Changing Course

I've spent the past 3 days, since Friday night, confined to my bed with the flu...I've been isolated away from my family, not to infect them, missed several Gahanna Lincoln events - congrats to the Swim, Hockey and Competition Cheer teams for their strong performances this weekend.  I've watched more MSNBC in the 3 days than I think I have all year, and I thought I watched alot.  The breaking news for the weekend has been that of the "revolution" in Egypt and how the citizens are expressing their feelings of outrage and dissent amongst their government and the governments, refusal to change.

I thought of this Tale I once read...

A batleship had been at sea on manuevers in heavy weather for several days.  The captain, who was cncerned about the deteriorating conditions, stayed on the bridge so that he could keep an eye on all activities.  One night, shortly after dark, the lookout on the bridge suddenly shouted, 'A light, captain, bearing on the starboard bow.'
'Is it steady or moving astern?' the captain asked.
The lookout confirmed that it was steady, which meant that the battleship was apparently on a dangerous collision course with the other ship.  The captain then called to the signalman, 'Signal that ship: "We are on a coliision course.  Advise you change course 20 degrees north."'
Back came the response from the other ship: 'You change course 20 degrees south.'
Annoyed at the arrogance of the response, the captain said, 'Send: "I am a captain, change course 20 degrees north."'
'I am a seaman second class,' came the reply, 'you had still better shange course 20 degrees south.'
By this time, the captain was furious.  He shouted, 'Send: "I am a battleship.  Change course 20 degrees north."'
Back came the flashing light: 'I am a lighthouse.'
The captain changed course.

The moral of that tale is this:
Flexibility is key to common sense and success.

I hope those in Egypt exercise a little flexibility in their decisions or they're on a collision course for something they probably don't want to see.

I guess that lesson is good for each of us and certainly fitting for coaches everyday.  We have to be flexible, or we will run ashore.

The Lesson of the Geese

The Lessons of the Geese

“As geese flap their wings, they create uplift for the bird following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if any bird were to fly alone. If we share a common direction and a sense of community, we can get where we are going more quickly and easily because we are traveling on the thrust of one another!

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go, and we will be willing to accept their help as well as give ours to others.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the point position. If we take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership as with the geese, we become interdependent with one another.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. If we "honk," we need to make sure it is positive and encouraging.

When a goose gets sick or wounded or is shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies. They then launch out on their own, with another formation or catch up with the flock. If we have as much sense as geese, we too will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong. Let us all try to fly in formation and remember to drop back to help those who might need it!

The greatest accomplishments in life are not achieved by individuals alone, but by proactive people pulling together for a common good. Look behind every winner and you will find a great coach. Look out in front of every superstar and you will see a positive role model. Look alongside every great achiever and you will find caring people offering encouragement, support and able assistance.”

John Murphy, Pulling Together: The Power of Teamwork

To Be and MVP

Every team leader desires players who will make significant contributions that take teh team to the top.  In athletics, when a player steps up during crunch time, that individual is often recognized as the most valuable player.

The caliber of play comes from the caliber of the player.  Any team player has the potential to be the MVP, as long as he or she...

V - Visualizes what can be, not just what is
A - Appreciates other players and those associated with the program
L - Leads by example on and off the court, field or track
U - Understands the purpose of the program, the vision of the coaches and the goals set forth
A - Adds value to the team in every aspect
B - Believes in the principles being taught and shares those with others
L - Learns from mistakes and teachers others not to make those same mistakes
E - Encourages his/her teammates to achieve greatest beyond what they belive possible

So, you don't have to be the one that takes that last shot, that catches or throws that final pass.  You don't have to be the one that advances farther than any other player on your team or be the one that carries the load of your teammates when the the game is on the line.  Remember, there were plays and practices and preparations that led you and your team to that moment long before the final play was executed, the final race was run or the final ball was pitched.  Each of you...each of us, have an opportunity to be the MVP, but only you, only I can make that choice to the be the most V.A.L.U.A.B.L.E

Historic Day

Think back with me for a moment and try to remember what you were doing in the winter of 1968-69.  For those of you trying to figure the math, that's 42 years ago. 

