Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Senior Day at Bucknell! Buck who? Bucknell!


At the end of November, I traveled to Pennsylvania to watch Bucknell University's final home football game of the season - also known as Senior Day. Sure, most ask why. Well, my cousin is the Offensive Coordinator there - so I went to support him and spend a day or two in snow!


Fortunately, the Friday night before the game I was allowed to eat with the team and also listen to the Seniors give their last speeches. Their comments were full of emotions, laughter, jokes, compliments, good-byes and salutes. Me being a sensitive bloke, it was difficult to hide my own reactions to the young mens' words.


I could not resist grabbing a napkin and writing some memorables notes while intently listening, as one by one they stood to address the team. The team went out the next day and won a thrilling, come-from-behind victory in overtime. I saw first hand what commitment, hard work, fun, and a never-give-up attitude could do for a team!


Here are some of the comments I found to be memorable from the 15 or so Seniors:


* have fun

* play like every play is your last

* have each other's back, have confidence in the guy next to you, believe in yourself, look out for each other

* send Seniors out with a win, build momentum for next year, win #5

* win for you

* Moral character, play with emotion, who we are

* work ethic, no regrets

* football family, practice to win

* Party at 11am (kickoff), gratitude

* Pass the torch - carry on.

* stick it out - one more game to go. 35 playing for 15, Can? or Can't? You choose, but you are right either way.

* take care of each other

* it's worth it - all the practice, playing or not playing - it's worth it

* we all want to compete

* 11 - it takes a team

* part of something bigger than yourself

* get out of it what you put into it


Whether it be work or play, some of these words can be used to lead, manage, inspire, communicate and succeed. Way to go Bucknell, Buck who? BUCKNELL!


What do you think?

No comments: