Ray Lewis gives moving speech to Stanford before NIT semis

Stanford was preparing to take on UMass in the semifinals of this year's NIT on Tuesday night. It was about six minutes before game time when in comes Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens. Watch how Lewis prepares these young men for the task at-hand (email subscribers click here).



Did you see what I saw? More importantly, did you hear what I heard?  After the initial cheers welcoming Lewis, there was dead silence. We often misuse the term "college kids," as these are young men he's talking to. Some of them are bigger than him. As Division I basketball players, they're certainly taller. But look at them. Their eyes are locked on Lewis as if he's their dad.

Granted, being a perennial All-Pro and one of the toughest men to ever play football earns him a bit of respect. However, Lewis understands what everyone who works with young people should understand. They have to know you care about them first. Young people have to know that their success means something to you. Lewis spoke to them like a man who cared.

He also said something that should resonate with players, coaches and fans on every level as we chase trophies. "Wins and losses come a dime a dozen." This comes from a man who was Super Bowl MVP. He has a championship ring - probably THE championship ring - and he's telling these young people that effort and caring for your fellow man is far more important.

The Stanford players listened as listened well. They defeated UMass 74-64 on Tuesday and went on to face Minnesota on Thursday night for the title. Here's what happened in the championship game:

I could be way off on this, but I think Lewis' message got through to the guys. What do you think? Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Calling All Volunteers - The Sportsmanship Brigade Wants You!

You’re reading this because of your relationship with the St. Louis Sports Commission.  You’ve attended one or more of our events over the years – Final Fours, Frozen Fours, Wrestling Championships, etc.  Maybe you served as a volunteer or enjoyed the entire experience as a spectator.  Many of you support our efforts as members and we sincerely thank you. Some of you know about our Sportsmanship Initiative as well.  You or someone you know has attended our Coach It Right! series of sport clinics.  Maybe you learned something new at our St. Louis Youth Sports Summit or better yet – attended the National Sportsmanship Awards – the night where we celebrate all that’s right in sports. And no, I didn’t forget. You like to read the Sportsmanship Blog too.

In case you hadn’t heard, we have another impactful program that’s been operating for about a year now. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of 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 St. Louis community has responded wonderfully to this program and we want it to continue to grow and the only way that will happen is through volunteers.  This is where you come in. Yes, you. We need you and your friends to volunteer for the Sportsmanship Brigade.

You don’t need any previous experience as an athlete, coach, official or whatever. All you need is a desire to help to create a more positive sports environment for kids. The Sports Commission will train, outfit and equip you with everything you need to be an effective Brigade volunteer. We focus on youth sports. So, the time commitment is minimal as most youth-level activities last no more than an hour. That’s it – just one hour looking for someone to do something right.  Then, you get to recognize them for it. The Brigade exists to help change perspectives and attitudes in youth sports. Our presence changes the atmosphere. Our mission changes the culture. To volunteer, click here or call 314-345-5130. I will respond to you personally with next steps. Thank you in advance for your commitment to kids and the St. Louis region as a whole. I look forward to serving with each of you. Until next time…

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Teen tennis star asks for his father to be removed from stadium

During a match last Saturday, 19-year-old Australian tennis star Bernard Tomic walked over to the chair umpire and asked him to remove his father from the stadium. John Tomic is also Bernard's coach and his behavior from the stands had become more than his son could handle. Watch the video below of the younger Tomic's play and how he could no longer deal with his dad (email subscribes click here).



Probably the most surprising part of the whole video is when the announcers discuss how Bernard was grateful that the chair umpire had issued him a warning for coaching. On the professional level, it is expressly forbidden in tennis to coach an athlete during the match. It's a shame that Bernard would rather face a possible point deduction than hear his father make another sound.

Many of us end up coaching our kids at some point and it's hard to separate our role as parents from that of coach. You have to for your child's sake. Don't be the type of parent or coach that your kid has to seek refuge from. My daughter's been dancing since she was three and I honestly don't know anything about the activity. My wife goes to all the practices and dress rehearsals. She buys all the costumes and replaces the shoes when necessary.

