Remember

It's hard to believe that it's been 13 years since America was attacked on September 11th.  So much has changed within our culture since then.  I still remember where I was, what I was doing, and who I was with on that day.  School was just getting started for the day when my 8th grade teacher, Kurt Rummler, told us that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center.  At first, we all thought it was a little recreational plane and our biggest concern was, "how are we going to trade with the world if our World Trade Center is gone?"  I also had tickets that night to go see the Milwaukee Brewers play the St. Louis Cardinals and I was crushed when I learned that the game was cancelled.  I obviously had no clue what was going on at first, but as the day continued, I would soon learn the magnitude of what happened and how it would effect our everyday lives.  Our country lost 2,977 innocent lives on that day and I don't ever want to forget that.

On Monday, our men's basketball team and students here at Bob Jones University helped set up a 9/11 memorial display on the front of our campus that will remain in place until September 15.  It consists of thousands of flags, 2,977 to be exact.  We placed each flag in the ground and formed the structures of the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon.  As we began there was a lot of laughter and our players were having a fun time helping out.  The more flags we placed in the ground, the more I began to realize that we serve a bigger purpose in doing this.  Each of those flags represented an individual that lost his or her life in the 9/11 attacks.  A father, son, sister, or grandmother.  Every flag now served a significant purpose and created a special connection between a college basketball coach and strangers that mean so much to me.  I hope that all of our players and students that volunteered with that project felt a similar feeling behind what we were doing.  I love my country and I still get emotional when I think about September 11, 2001.  I still get sad thinking about the lives lost.  I still get ticked off thinking about the terrorists behind it all.  I still find myself in disbelief that it all happened.  But the greatest emotion I still feel is pride.  There is no better country in the world that the United States of America. I am grateful to live here.  So I hope that when you drive past the campus of Bob Jones University this week and see thousands of flags in the ground, you remember.

Characteristics of the Right Players

Recruiting season is always fun.  Prospects send countless emails and blow up my inbox, and every other coach's inbox, with proposals and declarations of their extraordinary skills.  It seems as though every time I walk into my office lately, that little red light on my office phone is blinking as if it is trying to tell me something.  When I am at home I can hardly set my phone down without another text or call beckoning for my valuable time.  I am always encouraged by the draw our program has with recruits, but very few of these kids understand what it takes to play at our level.  They don't realize that college basketball is more than media attention and bright lights.  They don't understand that there is a special kind of person that we are looking for and we are not willing to inhibit our culture by making a mistake in recruiting.  

It's not always the recruit's fault, but many of them do not possess the necessary characteristics that we are searching for.  So to make things easier for recruits looking at our program, I wanted to take some time to list some important characteristics that we expect from our players.  I also hope this helps coaches that are trying to build and grow their philosophy when it comes to recruiting.

1. Be Good at Basketball - I know this may seem harsh, but it's true.  I can't tell you how many players send in film and I don't even watch more than two clips because of their obvious lack of skill.   This isn't to say we are looking for perfect players, but we need players who are talented and also have room to grow.  

2. Be Willing to Follow Jesus - I want all of our players to know how important following Jesus is.  It is understandable that not every kid will be at the same place in their journey, however, as a coach I want to help you grow in this area.  All I ask is that you are open minded and willing to change when it comes to Biblical truths.  

3. Be a Man of Integrity - I want players who will look me in the eye and tell me the truth.  I will never judge someone who is willing to admit their mistakes and display that they are willing to fix them.  Forgiveness is the key to lasting relationships.  I expect players to do their best and strive to become godly husbands and fathers someday.  

4. Be a Team Player - I could care less what your stats were in high school.  The only thing I care about is how you treat your teammates and your ability to make each other better.  You must have the ability to stand out while blending in.  We care about our players and expect them to take pride in our TEAM.

5. Be Mentally Tough - If I am watching you play in a game or work out, you need to show me that you can handle adversity.  College basketball provides many opportunities for triumph, but it provides twice as many opportunities for failure.  If you can't show the ability to move on to the "next play" then there is probably not a place for you on our team.  We do not tolerate complainers.

6. Be a Servant-Leader - When I call high school coaches I often ask them several questions about the player.  One of the first things I ask is whether or not their player is a servant leader to others.  If you are willing to help others carry equipment, put basketballs away, sweep the gym floor, etc. then there is a good chance you have a bright future as a college basketball player.

7. Be Responsible - Our head coach always says, "Be where you are supposed to be, doing what you're supposed to be doing."  This seems like an easy task, but young men have a hard time being responsible.  Do the right thing.  If you happen to mess up, go back and read #3.

8. Be a Good Student - If you are responding to texts in class or taking bathroom breaks to call me, do not expect to be signed to play here.  I expect our players to do their best in the classroom and make education a priority in their journey as a student-athlete.  Also, make sure to use good grammar when texting or tweeting a coach.  I won't even finish reading what you have to say if you address me as "Yo bro" or "Wsup homie."

9. Be a Positive Example on Social Media - Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram are the main avenues of communication with today's recruits.  If you are on social media (I recommend that you are) make sure to be positive and mindful with everything you post.  If you are posting pictures of yourself at parties doing something you're not supposed to be doing then you will not play for us.  Make your posts positive and encouraging in nature.  You represent the brand of both yourself and our program.

10. Be a Good Character - Your talent will only take you so far.  You can possess all the talent in the world, but if you don't have good character then you will end up being a failure someday.  Most coaches would rather have extraordinary people with less talent on their team as opposed to poor character people with extraordinary talent.

These are just a few characteristics that usually stand out to coaches, but they are not the only ones.  When it is all said and done, I am looking for kids that want to work hard and do the right thing.  Mistakes are going to happen and everyone will do something stupid at some point in time, but it's how they are willing to respond to those situations that matters.  If you are a player that possesses all the characteristics above, I am happy for the coach that signs you.  I hope that coach is me!

Follow @CoachWingreen on Twitter

The Final Four: More Than Meets The Eye

No person can even argue that March Madness is the most wonderful time of the year.  If you disagree with that statement - stop reading right now.  I'm only joking - KEEP READING!  I promise you that this will be worth your time.

As a basketball coach and someone that is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), I have the privilege of attending the Final Four every year for their annual convention. Although this convention is intended for professional and personal development, the question that is most often asked to me is, "do you get to go to the games?!"  I understand that it is only natural for people to ask that question when they hear I will be at the Final Four, but I always count it a blessing when I get to inform them that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the Final Four.

Despite the countless clinics, sessions, parties, dinners, and meetings that the NABC provides, there is also an emphasis on ministry with coaches.  Organizations such as Nations of Coaches, Athletes In Action, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes really do an outstanding job of providing coaches with the most important things that fit their needs.  Whether they know it or not, coaches need Jesus in their programs and they need biblical truths pumped through the hearts of their athletes.  These ministry groups spend countless hours mentoring and training people to help equip coaches with the necessary tools that will change their programs forever.  The sessions and panel discussions that are put on by these ministries are valuable resources for developing a biblical worldview in relation to coaching.

If you ever get a chance to come to a Final Four, or if you are a coach and have never heard of any of these events, I urge you to check them out sometime.  There's no greater experience than building relationships with other coaches that share the same heart beat as you.  They love basketball and everything that comes with it, but ultimately they love Jesus more and desire for their players to know Him.  Coaching is more than X's and O's and the time spent learning how to develop men of character will help make your program a TRUE success.

I am so thankful and appreciative of the people that have invested into my life as a young coach.  While some people view the Final Four as an opportunity to network, find a job, and party with their coaching buddies, I view it as an opportunity to grow in my walk with Jesus Christ and help develop me into a better husband and father.  No vocation influences as many lives as coaching does, and I am blessed to be a part of something that will impact lives forever through the game of basketball.

