Hard Work Leads The Way To Success

"The Price of Success Is Hard Work"

- Simply put, any individual who makes a commitment toward applying their time and energy towards becoming better can reach their goals. Now, the important thing to realize is not all goals will ever be touched nor will they happen in a shortened time frame however, the chase towards these ambitions are well worth the pain and turmoil they are often accompanied with.

- The reasons why chasing something with a high failure rate is very simple. Collegiate sports are in themselves a reward for the efforts and dedication of the past. The satisfaction an athlete receives from the effort to improve every single day are inglorious, but indescribable. Three or four years of hard work really can come together in one single performance and make it all worth it. Finally without the help of others (teammates, mentors, assistants, family) you could have easily strayed off path and this allegiance with people close to you give you a powerful perspective on the power of teamwork.

- As a coach one of the most inspiring things to see is an athlete chasing their dream despite the constant struggles and physical toll they may be taking on the individual. Especially at the Division III level where athletic scholarship money is nonexistent and the high publicity and spectators seen at the high school level are nowhere to be found. In my eyes this is one of the purest forms of sport. Individuals doing something requiring a high labor that offers few materialistic rewards. This labor of love is almost a requirement as 6 a.m. runs and late night practices can test the patience of someone with outside interests.

- While there are many different variables in motivation for the collegiate basketball athlete hard work plays a key role in connecting what they want and what they get on the court. Meaning if you want to be the go to player on your team or just a consistent starter, put yourself in a situation that allows you to be prepared (to the best of your ability) to perform when the opportunity is put forth. No excuses can be made for those who don't and the time will ultimately come for those who do.

- Let this belief lead your actions whether it be in your job, academic endeavors or athletic conquests. I too must make sure I not only preach this philosophy, but give myself a chance to move myself up in my passions by living this same message. All of the great coaches in the game today have made this commitment, so have the players you see on Sportscenter, join them today and feel the satisfaction and possibilities it provides.

- Follow Your Heart Through The Struggles And The Reward Will Be There To Comfort You!

- Coach Rohr

The Power of Belief

"Hold Fast In That Which Is Good"

-- Thessalonians 5:21 --

Today I found myself watching the Women's U.S. Open between 17 year old Melanie Oudin and Maria Sharapova. What was interesting about the match is that the winner (Oudin) is just 17 years old while Sharapova is a former Olympic medalist and winner of 4 Grand Slam Titles.

When Oudin was asked what the key was to her upset win she simply responded "I proved that I can play with the top girls in the sport, and if I believe in myself and in my game I can beat any of them." This is an outstanding story to me not only because it happened on such a grand stage but the lessons it gives us.

Anything Is Possible

-- Perhaps the 17 year old wasn't the most talented person on the court but by applying pressure, staying poised, competing hard and having faith in her ability she walked away with the victory. Execution must accompany any belief, but as we all know the chances of performing any task is increased when we want to be in that situation. It's amazing to see the number of upsets that take place regularly in sports however, it's very easy to focus on the struggles of the past rather than the possibilities of the present. As coaches we must teach our athletes to let go of daily miscues and bad games and focus on their next opportunity with confidence and purpose. It's also important we share that same mindset. Leadership provides the foundation for the attitude of the team. Believe early and believe often.

Passion Equals Performance

-- Although I have previously mentioned the need for a positive attitude towards your role on the team I want to reemphasize the fun you can have competing in sports. Yes, it is hard work and even the best go through their share of tough days, but the satisfaction you feel when you accomplish a goal or a big win is impossible to describe in words. In basketball you not only receive that joy yourself but you experience it as part of a family. That family of course being your team. It's at that point when you understand the value of hard work and teamwork. It's at that point when you are truly grateful for the support of your family and friends. More importantly you remember why you love playing the game of basketball and the difference you can make in doing so.

So I ask you, do you walk into situations with belief and hope or are you filled with doubt and worry??

Love what you do and trust in your abilities!

