive headache during her workout (running hill reps and sand stairs at Fort Funston); we advised her to take a break. Some athletes might be relieved by the respite, but not this Blue & Red Collar Athlete. She was disappointed that she couldn’t complete the given task or share the challenge in full with her team. I have no doubt this athlete sleeps well at night; she gives her sport physically and mentally her very best. The success of our team hinges on her example more than she knows.

And across town, as the Niners prove they are for real, it should not be taken for granted that success emanates from talent and new leadership, and a hard work ethic. It is no surprise that a successful team, by any definition, is a hard working team.

After the September 11 win over Seattle, Jim Harbaugh described the offense as “blue collar,” and tight end Delanie Walker went right along with the company line, “If he says we’re a blue-collar team, we’re a blue-collar team. At the end of the day we’re going to be dirty, muddy and stinky. It may not be pretty and it’s going to be ugly. That’s basically what he means by blue collar. We’re not trying to look pretty.”

Sure a shirt can honor a blue (and red) collar athlete but we know them by their headaches and sand or their mud and dirt. It may not be pretty, but these athletes wouldn’t have it any other way—they’re working too hard not to! They push me to work hard and to succeed—no time for anything less.

Photo Credits
Blue Collar Niner Shirt
SF Sand Stairs
Coach Harbaugh

Luck on Luck

Please circle the appropriate number in response to this statement: “My opinion is as good as anybody else’s.”

1. strongly disagree
2. disagree
3. not sure
4. agree
5. strongly agree.

The vast majority of my students, circle 5—strongly agree. I always look for the one or two juniors who circle 1 or 2, those few who realize that maybe their opinion is not as good as anybody’s else’s. Sorry, it's not.

William O’Malley illustrates this effectively in “Building Your Own Conscience.” He writes,

One day I was walking along a school corridor and saw a boy sitting on a bench reading Of Mice and Men. I stopped and said, "That's a terrific book."
"It's garbage."
Hmm. "Well, the author did win a Nobel prize."
"It's still garbage."
"How much have you read?"
"Ten pages."
That lad was saying more about himself than about the book or Steinbeck or the Nobel Foundation. He was claiming that his uninformed opinion was as good as anybody else’s. It’s not. An opinion is only as good as the evidence that backs it up.

A lot of people have an opinion about Andrew Luck’s decision to stay at Stanford University and not enter the NFL draft. And with the sheer amount of media attention he has received there is no shortage of evidence to back up reasons why he should have left “The Farm.”

I was struck by how many people were willing to offer their opinion on this matter as I watched the first round of NFL playoff games. As far as I am concerned the only opinion that matters on Andrew Luck’s decision is from one of two people—Luck and Luck, Andrew and his parents. And what about Coach Harbaugh? With all due respect to his recent preoccupation, his voice weighs in at an “honorable mention.”

What we know from Andrew Luck however is fairly limited. In an official statement through Stanford he said "I am committed to earning my degree in architectural design from Stanford University and am on track to accomplish this at the completion of spring 2012."

His father added "This is a win-win for him. He gets to spend another year at Stanford, be part of a team that will be highly ranked again next year, finish his degree and enjoy Palo Alto. It's not like the NFL is going anywhere, it's one of the best run leagues in the world. It will still be there when he graduates."

In short, Andrew Luck remains what most sports fans truly desire—a student athlete who is just that—a student athlete. Fans complain that certain schools maintain few if any academic standards. Stanford does. Others long for the days when athletes stayed at their school for more than one or two years before turning pro. Yet, here we have young man, considered to be a lock for the number one pick in this year's draft, and most people cannot understand why he chose to stay. In light of this, I believe Luck’s decision may reveal more about us than it does about him. And strangely enough, I found Sunday’s Gospel, the Baptism of the Lord holds a similar truth.

As Jesus stood to be baptized by John the Baptist he said: Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Mt 3:13-17

The Little Blue Book says "One day he took a deep breath, summoned his courage, and stepped forward. The heavens opened and the Spirit came upon him, and a voice from the heavens said, this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. His life would never be the same."

Although it may be difficult to claim that Luck’s decision to stay at Stanford is sacramental, his decision took a lot of courage. I have no doubt his parents are pleased with their son’s noble pursuit. I think it’s safe to say his life will not be the same.

Christ did not need to be baptized; he was free of original sin. But his decision to do so is significant, for in his baptism—the prophecy was fulfilled. It speaks of Christ’s humility and the covenant between God and humanity. Christ’s baptism is for us. Why? we are called to imitate Christ in all things.

Ultimately, Christ’s choosing to be baptized, reveals more about us than it does about Jesus. We too can receive the spirit from the baptized. We too are summoned to step forward and do the right thing. We too will receive God’s grace when we seek to fulfill righteousness. And when we do, the good Lord is well pleased.

I have no doubt sportswriters have had a heyday with his name. Luck at Stanford! Luck remains at Stanford! He has certainly lived up to his name--good fortune. Cardinal fans will delight in the good fortune of another year with number 12 on the gridiron, another shot at the Heisman trophy and come June 2012 a fine graduate. Now that’s not an opinion; it's something anyone can and should strongly agree with.

Photo Credits
Andrew Luck #12
Luck & Harbaugh
Baptism of the Lord