Here at Gahanna Lincoln in 1968-69, a senior basketball player by the name of Mike Browning was completing his High School basketball career and had accumulated 1262 points for his career.  Mike would go on to continue his basketball talents at Clemson University and his Career Points record at Gahanna Lincoln would go on to stand for more than 42 years.

Tonight, another Gahanna Lincoln senior basketball player - Stevie Taylor will have the opportunity to eclipse that long standing record of 42 years and 1262 points.  Tonight, Stevie enters the game with 1257 points for his career and 5 shy of setting a new mark.

History would suggest that Stevie, upon breaking this record might see his total stand for another 42 years, and Stevie has six more regular season games remaining on the schedule and a tournament run.  He's averaging over 20 points per game this season, so when it's all said and done, he may shatter this total and leave his mark that hundreds may never come close to achieving.

42 years ago...what might Stevie Taylor be doing 42 years from now when his Gahanna Lincoln and Ohio University Basketball career is over?  What will you be doing 42 years from now?  And will you be able to say, I was there on January 25th, 2011 when Stevie Taylor broke that long standing record.  I hope you can.  We'll see you at the game tonight!
Go Lions!  And Go Stevie!

Busy Week for Gahanna Lincoln Athletics

Good Monday Morning Gahanna Lincoln Fans,

After completing a fun-filled weekend of events, highlighted by the Boys Basketball team - first traveling to Newark and defeating league foe Newark in a hard fought contest, the boys went on to defeat #2 in the State in Division 2, Chillicothe in the Scholastic Play by Play Classic at Capital University on Saturday.  They will now focus their attention to finishing the season as Back to Back OCC Champions, first the first time a school in the OCC Ohio has done that since the 80's. 

Tuesday they face Lancaster at Home and Friday at Home vs Pickerington Central (Alley Oop for Autism).

Stevie Taylor will attempt to set the All-time Scoring Record for Gahanna Lincoln on Tuesday - Stevie needs 5 pts to set the record.

Wrestling will be at Home Thursday to face Pickerington Central - Bowling at Home Thursday taking on Westerville Central and the Swim teams will compete in the OCC Championships Friday and Saturday.

Come out and support our Lions as they begin to wrap up the 2010-11 Winter Seasons.
Go Lions!

2011 Gahanna Duals

For those of you looking to get out on a Saturday, stop in at Gahanna Lincoln High School and catch some of the 2011 Gahanna Duals. 

Wrestling begins at 10am - here's the lineup:
10am: Gahanna - Canal; Davidson - Field; Teays Valley - St. Charles
11:30: Canal - St. Charles; Davidson - Gahanna; Teays - Field
1pm: Canal - St. Charles; Teays - Gahanna; Field - St. Charles
2:30: St. Charles - Davidson; Teays - Canal; Field - Gahanna
3:30: Canal - Field; Davidson - Teays; Gahanna - St. Charles

The 3:30 match with Teays Valley and Davidson always proves to be an exciting event; passionate, intense and great wrestling.  Hope you get a chance to stop by!
Ready...Wrestle.

Snow Day!

There was nothing like a snow day when I was in school.  Mom would come in my room and whisper, "no school" and it was back to sleep I went.  I can only imagine we have several of our student-athletes doing the same thing this morning.  But there's also something to be said for a routine and having those athletes getting up and moving around, not laying in bed all day. 

Hopefully, our student-athletes are up and able to read this blog this morning, getting into somewhat of a routine today in preparation for their games tonight.  After all, the games are ON!  See you at the game.  Go Lions!

First post

I want to welcome you the site.  My intention is to keep you up to date on the issues, challenges and events facing the Athletic programs at Gahanna Lincoln High School and throughout the state of Ohio.  I welcome each of you and look forward to sharing information soon.