Coach Rohr

Goal Setting Power

Our Goals Can Only Be Reached Through A Vehicle of a Plan,

Which We Must Fervently Believe And Upon Which We Must Vigorously Act"

This quote by Stephen Brennan encourages the link between mind and body. Giving ourselves something we can visualize and strive for makes it easier for us as individuals to find a way to get there. Especially true in a sport with an especially long season like basketball (5 months for Div. III). If you don't have a vision and a plan it's easy to get lost in the daily grind. Not only does goal-setting give you a approach to competition it holds you accountable for your actions. This is because if you really are serious about setting goals it's paramount that you not only write them out, but you must also:

- Write steps for getting you to those goals

- Post in a place you see everyday

- Tell friends and family about what you want to accomplish

- Read the goals daily, evaluate your actions accordingly and believe in yourself

I read recently that slightly less than 3% of all adults in the United States have written goals that they follow. Although no statistics are available it would be interesting to see the progress of that 3% as I'm guessing their achievements are very noteworthy. It seems every biography or motivational book I read these days mentions somewhere a correlation between who the person is today and how they had that vision for a long period of time. People such as this are no different that you and I. They are skilled, motivated and carry a great belief with them. It doesn't mean you can't achieve without setting goals, but it dynamically makes the process easier. Goal setting gives you a support system and it also helps you stay committed throughout the challenging times.

Within the last week we had our first team meeting of the season and in that time we discussed important concepts like team philosophy, academic standards, locker-room and court rules. We try to lay out all of our expectations and give them a plan for staying ahead in the classroom and throughout the preseason. To help them commit to this process we created a personal goal sheet that guides them toward high achievement and belief. In the document there are three different areas that one must balance and commit towards to have a fulfilling and productive time here as a student-athlete.

- Academic Standards, Basketball & Their Personal Life (family, friends, faith)

Below is a sample of one of the aspects and how we expect them to fill them out.
Notice everything is defined and examples and guidance are provided to encourage them the process.

ACADEMIC GOALS (Specific School Related Objective With A Measurable End Result)
EXAMPLE: Receive A’s in Natural Science & Speech (Classes I don’t enjoy) at end of semester.

Goal One:_______________________________________
Goal Two: ______________________________________

Purpose of Goal (Reason Why It’s Important, Purpose Behind It)
EXAMPLE: Helps me build confidence, become more well-rounded and increase future opportunities.

Purpose of Goal One: ______________________________
Purpose of Goal Two:_______________________________

Steps To Attain Goal (Series of Actions, Processes or Measures Necessary to Grow & Achieve)
EXAMPLE: Make it to class on time every day, study subject first, Write notes and review every day.

Steps Goal One: __________________________________
Steps Goal Two: __________________________________

The important thing to remember is that as I talked about with my first post you must make sure you teach your athletes how they can use this tool, the importance of it and keep it relatable throughout the year. This allows them to put a focus on it and use it during the year instead of many (team) goals you see that tend to disappear throughout the year. A coach's leadership is so important on what the team takes away from any situation.

Aim High In Your Intentions.

"High Achievement Always Takes Place In The Framework of High Expectation & Belief"

Coach Rohr

What It Means To Be A Coach

Coaching Is Not A Responsibility Towards Winning, But A Commitment Towards Your Players.

Teach The Right Lessons, Lead With Passion, Discipline, Energy And Purpose Will Follow.

This I believe is where many often go wrong in the world of athletics. They want to take shortcuts to the top, they believe that they can turnaround a team in a week and they want to show off all the work and shortcomings they use to try and make that happen. What they don't realize however, is the value of character, ethics and leadership. I have seen coaches put 15 hours into a scouting report, forget about the development and attitude of their players and think that sole scouting preparation will lead them to a win instead of working WITH their players in practice preparing their minds and bodies and improving what they can actually control.

As a coach you must demand not excellence but purpose. Excellence is expecting perfection while purpose is a positive attitude, good choices and the commitment towards giving your absolute best effort. You must stick to your principles. Teams become closer when they are pushed yet the coach shows them trust, respect and genuine care. If a team sees a coach who just wants to win, or is selfish when receiving a victory, that team will lose its purpose.

This is why I'm so excited to be a part of the program here at Concordia University. Working in a atmosphere that supports your values and coaching philosophy makes it so fulfilling to come to work every day. I strive to make my mark and am excited for the possibilities of the season.

"It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow men who has the greatest difficulties in life and provides the greatest injury to others. It is from among such individuals that all human failures spring."

Alfred Adler used this quote in his book "What Life Should Mean To You." It stresses that concern and sincerity are paramount in the lives of others (including athletes). Show them that and the teaching of basketball becomes a much more understandable process. Show them that and good character and hard work becomes second nature. Show them that and your team, your staff will enjoy the lessons of sport, work hard and together in their daily endeavors, treat others with care, win humbly, lose with respect and most of all take pride in knowing they were a part of something that made it possible for them to live their dreams and become better people.

My question to you is what does life mean for you??

Do you take shortcuts to try and win or do you make a commitment towards others??

Coach Rohr