However, when it's time for Madison to take the stage, she asks my wife, "Where's Daddy?" I'm usually in my seat or really close by. It always makes her feel better to know I'm in the building. Like I said before, I can't help her correct a turn and have no advice if she forgets her steps. As a matter of fact, I doubt she can even see me from the stage. She just needs to know I'm there. Your kids are the same way. They don't need you to yell instructions from the stands or make weird faces. They just need you to be there. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Kobe Bryant benched for childish outburst

Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown benched superstar guard Kobe Bryant briefly in the fourth quarter during a 102-96 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. The Lakers were down 14 points with less than six minutes to go when Kobe Bryant pounded the bench in frustration after a called timeout. Brown decided not to let this one go and subbed guard Metta World Peace in for his future Hall of Fame player. Watch the Yahoo! Sports report below which details the incident (email subscribers click here).

Some will undoubtedly question Brown's decision. This is his first season coaching the Lakers and Bryant is one of the best players ever. So, what?! Your skill level as a player does not have an inverse relationship to your attitude. Friday night when the Sportsmanship Brigade was at youth basketball game, a coach benched his player for similar behavior. The only reason this story is in the sports news cycle is because it's common knowledge that star players get treated differently than everyone else. They should not.

A team is a collection of individuals focused on pursuing and achieving a common goal. Beating up chairs along the sidelines does nothing toward that end and the coach should mete out discipline accordingly. To his credit, Bryant took his punishment like a responsible person and offered zero fodder for the media afterwards. "He makes the decision," Bryant said. "He's the coach." If accepting discipline from his coach is good enough for Kobe Bryant, shouldn't it be good enough for your team? Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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St. Rose goes 1-1 in games, 2-0 in sportsmanship

The Sportsmanship Brigade took the old Ernie Banks line of "Let's play two" to heart on Friday as members witnessed a pair of 7th grade CYC girls basketball games. In game 1, the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne B-team took on St. Martin de Porres. The CYC playoffs start next week and the gym had a postseason feel to it. Parents and fans cheered a little louder. Game seemed to be a little more physical. The score itself was indicative of the intensity. Playoff atmospheres sometime don't support sportsmanship life. Too much is on the line. There's no time to soften up. We'll shake their hands when we're done beating their brains out.

Thank goodness for Sydney Morehouse of St. Rose. She was a key player for her team - contributing a lot in points and rebounds - helping them win a 29-28 squeaker. She also delivered the only sportsmanship score of the contest as well. During a battle for a loose ball, one of Sydney's St. Rose teammates was pushed backwards and the young lady was surely going to hit her back or head on the floor. Almost instinctively, Sydney turned from grabbing for the ball to grabbing for her teammate. Certain injury was avoided as Sydney cradled her teammate and kept her upright. The Brigade saw fit to recognize Sydney for her selflessness and teammate-first attitude.

Solomon Alexander with Sydney Morehouse

Game 2 was set to be more more intense than its opening act. The St. Rose A-team and Our Lady of Guadalupe are rivals and this was a return game from earlier in the season which concluded in a St. Rose victory. Guadalupe came out firing and built up a 14-point lead after the first quarter. The game itself wasn't very competitive as Guadalupe played a stellar defensive game and seemed to drive to the basket at will. It was clear early on which team would take the loss, but Anasha Hearst of St. Rose decided not to lose her composure. On one particular play, a Guadalupe player drove to the basket and was knocked to the floor. Anasha helped the young lady up, hugged her and patted her on the back. If no one else in the building had the right mindset, Anasha did. Rewarding her was an easy slam dunk.

Solomon Alexander with Anasha Hearst

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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10-year-old arrested for kicking 12-year old in the face

Hong Kong police have arrested a 10-year-old boy after he kicked a 12-year-old opponent in the face after a hard foul during a soccer match. Last week, the English Schools Foundation (ESF) and the Kitchee Escola U12 teams played what has been characterized as a "grudge match." Kitchee defeated ESF 16-0 earlier in the season and was up 4-0 with plenty of time left in this match. I think we know where this is going. Watch the video below from the 1:00 mark on. This gets really ugly (email subscribers click here).



