Season's Beatings

What? You don't like the title? Seems a little over-the-top? It might be, but what's going on in gyms and on fields across the country is shameful. Baltimore's ConneXions School for the Arts and Washington, D.C.'s Cardozo Academy met for a boys high school basketball match-up. Fans were unhappy with the officiating. Players joined in. A coach got shoved and the melee you see in the video happened between, players, coaches and fans (email subscribers click here). 
You can have the tools to prevent this type of thing from happening in your league. Register for and attend the  St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University. Local and national experts will show you how to improve the sports experience for your kids rather than have it devolve into madness. Go to sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130 to register. Also, be sure to check out Page 2 of this blog to find out how you can earn grant funding for your organization just by attending the event. It won't get better until we make it better. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Saints classless in record-setting performance

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke Dan Marino's single-season passing yardage record Monday night. Marino amassed 5,084 passing yards for the Miami Dolphins in 1984. Brees eclipsed the mark last night against the Atlanta Falcons in a 45-16 Saints victory. The record-clinching pass is shown in the video below (email subscribers click here).
Granted, Drew Brees is one of the good guys in pro sports. His work in helping to rebuild New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina stands by itself. However, this was not the way to break one of the great NFL records. The Saints had a 38-16 lead with a little more than five minutes to go in the game. Most coaches in most games would resort to running the football and draining the clock. Instead, New Orleans passed the ball on five of the next six plays. Saints head coach Sean Payton explained the team's mindset going into the drive:

 “Someone is going to ask this question, so I am going to answer it before it’s asked,” Payton said. “Typically, would I be throwing there? … probably not. In fact, the answer is I wouldn’t be. But I thought it was appropriate to get [the record] and we did it.”

They certainly did it alright. The Saints were seduced by the bright lights of Monday Night Football and couldn't help themselves. Actually, they could've helped themselves. New Orleans has one more regular season game on January 1 at home against the Carolina Panthers. Brees only needed 30 yards at the beginning of the record-breaking drive. He would've easily gotten that in the first quarter on Sunday. It's very important that we don't let ego drive us - especially those of us who work with kids. It's fine to break records. Just don't let your character break with them. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Merry Christmas from the Alexanders! (Madelyn, Madison, and Big Sol)

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Rangers catcher hits umpire in the face

Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba is playing winter baseball in the Venezuelan league. In a game on Friday, he began arguing with the home plate umpire after swinging at strike three.The situation quickly got out of control. Baseball is by far my favorite sport, but the culture that allows the blatant disrespect of umpires is embarrassing. It's the only sport that lets players, coaches, and managers curse at the officials to their faces, kick dirt on them and whatever else. Now, the culture has devolved into striking umpires. Have a look at the video below and let's do what we can to change the sports environment (email subscribers click here). This simply can't continue. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Hockey dad charged after choking son's coach

An assistant coach reprimanded a player for swinging his hockey stick at teammates as if it were a baseball bat. The kid's dad apparently didn't like the way the coach disciplined his son. Dad then began choking the coach. makes perfect sense, doesn't it. This is a youth hockey team of 11-13 year-olds. KARE-TV in Minneapolis gives the full story in the video below (email subscribers click here).
The nonsense really has to stop. If you're serious about creating a more positive sports environment for kids, please join us for the St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University. It's a free event for parents and coaches. A free continental breakfast will be provided and more importantly - you'll hear from local and national experts on how we can improve the youth sports experience. Call 314-345-5130 for more information or register online at sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Georgia school defeats hunger, wins state title

Undoubtedly, some kids will be upset this season over the presents they didn't get. There's a big box under the tree which contained shoes or clothes - instead of the new game system or smartphone they wanted. Attitudes may still be sour at Christmas dinner as they pick through the full plate of turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans and that unrecognizable casserole that Aunt Helen always makes. It will take the kids years to realize how important being able to have dinner with family really is. Dinner is a big deal. Many kids go to bed hungry each night. They don't care about games. You can't eat an XBOX. No kid should have to worry about where the next meal is coming from. Unfortunately, I was one of those kids at one point.

My mom and I lived in trailer park in Fayetteville, N.C. when I was in third grade. We were all very poor back then. I know people do a lot of political posturing on this topic, but let me be clear. Welfare is not enough to feed and care for a child. We received about $200 a month in cash and about $135 or so in food stamps. Mom paid the rent with the cash and sold some food stamps to pay the gas bill. You'll notice I said gas bill. We needed hot water to bathe and we had a gas stove. Electricity was optional. I completed more than one math assignment by candlelight in my day. It would get really hard toward the end of the month and mom had to get creative. Mom was older than most women with an eight-year-old, and many of the men who lived in the trailer park looked upon her as a mother. They hated seeing her struggle to take care of me.

These guys didn't have jobs and went hungry themselves sometimes. So, they made a deal with my mom. If they could get food, she would prepare meals for them when she cooked for us. Full bags of groceries started appearing and I had chicken and steak dinners with some of the roughest dudes in Cumberland County. I'd love to say that some generous person provided the food. Let's just say shoplifting incidents rose in Fayetteville that year. The story of Burke County (Ga.) High School reminded me of that time in my life. The team won the state title in football after overcoming a most formidable opponent - hunger. Coach Eric Parker noticed his team fading late in games. It wasn't because they needed to do more wind sprints. They needed more vegetables. Kids were literally pulling themselves out of games because they were hungry.

Coach Parker did something about it for his team and about 400 other hungry kids. Watch the CBS News video below for the full story (email subscribers click here). 

 Hungry kids can't perform well on the field or in school. Drop a gift off at a food pantry this holiday or at the very least invite a few more people and their kids to your Christmas dinner. Above all else, be thankful for what and especially who you have. Besides, having a scoop or two of Aunt Helen's casserole won't kill you. It hasn't all these years. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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A star athlete who didn't forget about Cleveland

NFL wide receiver Braylon Edwards was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2005. He was traded to the New York Jets in 2009 and is currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers. As a rookie, Edwards made a promise to 100 Cleveland area eighth-graders. If they maintained a 2.5 GPA throughout high school and completed 15 hours of community service, he would give each of them $10,000 toward their college education.   It would've been easy for him to renege on his promise after being traded and subsequently playing in other cities. Nevertheless, Edwards stayed true to his word as 79 of the original 100 met the scholarship criteria upon graduation.

That's right. Edwards paid $790,000 in scholarship money. He gave these students a lot more than money, though. Have a look at the story Rick Reilly put together on him for ESPN.com by clicking here. I know most of us are not millionaires and we certainly can't help send 79 kids to college. However, we do have the ability to keep our promises. Do what you say you're going to do. There's a young person or maybe several young people in your life that need you as an adult to keep your promise. Don't let them down. Be like Braylon Edwards and see the experience through. For the reward in building successful young people is far greater than the sacrifice. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Vince Young inspires cancer patient

Current Philadelphia Eagles and former Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young has made some mistakes in his NFL career. He had very public spats with former coach Jeff Fisher. Off-the-field issues contributed to Young's unceremonious ouster from Tennessee. And yes, he was the one who first called this year's version of the Philadelphia Eagles the "Dream Team." That being said, it's tough to question Young's heart where children are concerned. He became a surrogate father to the late Steve McNair's sons after the former quarterback's untimely death in 2009. Young also paid a visit to a young man named Archie Taylor in 2006.

Taylor was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 12. Word got back to Young that he was Taylor's favorite player and he decided to stop by to lift the boy's spirits. Young presented Taylor with the jersey that Tennessee presented him with on draft day. Sure, professional athletes visit sick kids everyday. Vince Young isn't any more special in that regard than thousands of other players. What makes this story special is how Archie Taylor used Young's visit. As a matter of fact, I'll stop rambling and let the young man tell you himself. Watch the KRIV-TV story below (email subscribers click here).

Archie Taylor Jr. 'A Walking Miracle': MyFoxHOUSTON.com

This is the type of effect we want to have on kids as parents and coaches. We need to inspire our kids to progress beyond their situation. In Taylor's case, he had to fight cancer. Maybe the kids in your league are fighting poverty, poor grades, or the ever-debilitating apathy. If you haven't already done so, make sure you register for the St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University. Sessions on Coaching leadership and Sports Parenting will be held to help you help your kids reach their limitless potential. Go to sportsmanship.org to RSVP for this free event. By the way, Hempstead (Texas) didn't win the state championship, but Archie Taylor has won an even greater battle. One could even credit Vince Young with helping him get on a "Dream Team" of his own - The Survivors. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Related link(s): Play It Forward - stlsportsmanship.blogspot.com
                       Attend Youth Sports Summit - Earn Grant Funding - stlsportsmanship.blogspot.com
                     

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Attend Youth Sports Summit - Earn Grant Funding

This event and the information presented in the event are too valuable for you and your organization to miss. Just in case you didn't see it, I'm reprinting Friday's post. Marketing professionals always say you should have a "Call to Action." In other words, what do you want people to do? I'll make it simple: Read. Recruit. Register.

As you know, the Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative is hosting our annual St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The Youth Sports Summit is a must-attend event for coaches, parents and league administrators.  Those in attendance come away with valuable tools, knowledge and resources that help improve the athletic experiences for children. 

Not only is the Summit free to attend, but the participation of your coaches and parents can actually generate funds for your organization.  We have a wonderful program put together, and we believe this event is so important that we are offering grants to area youth leagues, associations and organizations that have a minimum of 15 coaches and/or parents attend.  Grants will be issued according to the following scale:

15 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $250 grant.

25 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $500 grant.

50 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $1,000 grant.

Please note that 15 coaches and/or parents is the minimum attendance number to receive grant funding.  Increases in grant awards are only available in the 25-person increments shown above.  For more information and to register, please click on this link or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Grants available for Youth Sports Summit attendees

As you know, the Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative is hosting our annual St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The Youth Sports Summit is a must-attend event for coaches, parents and league administrators.  Those in attendance come away with valuable tools, knowledge and resources that help improve the athletic experiences for children. 

Not only is the Summit free to attend, but the participation of your coaches and parents can actually generate funds for your organization.  We have a wonderful program put together, and we believe this event is so important that we are offering grants to area youth leagues, associations and organizations that have a minimum of 15 coaches and/or parents attend.  Grants will be issued according to the following scale:

15 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $250 grant.

25 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $500 grant.

50 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $1,000 grant.

Please note that 15 coaches and/or parents is the minimum attendance number to receive grant funding.  Increases in grant awards are only available in the 25-person increments shown above.  For more information and to register, please click on this link or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Team places third, coaches burn trophies

The New Canaan (Conn.) 8th Grade Black youth football team placed third in its division this season. It's not the championship-level finish the team is used to. New Canaan has won the division each of the last five years. Still, it's not the end of the world. Right? Like most youth leagues, New Canaan Youth Football issues participation trophies even for the kids who don't win the championship. Well, the eighth grade coaches took the team's finish pretty hard. After the postseason banquet in late November, the coaching staff took the kids to a nearby park and told them to throw their trophies into a pile. Coaches then poured gasoline on the trophies and set them ablaze.

