BIG BIRD STORY

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Thanks to Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr for sharing this moving story about Big Bird, while putting sports in perspective, linked here

WITHOUT A HOME

The above "SC Featured" video recently aired on ESPN, called "Without a Home."  It is an interesting glimpse into homelessness in America, thanks to two players from the St. Louis Rams.

A THOUGHT FROM DR. JACK RAMSAY

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Insights from the late, great Dr. Jack Ramsay, legendary NBA champion coach:

"Players looking to blame their shortcomings on teammates or the coach generally have a shallow approach to the game.  But players who take criticism well, who can admit to weaknesses in their play, are likely to improve."

SAINORA DOKOCHE

While visiting relatives at a high school graduation party in Minnesota last weekend, I had the pleasure of talking with a girls basketball player and her parents from Lac Qui Parle Valley High School in Madison, MN, who shared a great story about a girl from their school.  After our visit, I immediately found this video and have to share it.  Take a look at this tremendous story about a girl named Sainora Dokoche from LQPV High School, linked here

REMEMBERING JOE BLAKE FROM A PLAYER'S PERSPECTIVE

The state of Iowa lost a coaching legend recently with the tragic death of Simpson College assistant baseball coach Joe Blake (father of former major league baseball player Casey Blake) in a car accident.  Check out this well-written remembrance of Coach Blake from a former player, describing the impact of the coach-player relationship, linked here

PARALYZED LUTHER COLLEGE STUDENT WALKS AT GRADUATION

Chris Norton video

If you haven't seen this story from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, you need to watch the video from NBC News.  Chris Norton was a football player at Luther who was paralyzed playing football several years ago, and doctors gave him less than a 3% chance at walking again.  He recently defied the odds by walking across the stage at graduation to accept his diploma.  Check out the video above to watch the inspiring story.

STORM LAKE HOOPS ENCOUNTER

What a great column from Tim Gallagher of the Sioux City Journal, linked here