What the 10-year-old did was terrible and he should have been disciplined. I don't agree with arresting him, but the parents seemingly had no other choice than to contact authorities. The game was out of control from the start and the coaches, parents and officials did nothing to correct the situation. Good sportsmanship wasn't even a passing thought here. ESF knew they couldn't beat Kitchee so they decided to beat them up. I realize the arrest angle may make some people think it's not that bad here in the U.S. Well, it is. Youth games devolve into fisticuffs regularly. The only difference is that our police are reluctant to arrest elementary school kids for what happens on a soccer field.

We as adults have to set the tone. If you participate in sports long enough, you'll find that team or that individual who just has your number. They've figured you out and there's not much you can do about it. They can take your best shot and smile at you. What do you do? Keep playing hard. Keep trying. They may be able to take the trophy from you, but no one can take away your dignity. You choose whether or not to give that away. ESF could have kept their composure and just lost the game. Now, one of their players has been arrested because of his unsportsmanlike behavior. And they still lost!

Coming up on the losing end of a game is always better than ending up on the business end of a nightstick. Remember, you win some and you lose some. Give your best, always. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Derrick Johnson: A Coach's Reward

I've been with the Sports Commission for five years now and people often ask me if I miss teaching. The answer is no. It's not that I hold some sort of grudge against the profession or the kids I taught. I am a teacher's advocate as well as an advocate for kids. That part of me will never die. But if you ask me what makes me "itch" a little, it's the desire to coach. I really miss coaching. Don't worry. Big Sol will continue to fight the good sportsmanship fight as long as you and the Sports Commission will have me. I miss coaching because of its purity. If you show a kid the right things and he works hard, he will have a measure of success.

Think about it like this. Let's say a kid can only perform five push-ups, but they're sloppy. He barely bends his arms and his stomach is sagging toward the floor. You step in and show him how to tighten his core and lower his chest to the floor. Now, he can do 10 push-ups. When my eighth grade basketball coach told me to tuck my elbow, I was able to hit a few more shots. That's the purity of coaching. Direct instruction plus hard work equals results. When I met Derrick Johnson, he was 12-years-old and a raw weightlifting talent. He was what you wanted in a young athlete - strong, fast, flexible and hungry. 

The hungry part was most important. I cut my coaching teeth with that kid. I tried every technique I could think of on him to make him better. We did two-finger pull-ups, loaded wheelbarrow carries. He broke concrete slabs with a sledgehammer for his abs. I had him push a 15-passenger van on the parking lot of Lift For Life Gym for conditioning. During one really intense training session, I kind of went overboard. We had one of those old sand-filled medicine balls at the gym and I would hit Derrick in the abs with it while he was doing sit-ups. One day he told me the hits were too soft. So, I hit him harder and harder and harder. I hit him so hard that sand began leaking from the medicine ball. Derrick didn't flinch. I never tried that with another athlete, but I knew I had a winner.

Combined with the Olympic Weightlifting training we did, Derrick got better - a lot better. He has won every major weightlifting championship in the United States and several on the international stage. All that's left for him now is the Olympic Games. I know he's training hard and I wish him the best. Derrick's 27 now and he's coaching athletes of his own. Even more than what he's done as an athlete and a coach is what he's done as a man. Derrick is the only college graduate I've ever coached and I'm more proud of him for that than any medal, trophy or plaque he's ever earned. The first video you'll see of Derrick in action is from what I think was the 2004 American Open in Shreveport, La. You'll catch a glimpse or two of me in the background (email subscribers click here).

The second video is much more recent. On Thursday morning, Derrick taped a segment with KTVI morning show host Tim Ezell. It's an Olympic year and the two are talking about several promising lifters that Derrick coaches (email subscribers click here).