Yes, the coaches set the kids' trophies on fire. The picture above shows the charred remains. This is honestly one of the most imbecilic, asinine, and completely irresponsible things an adult could do. Forget the trophies for a moment - these geniuses started a fire in a public park using gasoline with children present.  Our number one responsibility as adults is to keep kids safe. I don't care what motivational tool your're trying to use. Setting a fire doesn't effectively convey the point. Getting back to the trophies - why would you destroy anything that belongs to a child? I know there's contingent of people who think giving every kid a trophy is a mistake and encourages mediocrity. 

Participation trophies are similar to citizenship and attendance awards in school. Why do kids get attendance awards when the law states they have to go anyway? The same thing goes with citizenship. We all expect our kids to behave well and be good citizens. The purpose of these awards is to build kids up and encourage them. Participation awards tell a kid that while you didn't win the championship, you're still a winner and we appreciate your hard work and attitude.  These coaches also ruined the last experience the kids will have in youth football. They're all going to high school. They can't comeback and avenge this season's disappointment. This is just an all-around failure by the coaching staff.

Fortunately, next year's eighth graders will have a new coaching staff. The New Canaan board accepted the resignations of the current coaches and subsequently banned them from coaching any team in the future. Two points from the booklet A Standard Higher Than Victory are appropriate here related to coaches:

• Coach for the love of the game and the love of the athlete.
• Put the welfare of your athletes above winning.

(Note: Copies of A Standard Higher Than Victory are included in the Cardinals Care Package which you can receive for free at sportsmanship.org).

People always remember experiences more than events. The kids in New Canaan probably won't remember they placed third 10 years from now, but they will remember the trophy-burning. Make sure your kids have positive experiences that will help them realize their full and limitless potential. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Related link(s): Youth football coaches resign from board after trophy-burning incident - acorn-online.

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St. Rose and ICD teams show sportsmanship isn't soft

2011 concluded in grand style for the Sportsmanship Brigade. We visited the Catholic Youth Council (CYC) 6th grade boys volleyball playoffs on Saturday. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and Immaculate Conception of Dardenne Prairie (ICD) locked horns in the quarterfinals. It was a very aggressive match and the boys left all they had on the court. They were diving and grunting all over the place. Yet, they played with respect and played within the rules - which by the way has been a common theme throughout the Brigade's visits to CYC games.  St. Rose took the first set and seemed confident going into the second. ICD had other plans, though. They took the second and third sets to advance to the semifinals.

These young men are good athletes and even better people. The Brigade recognized five young men  - three from ICD and two from St. Rose. All cheered for their teammates when they were on the bench and were seen encouraging teammates and even opponents seemingly after every play on the court. The reason you only see four boys in the picture with me is because the second young man from St. Rose left with his parents before we could catch up. His coach accepted the award on his behalf.  We were very impressed with both teams.

As basketball season begins in January, look for the Sportsmanship Brigade at a gym near you. Whether it's CYC, City Rec, or your local sports association - the Brigade wants to see young people doing the right thing. If you want your youth league or organization on the 2012 schedule or you want to volunteer as a Brigade member, please call 314-345-5130 or email salexander@stlsports.org. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sports events looking for acts of good sportsmanship by athletes, coaches, parents, and fans. Those who display good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more info on the Brigade and all of the programs within the St. Louis Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative, please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Sports mom loses it

The following is a Public Service Announcement from the St. Louis Sports Commission and its Sportsmanship Initiative. Parent behavior can sometimes get out of control at youth sports competitions. We don't mean to lose it. We know it's inappropriate to go off the deep end...especially in front of the kids. Maybe we just come down with a case of the "can't help its." If you or someone you know behaves like the mom in the following video (email subscribers click here), please call the Sportsmanship Hotline at 314-345-5130 and get registered for the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit today. Our trained professionals specialize in Coaching Leadership, Sports Parenting, CPR Training and more. We'll also present a breakout session dealing with social media so you don't end up on websites like stupidvideos.com.

It doesn't matter what the sport is, the Sportsmanship Initiative can help. We have worked successfully with baseball, football, soccer, wrestling and volleyball coaches over the years. But maybe you don't want to call. That's fine. Just click on this link to register. There is no fee to join and no hidden costs will be charged later. Encourage your friends to join you and come to the St. Louis Youth Summit on Saturday, January 14, 2012 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Maryville University Auditorium. Space is limited. So, you must RSVP to attend. The St. Louis Youth Sports Summit is a program of the St. Louis Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative which creates more positive environments for kids to play sports so they will remain active and lead healthier, happier lives. For more on the Sportsmanship Initiative, please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol



  

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Albert Pujols vs. LeBron James: Decisions, Decisions

You've probably heard by now that former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols has agreed to a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a reported $250-260 million over 10 years. Don't worry, this is not a referendum on professional athletes' salaries. This post is about decisions and the consequences thereof. Albert Pujols made a conscious decision to leave the Cardinals to sign with the Angels. If you'll remember, another high-profile athlete made a similar decision in the summer of 2010. Of course you remember when LeBron James decided to "take his talents to South Beach" on national television.

When James signed with the Miami Heat and left Cleveland, Cavaliers fans were furious. The dust from the decision settled and one fact remained. James left Cleveland because he wanted to go to a team where he had the best chance of winning. Under the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, Cleveland could have offered James up to $30 million more than any other team. Money wasn't the issue. James thought he could win on a team with Dwayne Wade and Chis Bosh. He almost did. The Heat lost in the NBA Finals 4-2 to the Dallas Mavericks. Cleveland regressed considerably - posting the worst record in the league last season.

Conversely, Pujols had an entirely different motivation. Albert Pujols portrays himself as a man of faith and good character. He does great work in the community and had professed an allegiance to the Cardinals. He said that he wanted to be a Cardinal for life and winning was very important to him. The Cardinals are the current World Series Champions. On that basis alone, there was nowhere else to go. Men like Musial, Brock, Gibson and Ozzie are Cardinals for life. To be in that company makes you a baseball immortal. Pujols' words didn't line up with his actions. This is where the character component comes in. Be who you say you are. If you're about money, then say it. If you're about winning, that's OK too.

Professional athletes are a reflection of us. Some are honest. Some are greedy. Most are in the middle. LeBron James deserves credit for sticking to his principles. He's chasing the elusive brass ring. Albert Pujols traded his brass ring for some gold coins. Gold does have value, though. We used to use it to prop up the value of the American dollar. Maybe Pujols can use his to prop up a broken reputation. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Doc Rivers on Sports Parenting

Our friends at the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) have put together a tremendous series of videos expounding upon many of the topics covered in this blog. In the video below, Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers talks about his role as a sports parent (email subscribers click here). Rivers was a great NBA player and he now coaches one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. Oh, and he's won a championship with said team. Imagine him walking into your gym while you're trying to teach his son how to set a screen.

You may think he has a strained relationship with his sons' coaches. Quite the contrary. Rivers knows his role as a parent and how it relates to his kids' coaches. Sports Parenting is a breakout session topic at the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit - which will be held January 14 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Maryville University Auditorium. Lane Green, Athletics Director of the Olathe (Ks.) School District, will lead the discussion and provide valuable information on how sports parents can excel in their role and contribute to the success of the team.

Other breakout sessions include CPR Training from the American Heart Association and a discussion on social media called Follow Your Friends: Using Social Media As A Positive Tool In Youth Sports. We will also address the topics of coaching leadership and how to prevent poor behavior in our large group sessions. Former St. Louis University basketball star Scott Highmark will deliver the keynote address. A free continental breakfast will be provided as well as plenty of free parking on the Maryville campus. The St. Louis Youth Sports Summit is absolutely free, but you must register in order to attend as space is limited.

Just click on this link to RSVP or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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How to celebrate after a sack

With a little over seven minutes to go in the fourth quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers, the St. Louis Rams decides to go for it on 4th down. Mizzou product and current San Francisco defensive end Aldon Smith had other ideas, though. The rookie blew through the Rams offensive line and sacked quarterback A.J. Feeley for a loss and ended the drive. I know what you're thinking - another unsportsmanlike penalty for excessive celebration. Nope.  Instead of doing some ridiculous sack dance, Smith hustled off the field and took a seat on the bench. He made sure there was no chance of his team getting a penalty. With all of the criticism heaped on NFL players for their sack and touchdown celebrations, this may be the most original and classiest one yet (email subscribers click here to see video). Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Holy Trinity keeps the play in playoffs

Big Sol with Holy Trinity. Spurlock is #20.

The Sportsmanship Brigade recognized McKenzie Spurlock of Holy Trinity in St. Louis on Saturday. Spurlock's 7th grade volleyball team took on St. Bridget in the Catholic Youth Council (CYC) quarterfinals.  Brigade members have witnessed several great acts of sportsmanship during this volleyball season, but never with this much on the line. This is the playoffs. How would players act if a call went the wrong way or the score got out of hand? Well, McKenzie Spurlock showed us that good sportsmanship never takes a break and great players can have great attitudes. Holy Trinity and St. Bridget played three spirited sets and it was close throughout. Neither team lost its cool, but Spurlock stood out as she treated the game as if it were a family outing in the park.

She did everything she could to help her team win and she was having fun doing it. Spurlock encouraged her team on the court and continued even when she was on the bench. This is the type of attitude we want our kids to display: Play hard. Play to win. Play with respect. Play for fun. The word play is a key element here. Whenever you play anything, it's supposed to be fun. By the way, Holy Trinity did advance to the semifinals. Don't know how they played, but I'm sure they had a blast. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Students punished over disturbing hazing incident

As parents and coaches, we must be ever vigilant in protecting our children - even when it means protecting them from themselves. Hazing is nothing new in sports.  It used to be considered a rite of passage. Veteran teammates would "welcome" new players by making them perform some humiliating, but mostly harmless task. For example, rookies in football have to carry the veterans' practice pads. However, hazing has come under scrutiny in recent years - especially with our kids. As a matter of fact, hazing is now illegal in many communities across the country. Some kids have taken it too far and put themselves and their teammates at risk.

Such is the case at Andover (Mass.) High School. The boys basketball team participated in a camp last summer at a local college. During the camp, younger players were forced by upperclassmen to eat cookies covered in bodily fluids. School district officials, law enforcement and parents failed to see the humor in this situation. WFXT-TV provides full details of the case in the report below (email subscribers click here).

The students involved were disciplined, but it cannot stop there. Hazing on the youth and high school level has become a form of bullying and can no longer be tolerated. Adults have to take a more proactive role in preventing these incidents. Let your kids know in no uncertain terms how you feel about hazing. Sports are supposed to build our children up, not tear them down. Until next time...

 Be a Good Sport!

 -Sol

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Scott Highmark interview on sportsmanship

Former St. Louis University basketball star Scott Highmark will deliver the keynote address for the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit. Aside from playing Division I basketball, Highmark has extensive experience in youth sports as a coach and parent. He was interviewed last year by Melenie Broyles on her How Not 2 Act radio program. Click on the following link for the show's podcast - Good Game, Good Game. Really? Really? Highmark's portion picks up at the 16:00 mark. He provides a very interesting take on how a potential Division I athlete was not recruited by several schools because of his father's behavior at games. Of course, you can hear Highmark for yourself at the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit. The event will take place on Saturday, January 14 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Maryville University Auditorium and is free to all coaches and parents.

