A Lesson Learned
Some people believe that everyone is a product of what they do or say. Those people never blame others for their mistakes. Other people believe that they can change their character no matter what they do. I once thought that no matter what I did or said everyone would like me and enjoy my company. But one day I met a person who changed that thought.
The first time I met my basketball coach was at a Mulvane Team Basketball Camp. Coach Ryan Herrs stood there looking over us as we sat in the bleachers. A cool look on his face, standing 6'5" with a deep intimidation voice talking to us. Thoughts crossed my mind on how I could never respect him. He told us how we as a team must play together, win together, and be together. I thought, apparently he has never seen me play. I was cocky as I took the floor and began playing only looking for myself and no one else. It didn't last long though. He took me aside, and explained how we must play together. I shook my head okay, but just so he would stop talking. I remember what he said, but never applied it to how I played the game. I didn't play much varsity that year, even though I believed I was the best player. My actions that year cost me a lot of playing time. But I was sure next year I wouldn't and couldn't be denied my time to play on varsity.
The next year came fast, but not fast enough. I wanted to play for sure, but I didn't want to work at practice. I jogged line sprints, didn't listen when coach talked, and played selfish only caring about myself. That year I played a lot of varsity, but not as much as I thought I would. I got into a couple altercations with my teammates and coaches. I needed a serious attitude adjustment, but I didn't know that and didn't want to admit it either. At the end of the season my coach asked me to come into his office and have a talk with him. Throughout the year, I developed more respect for my coach that I ever had. We talked about the year...
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