Derrick is a better lifter and coach than I am and I have no problem saying that. It was always the goal. We should all teach our kids to be better than us. If they have more success than we did, they'll have that much more to offer the generation coming after them. This is a coach's reward - not money and not medals. Our reward is seeing our kids succeed. Until next time...

 Be a Good Sport!

 -Sol

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NFL comes down hard on Saints for Bounty Gate

The NFL announced Wednesday that New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton would be suspended from the league for one year beginning April 1. General manager Mickey Loomis is suspended the first eight games of the regular season beginning on opening day and fined $500,000. Assistant head coach Joe Vitt has been suspended six games and fined $100,000 and former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been suspended indefinitely by the league. The Saints organization was fined an additional $500,000 and will forfeit its second-round draft picks in 2012 and 2013.

These consequences come as the result of an NFL investigation into New Orleans operating a bounty system from 2009-2011 which paid players for hits that injured other players. Varying amounts were awarded for "knockouts" - an injury where a player was unable to return to the game and "cart-offs" - an injury where a medical cart had to be used to help a player off the field.  Williams admitted to running the program with Payton and Loomis having knowledge of his actions. The league also contends that the Saints continued the program after being told to stop by the league in 2010. Watch the ESPN story on the suspensions below (email subscribers click here).


In his statement announcing the punishments, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell explained why the league took this matter so seriously and why the penalties are so strong. "We are all accountable and responsible for player health and safety and the integrity of the game. We will not tolerate conduct or a culture that undermines those priorities. No one is above the game or the rules that govern it. Respect for the game and the people who participate in it will not be compromised. A combination of elements made this matter particularly unusual and egregious. When there is targeting of players for injury and cash rewards over a three-year period, the involvement of the coaching staff  and three years of denials and willful disrespect of the rules, a strong and lasting message must be sent that such conduct is totally unacceptable and has no place in the game."

Player discipline has yet to be determined as the league shares its findings with the NFL Players Association. Between 22 and 27 players are believed to have received payouts from the bounty system. New Orleans has become one of the league's premiere franchises in recent years and even won the Super Bowl in 2009. The Saints have been viewed as a symbol of the reemergence of the Gulf Region since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. However, Bounty Gate casts a large shadow over the once-proud franchise. Commissioner Goodell went on to say that bounty systems "are incompatible with our efforts to promote sportsmanship, fair play, and player safety." When your kids ask you about this, reread the last quote from the commissioner. That says it all. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Five So. Miss. band members scholarships revoked for racist chant

The University of Southern Mississippi revoked the scholarships of five members of its pep band today after the students took part in a racially insensitive chant toward a Kansas State University player during the second round of the NCAA Tournament last week. Watch the video below and listen to what they said (email subscribers click here). You can hear it clearly at the 18-second mark.



Angel Rodriguez is a freshman at Kansas State and a native of Puerto Rico. We all know it was ignorant for the band members to yell "Where's your Green Card?" at him. Do we know why it was ignorant, though? I'm talking about delving much deeper than the obvious swipe at Rodriguez's Latin heritage. You see, racism has a direct relationship with ignorance. Racism is born of, feeds from, and exists through ignorance. Please indulge me for a few moments while I put on my social studies teacher cap. Ready class? Here we go.

Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States as a result of the Spanish-American War in 1898. It has been a U.S. Territory ever since. Puerto Ricans are citizens of the United States as established by the Jones Act of 1917. That's right. Every Puerto Rican you and I know and probably ever met is an American citizen - no Green Cards or special papers required. Angel Rodriguez and his family have the same rights you and I do. The only thing he can do differently now that his family lives in Miami is vote for President - which you cannot do in Puerto Rico because it is not a state.

Let me be clear. No one can vote for federal offices while residing in Puerto Rico. Neither Angel Rodriguez nor Solomon Alexander can vote for President while living in Puerto Rico. We both can do so from Miami and St. Louis respectively. Guess what the official currency of Puerto Rico is. That's right. Those Washingtons, Lincolns, Jacksons, and Franklins spend the same in San Juan and San Francisco. My hope is not to come off as condescending, but informative. When we realize the baffling idiocy behind racism, maybe we'll do more to stop it.