In addition to Highmark, breakout topics will address Coaching Leadership, Sports Parenting as well as free CPR training from the American Heart Association. Free parking and a complimentary continental breakfast will be provided. You can register by clicking here or calling 314-345-5130. The St. Louis Youth Sports Summit is a program of the St. Louis Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative - which creates more positive environments for kids to play sports so they will remain active and lead healthier, happier lives. For more on the Sportsmanship Initiative and its programs, please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Coach opens heart and home to struggling student

I read a lot of stories and watch a lot of video about kids, coaches and parents. Some stories make me laugh. Others make me cry and many make me angry. Yet, none of them made me shout until now. If you don't know what I mean, I encourage you to stop by the Shalom Church City of Peace in suburban St. Louis on Sunday morning. Shouting is a spiritual confirmation. It happens when a truth is expressed so clearly that the listener has no choice but to yell "Yes!" or "Thank You!" as loudly as their lungs will allow. Worry not, there'll be no preaching here. I'm not qualified to do that. However, I do know the truth when I hear it. Keana Berkhalter, of Washington High School (Milwaukee, Wis.), spoke words that made me shout this morning.

Berkhalter was abandoned by her parents as a baby.  She has lived with a confusing combination of foster families and relatives almost her entire life. Last year, Berkhalter reached a point where the revolving door stopped. She was 16 and had nowhere to go. Her basketball coach, Marlon Boyd, took notice of her troubles and intervened. Watch Berkhalter's story below as presented through WISN.com (email subscribers click here). Oh, you still want to know what Berkhalter said that was so powerful? The reporter in the piece asked her what she's most thankful for this holiday season. She said, "I would say I'm most thankful for my hardships." Feel free to shout now. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

  

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73-year-olds fight, winner promotes sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is serious business, but you can't take yourself too seriously in any business. Even some instances of poor sportsmanship provide comic relief. Enter Joe Kapp and Angelo Mosca. The two are Canadian Football League legends and were being honored at an alumni luncheon last Friday. Kapp and Mosca have a not-so-friendly rivalry which has lasted almost 50 years. Their dislike for one another devolved into fisticuffs during the luncheon. Yes, the two 73-year-olds "threw hands" as the kids say (email subscribers click here). Don't worry. No one was seriously hurt. Besides, listen to what Kapp yells to the audience at the end of the fight. I'll take a free plug where I can get it. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Bob Costas monologue on NFL Celebrations

Even when you talk as much as I do, it's always more effective to defer to someone who does it better. Below you'll find Bob Costas' monologue on NFL touchdown celebrations from yesterday's Sunday Night Football game (email subscribers click here). This is the point that those of us who promote good sportsmanship are trying to make. Thanks Bob! Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Stevie Johnson mocks Plaxico Burress with TD celebration

Fans and players sometime say that NFL stands for No Fun League due to the league's tough stance on excessive celebrations. The league wants the quality of football on the field to speak for itself and for the players to behave like professionals. There's nothing wrong with that - especially when you look at what Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson pulled when he scored a touchdown against the New York Jets (email subscribers click here).

Johnson was mocking Jets receiver Plaxico Burress - who spent two years in prison for basically shooting himself in the leg. Johnson also ran around the end zone with his arms outstretched pretending to be a jet. I guess he was also pretending to be a professional. This kind of behavior has no place in sports and shouldn't be promoted by kids or professionals. Instill a culture of respect on your team and don't allow this to happen. Besides, only losers behave this way. Ask Johnson. The Jets went on to defeat the Bills, 28-24. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Is Ndamukong Suh a dirty player?

Think carefully before answering this question. Several experts have already weighed in and I won't add to the clutter with my opinion. Most of you already know what I think anyway. Thanksgiving is probably the one day out of the year where you can't retreat to your man cave for football. The whole family is watching football waiting for the turkey to get done. Your kids, nieces, nephews, cousins - and if your family is anything like mine - a few people your folks just randomly invited and their kids are all watching the World Champion Green Bay Packers take on the upstart Detroit Lions. Those young eyes just saw one of the best young players in the league drive an opposing player's head into the ground three times and then give him a stomp for good measure. Watch the incident again below (email subscribers click here).

What did you say to the kids when it happened? Did you say anything at all? We'll talk about situations like this and many others at the St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University in St. Louis (click here for registration information). Suh was ejected from the game and will likely face other disciplinary action from the NFL, but that really doesn't matter. He'll play again. If your kid did something like this, it may be his or her last game in the youth league. The only way any of us learn right from wrong is to be told. Speak up! Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Coach's wife arrested for changing player grades

Sara Glashagel is a special education teacher at Antioch (Ill.) Community High School near Chicago. Last week, she was charged with computer tampering. Authorities allege Glashagel used an administrative password to access student records and change the grades of 64 students - 41 of whom are on Antioch's football team. Why would a special education teacher alter grades for football players? Well, her husband, Brian Glashagel is Antioch's head coach. Police think Glashagel mixed in the 23 other students to mask the football changes. Now here's where the story gets weird. According to police, Coach Glashagel had no idea about his wife's alleged actions. They point to the fact that while grades were changed, none of the changes were high enough to affect student eligibility. Basically, authorities believe that the coach would have at least made the grades high enough for the kids to play.

Glashagel could face up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine if convicted. There used to be a TV show on some years ago called America's Dumbest Criminals. I feel like this story fits somehow. That being said, academic dishonesty is a serious subject and can't be laughed off. Academic and athletic departments have had battles for years over the balance between sports and the classroom. We all know math is more important than football.  I've also heard coaches go on and on about how they don't want dumb players. Yet, stories like this crop up every now and again when someone in an authority position (teacher, coach, etc.) takes it upon himself or herself to circumvent the system and effectively devalue education.

Our kids can be good students and good athletes at the same time. My good friend and co-worker, Kristin Folkl-Kaburakis is one of the greatest athletes the St. Louis area has ever produced. She also graduated from  Stanford University. Scott Highmark completed his degree from St. Louis University and became one of the greatest basketball players in the school's history. He's also the keynote speaker for the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit at Maryville University (click here for more information). Academics and athletics can co-exist at a high level. We as parents and coaches need to set the right example. Kids can achieve greatness when we expect them to. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Related link(s): Wife of football coach charged in grade tampering - Chicago Tribune

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Youth Sports Summit returns to Maryville

The third year in sports usually represents a tipping point - either you have it or you don't. Any kinks should be worked out and your operation should be a clicking on all cylinders. In 2012, the Sports Commission presents the third edition of the St. Louis Youth Sports Summit (formerly Sportsmanship Summit). We changed the name but not the focus. The name change provides a bit of clarity. While sportsmanship issues exist at all levels of sport, we will specifically address those in youth sports.

Former St. Louis University basketball great Scott Highmark will deliver the keynote address. As a Division I athlete turned family man, Highmark has a unique perspective that combines high-stakes athletics with the developmental side of youth sports. In addition to the keynote address, the Youth Sports Summit features two large group sessions and three breakout sessions. Our first large group topic is Coaching Leadership - a session where you will learn the importance of intentionally teaching character in sports and how to use teachable moments to develop character in your athletes. Coaching leadership was far and away our most popular breakout in previous years.  So, we decided to make it available to everyone this time around.

You can attend two of three breakout sessions available after the first large group. Sports Parenting is an engaging 30-minute presentation in which parents learn how to best support their student-athletes on and off the field of play. We are also proud to present CPR Training provided by the American Heart Association as one of the breakout sessions. Please sign-up early as space is limited for this breakout. Our third breakout will be led by Yours Truly and is called Follow Your Friends: Using Social Media as a positive tool in youth sports. Facebook, Twitter, Blogger and even text messages are tools we can use to help promote the good things we are doing in youth sports. I'll show you how to make sense of it all so you can present your kids in the best light possible.

Our second large group session is called Parental Discretion is Advised: How poor behavior can be prevented by parents and coaches. We'll review video of some less-than-desirable sportsmanship moments and discuss methods to prevent them from happening in your organization. The St. Louis Youth Sports Summit will be held on January 14, 2012 beginning at 8:30 a.m. inside the Maryville University Auditorium. Admission is FREE and open to all parents, coaches and other adults who care about creating positive sports experiences for our kids. Of course, a free continental breakfast will be provided as well. To register, click here or call 314-345-5130. Now is the best time to make a positive change for your organization and your kids. Sign up to attend the St. Louis Youth Sports Summit Today! Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Kirkwood hockey team uses AED to save teammate's life

Stephen Spiros plays goalie for his Jaguars hockey club in suburban St. Louis. He's 59-years-old and certainly more active than most of us. However, during a game last Monday night, Spiros suffered a massive heart attack. Thankfully, the Kirkwood Ice Rink has an Automated External Defibrillator or AED in the facility. A player from the opposing team knew exactly where the device was and Spiros' teammates knew how to use it. Watch the KSDK-TV story below to find out how a goalie got saved for once (email subscribers click here).



Quick thinking, accessibility to the AED and prompt action from all involved probably saved Spiros' life. An AED is a valuable life-saving tool and your organization should have one. Many gyms, schools and churches have them, but several still do not. The device is very easy to use and you don't have to be a trained medical professional to operate one. For more information on the AED and how your organization can get one, please visit heart.org or you can call Madelyn Alexander, Communications Director of the St. Louis Affiliate of the American Heart Association at 314-692-5600. Yes, I'm giving you permission to call my wife. Please be respectful. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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N-O-R-B-E-R-T spells Team

Athletes, coaches and parents...sportsmanship takes a village.

On Friday night, St. Angela Merici met St. Norbert in an eighth grade volleyball match-up. St. Norbert is a well-oiled machine that breathes teamwork and sweats sportsmanship. These young ladies are a complete unit. They play at a high level while maintaining a high level of character. St. Norbert represents a prime example of winning with class. They played hard and played to win. Yet, they never disrespected their opponents through gloating or excessive celebration. It didn't take long for Brigade members to determine that this week's recognition would be a team award. Congratulations to coach Amy Porter and her entire team. St. Norbert is a near-perfect combination of class and skill.

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Those who display good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Sportsmanship Brigade - including scheduling and volunteering information - please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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NCAA Volleyball serves the community

NCAA Volleyball Community Service, a set on Flickr.

The NCAA Division III Volleyball Championship takes place this weekend at Washington University in St. Louis. Wittenberg (Springfield, Ohio), SUNY - Cortland (N.Y.), St. Thomas (Saint Paul, Minn.), Springfield (Mass.), Eastern (St. Davids, Pa.), Christopher Newport (Newport News, Va.), Carthage (Kenosha, Wis.), and Cal. Lutheran (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) will all battle for a national championship. Now, I'm not a volleyball expert by any stretch, but I do know you have to serve before you can score. This is certainly true of the athletes and coaches participating in the Division III Championship. Each school completed a service project at a designated St. Louis area non-profit organization.