Some upcoming events to check out if you are in Dallas this weekend:

SATURDAY

FCA Coaches' Luncheon - 12:30 pm | Dallas Ballroom

It's Gametime! - 5:00 pm | Dallas Ballroom

SUNDAY

Coaches' Bible Study - 8:30 am | Press Club

Worship Service - 10:00 am | Dallas Ballroom

Cling to the Sword

Eleazar is one of the most inspirational characters in the Bible.  His story is one that is rare and most people have never heard it.  You see, Eleazar was one of David's mighty men.  He was a brave and honorable soldier that fought in David's army and was most recognized for his part in Israel's victory over the Philistines.  To set up this amazing story it is necessary to read two passages first.  2 Samuel 23:9-10 & 1 Chronicles 11:12-14.

"And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi.  He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew.  He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword.  And the LORD brought about a great victory that day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain." - 2 Samuel 23:9-10 (ESV)

And we also get some more insight on this event in 1 Chronicles.

"And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite.  He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle.  There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines.  But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and killed the Philistines.  And the LORD saved them by a great victory." - 1 Chronicles 11:12-14 (ESV)

The Philistines obviously posed a massive threat to the men of Israel because they all ran away!  They FLED!  But despite what the rest of the army did, David and Eleazar stood next to each other and defended against the Philistines.  It wasn't until after all the Philistines were dead that the rest of the men returned.  An amazing story for sure, but what was it about Eleazar that allowed him to accomplish this victory?

1. His WEAPON - Verse 10 of 2 Samuel 23 tells us that Eleazar fought with one weapon, a sword.  He was able to defeat an entire army with just one sword!  He was confident and familiar to this weapon and was able to use it to win a battle.  We have to assume that he practiced with this sword daily.  He knew everything about his sword - how much it weighed, how far he could reach with it, and how hard he needed to swing it to do damage.  He cared for his sword and made sure that he knew how to use it when the opportunity presented itself.

2. His GRIP - Eleazar was a man of perseverance!  Verse 10 also says, "He rose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand CLUNG to the sword."  He clung to it!  Even though his entire army, his brothers, his family, his team, abandoned him...he never gave up.  He gave everything he had and welded his hand to his sword.  He was tired and weak, but even still...he clung to the sword.  His sword became a part of who he was.  Wow.

3. His STRENGTH - I'm sure Eleazar was a strong man, but his strength didn't lie within himself.  Verse 10 finishes by telling us that, "The LORD brought about a great victory that day..."  God was able to take one soldier and use him in a mighty and powerful way.  Sure, Eleazar was trained to use his sword.  He practiced for hours upon hours throughout his life and was confident in his ability to use it.  Of course, he had the mindset to "never give up" and persevere through adversity.  But his true strength and the reason he was able to clinch a victory against the Philistines was because of God's power. 

What a powerful and inspiring story of a man who was confident in his ability and fought to the end.  A man who was abandoned by his team, yet still found the courage to RISE UP and fight the battle.  He gave every ounce of energy he had left and kept swinging his trusty sword.  In today's world, we can directly relate this story to our lives.  Just as Eleazar clung to his sword in the midst of battle, we can cling to the Word of God when we face adverse times.  We grow weary.  We get tired.  But when we read the Scriptures and hold fast to God's promises, He will show us his power and give us strength to overcome.  It's no coincidence that the name, Eleazar means, "God is my Helper."  

The Other Team...

GUEST BLOG 
by Paul Whitt











“But time is short, and the road is long, in the blinking of an eye, ah that moment's gone . And when it's done, win or lose, you always did your best, cuz inside you knew... (that) ONE SHINING MOMENT, YOU REACHED DEEP INSIDE. ONE SHINING MOMENT, YOU KNEW YOU WERE ALIVE…”

Words & Music: David Barrett Hodges Song Supply/ASCAP

For the last 25+ years, college basketball fans have enjoyed this addictive song as it’s attached to the most memorable visual moments from March Madness and the Final Four. It inevitably includes shots of highlight dunks, the raw emotion of the competition, highlights from the year’s “Cinderella,” and typically the most captivating buzzer beaters from the tournament. It helps any fan of the game relive the previous three weeks in about 200 seconds. In the end, you’re left with the images of the winning team in their championship t-shirts and hats, celebrating with the trophy and cutting down the nets.