My mom told me this when I was a boy. "Think before you speak. And if you can't think of anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." That quote works in the stands and in life. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Chicago coach suspends nearly entire team for shoe stunt

Chicago (Ill.) Simeon Career Academy won its third consecutive Illinois Class 4A state boys basketball championship after defeating Maywood (Ill.) Proviso High School by a 50-48 score. Simeon coach Robert Smith has had a great run of success with the program - winning five state titles. However, his recent actions prove he cares more about the character of his team than the trophies on the mantle.

Almost the entire Simeon team removed their shoes and placed them side-by-side at half-court after the state title win. The move is reminiscent of a wrestling tradition which calls for a wrestler to leave his shoes on the mat after the final match of his career. It's a gesture that pays homage to the sport. In basketball, such a move is selfish and disrespectful.

Coach Smith thought so, too. Watch the CSNChicago.com video below to find out the drastic measure he took to get through to his team (email subscribers click here).




Kudos to Coach Smith for taking such a principled stand. By suspending almost the whole team for one game next season, he has guaranteed a loss. He showed his team that while winning has its place, how you conduct yourself will be remembered long after the cheering stops. Coach Smith explained his actions in an interview with ESPN Chicago. "They were trying to make a statement saying this was our court. To take off the shoes was out of character. I don't think it was the time and place for that. We had already made our statement by winning three (state championships) in a row."

Coach Smith is right. Let the quality of your play speak for you. There's no need to take off your shoes, pose for the cameras or hide a sharpie in your sock. Remember, clowns are the only people who do goofy things to get attention. You and your kids are not clowns. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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2012 Wrestling Youth Clinic

2012 Wrestling Youth Clinic, a set on Flickr.

On Tuesday night, the Sports Commission welcomed 250 eager young wrestlers to Scottrade Center in downtown St. Louis for this year's Wrestling Youth Clinic. To kickoff a week that culminates with the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, some of the best former collegiate wrestlers and coaches donated their time and talent to teach the next generation of grapplers. Wrestling luminaries like Tyron Woodley and Scott Schatzman among others provided fun and intense instruction for the young people in attendance.

There was also a Parents Session where adults could learn from experts who covered everything from training and nutrition to injury prevention. Mizzou head wrestling coach Brian Smith, Jason Barbour of Metabolic Meals and Sarah Spencer of Washington University Orthopedics gave parents valuable advice on how to maintain success for their kids on and off the mat. But don't take my word for it. Along with the pictures you'll see in this post, check out what some of the parents had to say in post-clinic emails:

"The clinic tonight was great! My son and his friends had a great time and really enjoyed it. We are looking forward to the next clinic."

-Darren S.

"My son attended the Wrestling clinic last night and was very impressed with it. He came from doing gymnastics since he was 6 years old competing all around the country. Wrestling is new for him and he wanted to try a new sport that was high school friendly. He said he learned how to do the skills better from this clinic."

-Kendra G.

"This is my boys (12 and 13) first year wrestling. They were both skeptical at first but now really love the sport. The clinic gave them an even bigger view of what's out there and what they can accomplish in wrestling. The sky's the limit. I want to keep that flame inside burning and appreciate opportunities you provide by putting on clinics like the one we attended."

-Lysa B.

