We often think about the past and wonder…. Reflecting is wonderful but we cannot reflect too long. It helps us grow but, it also can make you weaker. Today, a lot of you would be sitting in the bleachers at Slippery Rock University, on the turf warming up, running on the track in a race or jumping in the pit. Out of this group some of you would soon find out that you earned a spot to compete at the PIAA Track and Field Championships next week.
There are times when we think more often than we do. As you are reading this, some of you are thinking how this day would have been different…. Is there anything I could have done differently? I really do wish I could have been a WPIAL medalist…. Would I have qualified for States?
There are many things we have control over and things that we do not. Just like today…. We wish we could be at the WPIAL Championship meet but, we need to focus on what we have control over. There are many people, more than you think, that have had large moments taken away from them in life. I recently learned about one of the oldest WPIAL track and field records that was set back in 1969. The next oldest record was set in 1981. That’s pretty impressive!
When we think of the unthinkable or the undoable, this record was set by a young man who stood 5’ 7”. Which if you know anything about the triple jump, being short does not play in your favor. His name is Ulysses ‘Butch’ Walker from New Castle High School. On the day of the jump, Butch warned the officials that he needed to jump from a farther board because he was going to jump out of the pit. The officials chuckled and said, “You are only 5’ 7”......” When the jump took place, ‘Butch’ indeed, jumped out of the pit landing in the grass cutting his jump short (keep in mind, this is still the record today) and he was cut short.
Not only was Ulysses ‘Butch’ Walker’s jump cut short during his junior year but his senior season was cut short just like yours. His school went on strike during the spring season and he was unable to compete and/or continue to build off of the 48’ 2” jump. Now that you have spent some time understanding that this is one example of you missing out on an opportunity, if you haven’t already done so, begin incorporating things into your daily routine that will make you better. Focus more on what you can do today so it will make you better for tomorrow. If you take a moment to reflect (not too long) you will come out on top and be better than you were yesterday.
Posted on May 14, 2020
All of the Shaler Area Varsity Track and Field coaches wanted to take a moment to honor ALL of your accomplishments throughout your time as a Titan. It may seem like forever ago but most of you were born around 2002. A lot has changed since then and you will continue to experience change throughout your life. One thing that won’t change is that you will forever be a Shaler Area Titan.
In your 18 or so years a lot has happened. Youtube was launched, the IPhone became a real thing, and Spongebob was already on its 3rd season when you were born. Throughout your years as a Titan, you experienced many experiences, made many friends, and created memories that will last a lifetime. You should take pride in what you have done and we would like to take this opportunity to share our best wishes to your future endeavors.
Live in the moment, be great when you need to be, and always take PRIDE in being a TITAN!
Posted on April 24, 2020
If you are reading this, you are part of history. What is the history you might ask? This is the first post of the Shaler Area Track and Field Blog Post page. I wanted to take the opportunity to begin this with a few thoughts and reflections I have had in the last 40 days. These are lessons which helped me learn more about myself and this current time period we are living in.
I remember the day like it was yesterday…. It was Thursday, March 12, 2020. This was a usual Thursday, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures around 65 degrees. I sensed a lot of uncertainty, worry, and questioning from the team. We all gathered around and took a seat on the turf. At that moment, I talked, I gave some advice, and I even handed out the Athletes of the Week. If you remember these 2 athletes accepted change (recently) that was taken on and it was for the best interest and well being of both athletes.
Thinking back to a specific point , I spoke about a specific frame of mind. In short, it was to be adaptable to change, live in the present, and prepare for the future. We are now in the future and I have been learning a lot about many things….myself…..structure and routine…..ideas and creativity…...managing time effectively…...and many more things about myself and others.
I want to speak specifically about the change you are going through. I recently read an article on PaMilesplit and the article highlighted a local and highly talented runner from Mt. Lebanon, PA. Patrick Anderson couldn’t have said it any better. Be positive and look into the future, just like I explained back on March 12th. If you have a moment, read the article. It is important to hear prospective from your peers and not just the adults in your life. https://pa.milesplit.com/articles/279043/ptxc-journal-patrick-anderson-looks-to-the-future
I want to conclude this with a few words of encouragement and thoughts to think about as you move forward. If you remember from my email I sent on March 14th I had explained a lot but, I wanted to reiterate something I said. “.....there is more to life than track and field.” If you read the article from PaMilesplit, Partrick Anderson said, “I think it's important to realize that this is a lot bigger than track, and it's a lot bigger than any single person.” Be grateful, be thankful, and you will look back at this time period as a moment that helped you become who you are TODAY!
Posted on April 23, 2020