BRYCE HARPER

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Check out this very moving story about Bryce Harper and a boy with cancer named Gavin Rupp, linked here

SEVEN LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM NELSON MANDELA

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Sadly, the world will soon by losing one of the greatest human beings to ever grace this planet:  Nelson Mandela.  As Mandela's condition worsens, we are left to consider the massive impact he has had on this world.  Check out this fine piece written about seven lessons of leadership from one of the greatest heroes ever, linked here

WHAT IS HARD WORK? (FROM ALAN STEIN)

Check out this motivational video on hard work, narrated by Alan Stein.  Great stuff...

RAY ALLEN AND THE PREGAME SHOOTING ROUTINE

Ray Allen's clutch three point shot with just seconds remaining in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals will go down in the annals of NBA Finals history as one of the greatest shots in one of the biggest games of all time. Allen's three pointer from the corner tied the game, sending it to overtime, where the Heat eventually prevailed to force a Game 7.  It was an amazing shot that will always be remembered.  Everyone watching around the world only witnessed one amazing, heroic shot from Ray Allen; they haven't witnessed the millions of shots from Ray Allen in solitude...practicing, working, and shooting to be the best shooter in the game.  People see the success, but don't realize the work and the hours that Allen put in for that moment of glory.  Take a look at the two YouTube videos that detail Ray Allen's obsession with being the best:  the pre-game shooting routine.

RAPH RHYMES FULFILLS HIS OMAHA PROMISE

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The College World Series is currently being played in Omaha, and it is one of the most exciting sporting events in America.  Check out this article, written by Jeffrey Marx (author of Season of Life) about Raph Rhymes of the LSU Tigers and fulfilling a dream, linked here

AHLERS SISTERS REPRESENT LE MARS TENNIS AT STATE

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It's been a fantastic tennis season for the Le Mars girls tennis team.  After reaching the state team tournament, the individual state tournament is underway.  Check out this great article from the Sioux City Journal about sisters Carolyn and Emily Ahlers as they compete at the state individual tournament, linked here.  For updates from the state tournament, you can follow @LCHSGIRLSTENNIS on Twitter.

LE MARS SOFTBALL PLAYING WITH A NEW FOCUS

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After the tragic death of former teammate Kelby Klein from an automobile accident earlier this spring, the Le Mars softball team has added inspiration for playing this summer.  Check out the great article from the Sioux City Journal, linked here