A True Champion; What It Means to Us.
First, we need to congratulate all of the
students that attended and raced the Texas Spring Nationals!! It was a most
successful two weeks for our school! 21 1sts and 104 top ten finishes between
Whitney’s Spring Classic and Oak Hill’s GNC Final. Here is where our definition
of a champion comes into play. Of course these guys and girls that won all of
these honors are champions, and we absolutely are not taking anything away from
their great accomplishments, but there is more to it than simply being the
fastest one on the track and any student of ours is well aware of that, as they
are taught this by us.
How about we start with the meaning of Good Sportsmanship straight form the
dictionary:
Main Entry: sports·man·ship
Function: noun
Pronunciation: -"ship
: conduct (as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning
or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport
Fairness, respect and graciousness in winning AND/OR losing-that sounds simple
enough. It seems in our sports today the concept of good sportsmanship is being
forgotten. Whether we like it or not, sportsmanship is a direct reflection of
our own ethics in real life. The image you project as an athlete is a product of
your character. A few simple rules to follow to know that you are being a good
sport:
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you-the “Golden Rule”.
Have an understanding and appreciation of the rules-they are made for good
reasons.
Take responsibility for your actions-don’t blame others for your mistakes.
Recognize and appreciate good performances by others, including your
competition.
Respect officials and their decisions.
Maintain self-control at all times-if you are mad, don’t let anyone know outside
of your pit area.
On to perseverance and dedication, other qualities champions have:
Main Entry: per·se·vere
Function: intransitive verb
Pronunciation: "p&r-s&-'vir
Inflected Form(s): -vered ; -ver·ing
: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of
counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement
The definition just about explains it all. If you want to be a winner, don’t
give up without a fight. So you have a bad race, get back on the bike and hammer
through the let-down and race like you know you can.
Appreciation:
Main Entry: ap·pre·ci·a·tion
Function: noun
Pronunciation: &-"pre-she-'A-sh&n, -"pri- also -"pre-se-
1: recognition of aesthetic values c: an expression of admiration, approval, or
gratitude
2 : increase in value
To show appreciation and gratitude, to mom, dad, sponsors, coaches is one more
thing a champion will achieve. Simply saying thank you, wearing the clothes
sponsors provide, and running their stickers on your bike and helmet are just a
few ways you can say thank you.
All of these qualities are what sponsors are looking for, not necessarily the
fastest kid on the track. Companies like to be well represented by their racers.
Having these attributes is something that we look for in students that we
sponsor. So next time you are heading up to the starting line and your rival
gives you a nasty look, look him straight in the eye and wish him good luck.
In conclusion, a champion in our book, is a good sport, dedicated, shows
appreciation, and will always set a good example for the youth that look up to
him or her.
Sheila Niday
Physical Trainer for SNMXS
www.shannonnidaymx.com