Tuesday before Finals ... Three needed blocks of the Pyramid

We last talked about Wooden's Pyramid a couple of weeks ago now. Not wanting it's wisdom to disappear, we brought it back into the discussion today. Overlooking the pinnacle, "competitive greatness" as something that will be reserved for Saturday, I challenged each of you to revisit and think about three of the key blocks that support the peak, and more to the point, how you could implement what you've learned about yourself in those categories as you head into the race.

Mental Confidence.  Are you ready? Are you ready to perform at a high level? Of course you are! You've trained. Go back and look at your miles for the season. Remind yourself of those break through races and workouts where you proved your fitness to yourself. Remind yourself of the sacrifices you've made to be good this year.  All of those things, coupled with the realization that you qualified for this race should build your confidence.

Poise.  This is such a hard thing for athletes your age to master, but we're not the kind of coaches to let athletes slide because you're sixteen. We expect you to show poise. Why? Because first of all, it's needed. You can't perform in big competitions without it. But also because poise is a byproduct of the work, the races and the preparation that has gone into this race. All 16 teams on the line Saturday are talented. All are fit. All are prepared and well coached. You don't get this far without that. So what will separate you from your opponents? What will allow King to excel?  One thing. Poise.

Team Spirit.  Sometimes team spirit is easy in August, and it's much tougher in November. Sometimes teams thrive on team spirit all season long, it never lags. Other teams never seem to get it. The whole season is a dirge.  But often, by November, it's tough to maintain. Why? Cuz folks are tired. Folks are "used" to each other and we let our gaurd down.  This is not the time to let that go. I challenge you to keep building bridges between yourself and your teammates. Guard your tongue. Find ways to build each other up. Find ways to stoke the fires of enthusiasm. When we race on Saturday, we have to race as much for each other as we do for a crown, a spot or a time.