Captain Andrew Guy: Athletic Director – THE CREDIBILITY OF CHARACTER IS THE RESILIENCE THAT DETERMINES STAYING POWER!
Every athlete dreams of being crowned champion of their chosen sport; likewise, the same can be said that every human has an innate desire to achieve some form of recognition for completing a feat that only few dares to attempt. Regardless of the quest we seek to accomplish, the principle of completion holds truth. “You get nothing for starting, but the glory of a champion is discovered at the end the moment s/he crosses the finish line.
Consequently, everyone is recognized for starting, but champions are remembered for finishing what they started.
How about you, has there ever been a time when you fell short of completing something you started? It happens to us all. The feeling of incompletion haunts many whose dream never materialized to the status of a champion. It is crucial that we do not allow setbacks or failed attempts to deter us from pursuing lofty goals that may appear far-fetched. As an athletic coach, mentor and public speaker, I have always encouraged students to dream bigger than the goal they aspire to achieve, because the life of the dreamer will change instantly the moment the dream becomes a reality.
The principle of growth is one that compels humanity to expand, dream bigger, go farther, stretch wider, dive deeper, and to think longer about the possibilities of what it means to cross the finish line. Although there’s much to be said about starting, for it simply offers an opportunity to participate; however, finishing implies commitment, tenacity, hope, and a resolute to see something through from start to finish.
It is common knowledge that everyone craves the excitement of winning, however, only a few survive the challenges to overcome the hurdles, endure the mental anguish to persevere to the end. Champions are not born; they are created and transformed through the crucibles of time that only a few are able to withstand. Everyone has the ability to start something that leads to somewhere we have never been, but only a few will develop the attitude of “stick-to-with-it-ness” to complete the journey. In the end, credible character is the substance of champions and the resilience of staying power.
Remember, “YOU GET NOTHING FOR STARTING, BUT THE GLORY OF PARTICIPATING IS REWARDED AT THE FINISH LINE WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE CROWNED.” It is also vital that you never disregard the journey between the start and the finish line. I call this segment the “dark moments of growth and solo development” where no one sees your hard work, no one cares how many times you fell. In the dark moments you are by yourself.
There are no lights, no cameras, just blood, sweat, and committed action. This is the stuff that gets you to the finish line, and only those who make it to the end can attest to the worthiness of the process of development that makes champions. For who we become is far more valuable than the crown we achieve.