The pictures you see in this post are from Wittenberg's visit to Good Shepherd Children & Family Services. Athletes and coaches painted two maternity rooms for expectant mothers who reside at the facility. St. Thomas and SUNY - Cortland visited with kids and sorted donations at St. Louis Crisis Nursery. Cal. Lutheran and Springfield sorted and labeled holiday donations to help the homeless at St. Patrick Center. Carthage spent time with young patients at St. Louis Children's Hospitals - many of whom will be in the hospital over the holiday season. Eastern and Christopher Newport visited who President Bush called "America's finest citizens" when they stopped by John Cochran VA Medical Center. Athletes and coaches served coffee and snacks in the Ambassador Suite as well as delivered gifts to patient rooms.

All eight schools have young people of tremendous character and athletic skill. Bring your families out to see them compete this weekend. Matches begin on Friday and run through Sunday afternoon. Please visit www.stlsports.org for a full schedule. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Coach resigns over "Hurt Feelings Report"

Be glad your kid didn't bring this home.

Pat Lynch was the head football coach at Buffalo (Wyo.) High School until last week when word of his "Hurt Feelings Report" reached school and district administrators. Lynch distributed the document to his players and had them submit a completed version to him when they had a complaint. The document you see in this post is the "Hurt Feelings Report" in its entirety. However, I did have the profanity and slurs redacted.  Let me be clear. Students did not create this as a prank or to bully another student. Their coach...an adult...the school's guidance counselor created this and gave it to his players.  Oh, I forgot to mention that. Lynch is Buffalo's guidance counselor. Beyond football, this guy gives kids advice on college and career. Go figure.

The school board decided to accept Lynch's resignation as football coach but is allowing him to remain as guidance counselor. This is yet another example of coaches using questionable methods to motivate players. A few weeks ago, Shawn Abel of Collierville (Tenn.) High School resigned from his position as head football coach after he was recorded shouting profanities at his players before a game. Abel was also allowed to keep his full-time position at the school as a math teacher. I'm not going to debate whether or not these men should be fired. I will say that those of us who teach and coach kids have the responsibility to treat them with respect no matter what the setting. We have no right to demean them and tear them down. 

Calling a young boy a "girly-man" will not help him become the man he should be. As a matter of fact, all that does is create another problem. He's no closer to being a man and now he hates his coach. I've said this before and it bears repeating. Be sure everything you do as a coach has a positive outcome in mind. Make them run to get faster. Make them do push-ups to get stronger. Push them so they'll go forward, but don't knock them down. Raise your voice to raise their game. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Related Links:

Wyoming coach resigns after forcing offensive survey on players - Yahoo! Sports

Coach resigns over profane speech, community supports him - Sportsmanship Blog

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Saints show outstanding sportsmanship

From L-R: Sophie Ellis, Solomon Alexander and Ivana Pease

The Grace Christian Saints hosted St. Joseph in a CYC 5th grade volleyball match-up on Saturday. Both team played with tremendous class and character. Sportsmanship Brigade members rewarded Ivana Pease and Sophie Ellis of Grace and St. Joseph respectively. Ellis competed at a very high level while encouraging her teammates throughout. Even when plays went against her team, Ellis was the primary motivator. The same could be said of Pease - who took her role a step further. She started an impromptu cheer for her teammates while she was on the bench. When I asked Pease about her cheer after the match she said, "Oh, I didn't start it. It was my teammates and I just joined in." Brigade members clearly saw Pease start the cheer, but her humility makes her stand out all the more. 

For these Saints, sportsmanship is a Brees. Sorry, couldn't help it. 

Normally, this would be the end of the post. I'd tell you to find more information about the Sportsmanship Brigade on our sportsmanship.org website. It doesn't end there, though. Just as I was talking to the officials about which players we wanted to reward, Grace went one step further. They formed a spirit tunnel for the St. Joseph athletes. The 10 Grace players stood in two rows of five, interlocked their hands and stretched them overhead. Then, they cheered loudly for St. Joseph as the opposing team ran through. It was a thing of beauty. We had no choice but to reward the entire team. I forgot to mention you can make donations to the Brigade through our website as well. With sportsmanship on display like this, the goodie bag is going to have to get deeper. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Tweets about #Sportsmanship

Instead of posting a handful of sportsmanship stories on Page 2 and doing a single story here, I've decided to reverse the order. LZ Granderson of ESPN.com wrote a stirring piece about how parents should be ever-vigilant in protecting their kids. His article is in response to the current Penn State scandal. Check it out. It's certainly an eye-opener.

The stories normally reserved for Page 2 get moved to the front page because of Twitter. Whenever I post on this blog, the title and link to the post appear as a tweet on the social networking website. Some of my followers decided to retweet the messages. A retweet (RT) is the ultimate sign of respect in the Twitterverse. A retweet means that what you posted was so informative, cool, or funny that someone had to tell everyone they know what you said. We need that in our sportsmanship world. The message needs to be repeated and retweeted over and over. Here are the top three rewteets from earlier in the week. All the links shown are safe and will take you back to this blog. By the way, you can follow me on Twitter @TheRealBigSol. 

kbu22: @TheRealBigSol Best reflection I've read yet regarding #PennState Sportsmanship: Penn State: A lesson in integrity

gobearsemily: RT @jbmthinks: okay, this coach did a really dumb thing...not a good idea... ow.ly/7oYE5 @TheRealBigSol < What was he thinking?


scoresstlouis: @TheRealBigSol , thank you for honoring our poet-athletes with a sportsmanship award yesterday!


