There's a
Chinese proverb that says; "When it's obvious a goal cannot be reached,
don't adjust the goal, adjust the action steps."
As much
as I would like you to believe that I'm very philosophic and regularly read
that of the ancient Chinese proverbs, I'm not.
However, what I do enjoy is a great leadership book and stealing nuggets
of information that can better serve out student-athletes, coaches and athletic
programs at Gahanna Lincoln. "The
Way of the Seal" by Mark Divine, is a great read and one that would
recommend. Although I'd love to devote
this blog to my thoughts on the WOS, I'd much rather share about what's
happening now at Gahanna Lincoln Athletics.
It has been
my drive to create an environment at Gahanna where our athletic programs and
facilities are on par with, or even elevated above those in our conference.
It should
certainly be expected!
Why
wouldn't it?
We hold
those very same expectations upon our coaches and programs!
To get
better...To compete...and to win!
To my
amazement throughout my 11 years at Gahanna, our coaches have done just that
and beyond, with resources far fewer and lesser than our competing schools in
our conference, let alone the state.
So I will
assume this latest endeavor of building new home bleachers in our stadium, will
not come as a surprise to you.
I expect
that it won't!
So please
don't act surprised when I come to you asking for a donation! Lol
Do today
what others won't!
Since
2003, we...You, have stood shoulder to shoulder together in tackling every
initiative, every project - driven to enhance the experience, the
competitiveness and the expectations that we have on our athletic
programs. You've risen to meet every
challenge...$1,391,000 million worth of privately funded athletic projects for
Gahanna Lincoln.
ALL
completed through donations, partnerships and business sponsors.
* Wilbur
C. Strait Sr Field
* Dubbs
Roush Press Box
*
Heartland Bank Baseball Press Box and bleachers
* Ed
Rarey Track & Field Complex
* New
Gymnasium Bleachers and Auxilliary Gym Flooring
*
Upgraded; Weight room, tennis court fencing, softball backstops, baseball field
renovations, scoreboards, scorers tables - just to name a few!
That's an
impressive list! You did that...when
others wouldn't.
So here
we are again...New Home Bleachers in our Stadium.
There
were three major components that went into this as I contemplated the decision
of finding the funding to make this project happen.
1) Safety! Look at that picture. The foundation is shifted and we've gotten
our 40 plus years out of these bleachers.
2) Our programs deserve better!
3) If
you're going to do this, do it right the first time! More than likely, it will be here long after
my time at Gahanna is through!
So here
we are! Doing today what others won't!
I have
the greatest of confidence that you will embrace this initiative and join
myself and countless others that will make this....
A
reality! For our school, community, and
our athletic programs.
We've
never been one to back down from a challenge, even when that challenge is to
the tune of $700,000 to upgrade this facility.
The demolition of our existing visitors bleachers has begun, soon you
will see a new foundation being set and by summers end, a new bleacher
structure that will seat our Gahanna "Home" spectators on the west
side of here stadium...no more staring into the sun for you!
How can
you help?
Email
me. Call me. Flag me down at any of our
sporting events and I will be happy to give you a brochure on how you can make
your commitment. This is a project a long time coming and I can't wait for you
to see it! Pay it forward for the good
of the programs today, tomorrow, forty years from now and for the safety of
all!
And let's
face it, won't it be less awkward if you reach out to me before I come calling
on you for a commitment?
Thank you
in advance!
And Go
Lions!
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