I'm certainly appreciative of the kind words expressed by these parents, but the real credit goes to our coaches and the entire Local Organizing Committee who saw the value in not only giving back to kids, but giving back at the highest level possible. Thank you all for your commitment to young people. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Youth basketball coach arrested for biting

I would normally have a lot to say, but this incident speaks for itself. An assistant coach for a youth basketball team attacked the opposing coach and bit off part of his ear. No, this is not 1997. No, Mike Tyson is not involved. This happened in front of kids. If this doesn't convince you about the need for improvement in sportsmanship, I don't know what will. Watch the WWLP-TV report below (email subscribers click here). We just have to do better. Our kids are depending on us. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Assistant coach arrested after attack: wwlp.com

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Player keeps level head despite busted nose

Sam and his Benes teammates flanked by Brigade members Becky Limback (L) and Erica Clark (R) 

The Sportsmanship Brigade returned to "The J" in Chesterfield on Saturday and witnessed one of the better 5th grade boys basketball games in recent memory. In this particular league, the coach's last name denotes the team nickname. So, this was a matchup of Team Akers vs. Team Benes. The game resulted in a one-point victory for Akers, but the game was a nail-biter all the way. Athletes on both sides played hard and no one wanted to give an inch.

One player who caught the Brigade's attention was Sam Benoist of Benes. Sam played with the kind of intensity and hustle that would make any coach proud. Early in the second-half, Sam took an errant pass right to the face which knocked him to the floor. The ball ricocheted out of bounds and Sam immediately hopped to his feet, straightened his uniform and hustled back to play defense.

He didn't complain to the referee, his coach or even his mom - who was seated just behind two Brigade members. Not even a half-minute later, Coach Benes called a timeout as his player's face was beginning to match the color of his red uniform. Thankfully, Sam's injury wound up being a small scrape in a place on his nose that made it look a lot worse. Sam's mom said, "That's just like Sam. He loves the game and he doesn't complain about anything. He just wants to be a part of the team."

That statement from mom did it for the Brigade. This award is not about Sam's toughness, but about his team-first attitude. By doing what a player is supposed to do after an offensive mistake - fall back and play defense - Sam showed everyone in the gym what being a true team player is all about. The Brigade had no choice but to honor the young man for his character and stand-up attitude.

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Greyhounds coach races ahead of the pack with good character

From L-R: Solomon Alexander, Sarah and Coach Connolly

Jim Connolly of the Clayton (Mo.) - based Greyhounds basketball team gets it. His 5th grade girls team took on the St. Louis Majestic Friday night at the St. Louis Sports Center. The game was competitive and both teams played hard. There was a particular play when Sarah (pictured above) fell to the floor after battling for a loose ball. The exchange was pretty physical and Sarah was pretty upset. Connolly immediately pulled her out of the game and began talking to her to calm her down.

He stood out to the Brigade because he was a calming influence when his player was noticeably upset. Others coaches may have gotten upset with the officials or the other team. Connolly's concern was where it belonged - on his player. The Brigade thought he handled the situation perfectly and thereby recognized him for his good sportsmanship and excellent coaching this week.

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...


Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Find The Brigade - Find Free Tickets!

The Sportsmanship Brigade will be pulling double-duty this weekend so keep your eyes peeled. Friday (3/9), we'll be at the St. Louis Sports Center for the Greyhounds Basketball Tournament starting at 6 p.m. We'll also show up at "The J" in Chesterfield on Saturday (3/10) at11:30 a.m. - 16801 Baxter Road. Brigade members will be looking for good sportsmanship as usual, but we're also hitting the home stretch toward the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships next week here in St. Louis.

Parents will have the opportunity to register their kids for the free Wrestling Youth Clinic which will be held this Tuesday, March 13 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Scottrade Center in downtown St. Louis. Every kid who attends the clinic will receive a free ticket to the actual NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships also at Scottrade Center later in the week.    

Wait, what? You want more. Well, Big Sol has got more. Anyone who approaches me this weekend with the secret sportsmanship word, will receive two tickets to the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships while supplies last. The only way you'll know the secret sportsmanship word is if you read this blog. The secret sportsmanship word is...Woodley as in Tyron Woodley, former Mizzou All-American ,Strikeforce MMA welterweight contender and featured clinician at the Wrestling Youth Clinic.

If you'd like to register your child or team for the Wrestling Youth Clinic, click here or call 314-345-5130. Alright, gotta get back to work. Promoting sportsmanship is a Big job and it takes a Big man to do it. I think you get the picture. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Chanting 'USA' at basketball game deemed racist

Alamo Heights (Texas) High School defeated San Antonio (Texas) Edison High School last Saturday in their class 4A regional final game in boys basketball. Alamo Heights advanced to play for the state championship with the victory. However, during the team's post-game celebration, some Alamo Heights fans began chanting "USA, USA, USA!" Watch the KSAT-TV report below (email subscribers click here).



Before anyone gets all bent out of shape over political correctness run amok, let's get one thing straight. The Edison kids are Americans. They weren't offended over the chant. They were offended because the chant implies they are not Americans. From that perspective, chanting "USA, USA, USA!" would be offensive. The chant usually applies to international competition and not Americans vs. Americans - as this game clearly was.

Illegal immigration is a hot-button political issue and the vitriol has filtered down to our kids. The kids chanting were not cheering on Alamo Heights. They were trying to demean Edison. For those who still don't get it, please allow me to offer a lesson in semantics. The word 'dumb' denotes the inability to talk. Hence the old saying deaf, dumb and blind - meaning you can't hear, talk, or see.

On the other hand, calling someone dumb is a clear insult to their intelligence. Intent is everything. The same applies to the chant "USA, USA, USA!" When used in the Olympics, it's a source of national pride. When used in a high school basketball game against other Americans, it's offensive. Know the difference. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Attend Wrestling Clinic - See Wrestling Championships

For several weeks now, you've seen posts about the Wrestling Youth Clinic that will be held in conjunction with the 2012 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships here in St. Louis. You also know that the youth clinic will feature rising Strikeforce MMA contender and former Mizzou wrestling All-American Tyron Woodley. Oh, you forgot who Tyron Woodley is? Well, take a look at the video below. This is from a bout he had in 2009 with Sal Woods (email subscribers click here).




As you can see, Woodley is an excellent fighter and has a bright future ahead of him.  However, please understand my next point. Tyron Woodley is a professional fighter and the techniques he uses in the ring are not suitable for young athletes. Woodley is a clinician at the Wrestling Youth Clinic to teach wrestling skills only. There will be no striking or submission maneuvers taught whatsoever. Woodley is one of the greatest wrestlers the St. Louis region has ever produced and your child has a unique opportunity to learn from the very best.

The Wrestling Youth Clinic will be held this Tuesday, March 13 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Scottrade Center in downtown St. Louis. Participation is FREE for boys and girls ages 10-16. No previous wrestling experience is required. Along with Woodley, our other coaches will teach according to your child's experience level. I promise they will have fun and learn a lot at the same time. As an added bonus, every child who registers for and attends the clinic is eligible to receive a free ticket to the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships March 15-17 also at Scottrade Center.

Local youth wrestling teams are strongly encouraged to participate. For every 20 kids who attend the clinic from your club, you will receive 25 tickets as these should more than account for chaperones. Teams who have already signed up for the clinic will get first right of refusal for seating. So, don't waste any more time. Click on the following link for the Wrestling Youth Clinic and sign up today! Please complete a separate form for each child. For example, siblings who are put on the same form will not be allowed to participate. If you have any questions or concerns please call 314-345-5130 or email salexander@stlsports.org. This is going to be a great opportunity for you and your kids. Don't miss it! Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Happy National Sportsmanship Day!

"Sportsmanship Guru" Their words, not mine.

Today is National Sportsmanship Day and I'd like you to celebrate by reading something else. No, seriously. The good folks at HighSchoolSports.net and USA Today have shown a tremendous commitment to sportsmanship and you should read what they have to say. If you happen to recognize a certain "sportsmanship guru" mentioned in the text, well that's fine too. Click here to read the article and please spread the word. Sportsmanship is about action. So, click here and tell me what you think. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Deion Sanders hosts show dedicated to changing parent behavior

Deion Sanders is a Pro Football Hall of Fame player. He is the only man in history to score a touchdown in an NFL game and hit a home run in the World Series in the same week. As a matter of fact, he's the only man to ever play in a Super Bowl and a World Series. However, his athletic talent may only be eclipsed by his persona. It's hard not to notice someone whose nicknames are "Neon Deion" and "Prime Time." I grew up watching Sanders. He was on TV all the time. Along with playing two professional sports, he had numerous endorsements. He even released a rap album. Honestly, Sanders would be one of the last guys I'd think of when it comes to sportsmanship and sports parenting.