Until next time…


Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Youth soccer program SCORES big in sportsmanship

From L-R: Solomon Alexander, Donay, Coach Hearn, and Coach Huffington

America SCORES St. Louis was the first organization to welcome the Sportsmanship Brigade to its games when the program began. The coaches, administrative staff and parents are very proud of their poet-athletes and they have ever reason to be. SCORES promotes health and activity through soccer and literacy through poetry. Thursday evening was the final game of the fall season for the teams in attendance. Walbridge and Patrick Henry Elementary schools went head-to-head and the young ladies did not disappoint. It was a spirited contest with Walbridge coming out on top. My new friend, Donay scored a goal from mid-field and scored bigger points with her leadership. During tense moments, Donay kept her composure and was the vocal leader of her team.

The old saying "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" applies to parenting and coaching. Athletes of character usually have coaches of character teaching and encouraging them. This is certainly true of the Walbridge staff. Coach Huffington and Coach Hearn specifically told their girls to "practice good sportsmanship" and "don't let the other team get into their heads" - possibly inciting poor behavior. The Sportsmanship Brigade was indeed honored to recognize Coaches Huffington and Hearn along with Donay as  tonight's sportsmanship award winners. It's uplifting to see youth teams display great skill and great character.

This Saturday, the Brigade will make its way to Grace Christian Church in suburban St. Louis for a 1:00 p.m. CYC volleyball match. It will undoubtedly be a contest of spikes and sportsmanship. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Those who display acts of good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more information on the Brigade - including scheduling and volunteer opportunities - please visit our website at sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Penn State: A lesson in integrity

I'm sure by now most of you have heard or read about the situation at Penn State University. The topic quite frankly goes far beyond sportsmanship and certainly goes beyond what I am willing to write about in this forum. However, there are lessons to be learned even in the worst circumstances. Today's lesson centers on integrity. Bruce Brown, author of the booklet A Standard Higher Than Victory, addresses integrity in terms of the example coaches should set for their athletes.  To be honest, Brown lays out a guide for integrity that anyone can use. Multiple copies of the booklet A Standard Higher Than Victory are available through our Team Players Program which you can learn more about by clicking here. Here is what Brown has to say about integrity:

Integrity is a choice of behaviors displayed in small daily decisions. The [person] demonstrates actions that follow his or her words and beliefs. Yes means yes and no means no. [People] of integrity say what they mean and follow that exact path. Their word is good, their handshake confirms the deal, and their signature is worth something. They are worthy of of respect. The first step to building a successful team is surrounding yourself with people of integrity. 

Integrity is a simple concept, and for the person of integrity, life may not be any easier, but it is simpler. It is not always easy to do what is ethically correct, but it is simple to know which path is most ethical and then exercise that option.

 Brown then goes on to use several famous quotes regarding integrity. This quote is a personal favorite from educator John Holt. "The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do." Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Youth coach breaks player's collarbone

Yes, you read the title right. I'm not sensationalizing this nor am I making this up. A Detroit area middle school football coach broke his own player's collarbone. When watching this video, I was reminded of something Missouri Hall of Fame baseball coach - Steve Nicollerat said at one of our Coach It Right! Baseball Clinics. "Whatever you do as a coach, make sure it has a purpose." What's the purpose of doing this to a kid? Watch the WJBK-TV story below and see if you can come up with some sort of explanation (email subscribers click here). Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Video: Coach Delivers Bone Snapping Hit on Middle School Football Player: MyFoxDETROIT.com

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Good sportsmanship abounds in CYC

From L-R: Sophie Hibbard, Coach Missy Box, Christina Koch, and Coach Julie Council

The Sportsmanship Brigade began its November schedule Friday night with a visit to Immacolata School. The home team took on St. Peter in a volleyball match-up of eighth-graders. Immacolata won the match 2-1, but the attitudes of both teams guaranteed there wouldn't be any losers on this court. Sophie Hibbard of Immacolata ran to a teammate who had been having a bad game. She could be heard from the stands saying, "That's alright. Keep your head. We'll get the next one." Hibbard's encouragement helped her team in a match that could've easily gone either way.

Christina Koch of St. Peter was the spark plug of her team. Through three 15-minute periods, this young lady never stopped cheering, playing and motivating. Even as Immacolata pulled away late in the third period, Koch never quit. She yelled out on match point for Immacolata, "C'mon guys! We can do this!" The coaches for both teams were outstanding as well. Julie Council of St. Peter and Missy Box of Immacolata implored their teams to play hard and play to win - but play within the rules. No one on either side argued with a referee or yelled at an opposing player. Both teams played a determined yet respectful match.

As a result, we were proud to recognize Christina Koch of St. Peter and Sophie Hibbard of Immacolata along with their respective coaches - Julie Council and Missy Box. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, parents, coaches and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. The Brigade will visit the poet-athletes of America SCORES St. Louis this Thursday and take in another youth volleyball tilt at Grace Christian this Saturday. If you would like to get your organization on the Brigade schedule or volunteer as a Brigade member, please visit our website - sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Page 2 - Sign up for hitting seminar with Hall of Fame baseball coach

The living legend himself - Coach Steve Nicollerat

It's Friday. That means it's time for Page 2. Here's this week's rundown.

• Kid in wheelchair scores TD in prep football game.

• High school football player with cancer defies the odds and takes the field.

• Soccer player kicks a ball into the stands and nearly injures someone.

• Missouri Hall of Fame baseball coach, Steve Nicollerat hosts a free hitting seminar.

• Sportsmanship Brigade begins its November schedule. 

Read. Learn. Enjoy. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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