Thankfully, I was wrong. Sanders is a proud father of five and is more dedicated to them than any of his athletic or entertainment pursuits. He hosts a new program for the Veria Network called Sports Dads. The show centers on families that have young athletes who are being pushed too far by their parents. While 'Dads' is in the title, Sports Dads has also produced several episodes featuring a few overbearing moms. Sanders does his best to help the parents see that family is the most important thing and tries to help them achieve balance between sports and real-life. The following webisode is from a show profiling an overwhelmed 9-year-old and the mom who pushes a little too hard (email subscribers click here).




Does the parent in the video look familiar to you? Do you know someone who pushes their child to the point of tears? As parents, we are responsible for our children's lives. However, their lives are not our lives. We must do everything we can to help them achieve their dreams, but they must be THEIR DREAMS. Kids are the only people on Earth who love us for nothing. We should return the favor. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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2012 Coach It Right! Baseball Clinic

2012 Coach It Right! Baseball Clinic, a set on Flickr.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that's true, then I invite you to look at about 19,000 of our best. Thanks once again to Coach Nicollerat and the SLU High baseball team for helping to put on another stellar clinic. Nicollerat has a real passion for teaching kids baseball and it showed once again. Thanks to the 100-plus coaches who won the fight with their pillows early on a Saturday morning and came out to learn from one of the great baseball minds in our region. Your kids will benefit most from the sacrifice. That's about enough from me. Enjoy the photos. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Coach It Right! Baseball Clinic *Tomorrow*

I know you read the Sportsmanship Blog faithfully and you meant to register for the Coach It Right! Baseball Clinic before now. But everytime you go to the registration page, the phone rings or you get a text or an email. Well, Mr. or Ms. Procrastinator, this post is for you. Stop what you're doing right now and click here to register for tomorrow's clinic. If you don't trust embedded links, contact me by either of the means listed on the flyer below and get yourself signed up. Steve Nicollerat is a coach's coach. He'll show you how to run a youth baseball practice effectively. He'll provide you with the tools necessary for a successful season. You have your orders. Govern yourselves accordingly. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Coach credited with stopping Ohio shootings

Chardon (Ohio) High School fell victim to unspeakable tragedy earlier this week when a student allegedly walked into the cafeteria and opened fire on his classmates. Three students were killed and two others were injured during the shooting. And as awful as that outcome is, it could have been much worse. Law enforcement officials as well as other students credit school football coach Frank Hall with saving lives.

Hall is 6-2 and weighs 300 pounds, so his presence and most like his voice are very intimidating. He yelled, "Hey!" to the gunman as he started shooting. The young man turned his attention to the coach and ran from the cafeteria. Hall didn't stop with the verbal interruption, either. He chased the shooter out of the building and police arrested him a short time later. This gave students and fellow teachers time to get to safety. Watch the Cleveland ABC affiliate story below (email subscribers click here).



Hall is being hailed as a hero, but won't accept the moniker under these circumstances. Three young lives were lost and a community was shaken to its core. However, without Hall's bravery, many more students may have been hurt. The story here goes beyond sports and sportsmanship. There's no score and there are certainly no winners. I just hope a parent thanked Hall and maybe gave him a hug. So often we think of coaches and teachers as people who just collect a paycheck.

No paycheck in the world is worth what Hall did for those kids. He has four kids of his own and he put their futures in jeopardy when he put his own life at-risk. Most teachers and coaches (thankfully) don't have to jump in front of a gun everyday, but they do sacrifice for our kids. Tell them how much you appreciate what they do for your kids every once in awhile. They don't want money and they don't want medals. A 'thank you' will do just fine. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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