But what about the team that is on the other bench during the “one shining moment?”

A magical and memorable season for our small rural high school ended last Friday night when the visiting team knocked down a 3-pointer with no time remaining, giving them a 51-50 win and a place in the regional final. Their fans rushed the floor, the hero, a senior guard who hadn't scored in either of the two games I scouted, was on the floor under a pile of teammates and coaches, and the officials frantically signaled the basket was good as they sprinted off of the floor.

And there we stood. My guys looked like the description you hear of survivors of an airline accident – walking around dazed and confused. Then reality hit as some fell to their knees at mid-court and sobbed, while others pulled their jerseys over their faces to try to hide the tears. After congratulating the other team and coaches, our lifeless players staggered to our locker room while I fell into my seat on our bench, just staring at the ground. What now? What do I say to them? I never prepare to lose.

After four or five minutes , I stood to walk in to address our guys, but was met by them returning to the floor. We have had a tradition of saluting and thanking our fans, win or lose, after every game by going to our section of the bleachers and clapping for them, and spending time talking to each one that wants to talk. The players realized that in their state of shock, they had not done that with what was our biggest assembly of fans in years. And they wanted to do the right thing. So they stood, cried, talked, hugged, and even posed for pictures for nearly half an hour.

When we finally made it to the locker room, I had three goals in mind. First, I wanted to keep it short. After millions upon millions of words I had spoken to them through the course of a season, there is not a more distracted audience than a locker room of guys who've just been surprised to find their season, and some their careers, over. Secondly, I wanted to remind them of their accomplishments through the season; accomplishments that could never be taken away. We finished 20-3, a perfect 14-0 in conference and won our conference for the first time in school history. We were ranked as high as fifth in state polls, and enjoyed a 17 –game winning streak. But we also united two communities behind a group of guys that they adopted as their own. You see, our school is so small, three seasons ago we combined with a smaller school in the area to have enough to play sports. The schools that were once bitter rivals, are now joined just to be able to compete, and some in the community weren't  quite ready for it. But that seemed to change this season, and fans from both communities stood side by side to cheer on the one team that represented them both.  And finally, I wanted to communicate my unconditional love and concern for them. A season may have just ended, and ended with a rare loss, but that doesn't change what I think of them or the fact that I love them. They are like sons to me and we all cared a lot, which is a reason it hurt so much. And in the end, I wouldn't trade any of our experiences and relationships for a chance to replay the final play.

So, the next time you see that last-second shot swish through the net, a team chase a hero around the gym before tackling him, an exuberant coach pointing to his family sitting up in the stands, and the crowd rushing the court with unbridled enthusiasm, remember, there’s always a team on the other side of someone’s “one shining moment.”

This was a post from guest blogger, Paul Whitt.  Coach Whitt is the Director of Athletics & Head Boy's Basketball Coach at Goodman/Pembine High School in Wisconsin.  You can follow Coach Whitt on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Building Relationships

Building relationships are crucial in any job, but they are extremely important in the realm of coaching.  Without true relationships between a coach/player, coach/AD, coach/media, or coach/administration, there will not be any trust. Relationships are built on the foundation of trust and that trust can only be built by loving and being committed to serve others.

As a young coach, I am learning more daily how to become a better leader and how to enhance my relationships with the people I surround myself with.  I like to believe that one of my strengths as a coach is my ability to genuinely love others and make them feel comfortable talking to me.  I'm not a talkative person by nature, but God has given me the unique ability to relate to people and gain their trust.  I look forward to the opportunities I am given to impact others simply by showing an interest in something they love.

Although many relationships are developed by servant leadership and displaying love towards someone, more relationships are maintained through tough love.  In my limited experience as a coach I have had to work with people in ways which they do not like.  College athletes, especially basketball players, do not typically like being told that they are wrong.  Many coaches will deal with an issue like this in one of two ways. 1) They will lash out at the player by yelling and insisting that they are right, or 2) They will give in to the player and let him do what he wants, even though the coach knows it will not make him a better person.  In my opinion, neither of those tactics is the wise way to handle players.  If we truly desire to build relationships with our players we must love them first.  We need to tell them things that they don't want to hear and love them enough to show them how they can make themselves a better player and person.

There are three simple acts that we must contribute to if we truly want to build successful relationships.  The three are:

1. Be Available - As a coach this could simply be having an open door policy for a player to come into your office and talk about life.  It could also be something such as offering a helping hand anytime they may need it.  Reach out to others and offer your talent/knowledge to make them better. (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24; Ephesians 4:12)

2. Listen More - Sometimes as coaches we feel that we need to talk, talk, talk.  There are times when the best thing for our team is to just listen to our players.  Listen for tips to run a play better.  Ask them to give insight on team functions and core values.  Asking questions and listening to your players is such a powerful way to build trust and ultimately build lasting relationships. (James 1:19; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 18:13)

3. Be Generous - Do something for someone without expecting anything in return.  Coaches and athletes alike tend to be very stubborn and selfish people, well at least if they are like me!  It is human nature to look out for yourself when really we should be looking to do something for another person.  Seek out opportunities to serve and make someone else's life better. (Acts 20:35; Matthew 6:21; 1 Corinthians 9:14)

"The heart of a coach - at least my heart - is the relationship you have with players." - Coach Dale Brown

"The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people." - Theodore Roosevelt

Survive & Advance

Today is the last day of February, which can only mean one thing: March is almost here!  I figured many people will write their March Madness stories beginning tomorrow, so I wanted to get a head start and do one today.  It's the most wonderful time of the year and you will begin to hear many sayings such as, "win or go home" & "do or die."  However, my favorite is "survive and advance."

Many of you know the story of Jim Valvano's 1983 NC State team that won the NCAA National Championship in an unlikely fashion.  They kept surviving game after game after game, winning 9 consecutive to win the title.  The bizarre thing about these wins was that in 7 out of the 9 games - they were losing in the final minute!  They upset teams like Michael Jordan's UNC Tar Heels and Virginia, whom had three-time National POY, Ralph Sampson.  In the National Championship they faced tournament favorite, Houston that featured players like Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.  Jim Valvano's Wolfpack won the game on the unlikeliest of plays - an air ball that was caught and dunked at the buzzer to finish one of the most amazing tournament runs in college basketball history.

But what was it that kept NC State in every fight?  It surely wasn't the abundance of superstars on their roster, but rather an undying love for each other and their team.  Odds couldn't have been more against the Wolfpack that season as they encountered adversity on several occasions.  At one point in the season they lost 6 of 8 games by large deficits to unranked teams.  They were also down by 6 points in the final 24 seconds of their first round tournament game vs. Pepperdine, but found a way to rally back and win in OT. To really stack the odds against them, the 17-10 Wolfpack knew that no team with 10 losses has ever won the NCAA National Championship.  Great teams find a way.  They survive and advance.

Truly great teams embrace qualities that enable them to work together as a collective group.  Here are four characteristics that I believe make a great team.

1. CULTURE - Jon Gordon writes in his book, Soup, "Culture drives behavior and behavior drives habits." The way that you do things as a team are important and no one should be allowed to come in and destroy your culture.  Setting up a system of core values will enable you to hold your team accountable for their behavior.  As the quote states, behavior will become permanent and eventually create great habits that establish a consistent, winning team.

2. ENGAGED RELATIONSHIPS - This is the foundation.  Without relationships there is no team.  You can't be only halfway committed or luke warm in your relationships.  A true team is fully engaged with each other and feels collectively responsible for the other persons actions.  If one person fails, we all fail.  If one person succeeds, we all succeed.  It's never about myself - I should always be looking out for others and building them up. 

3. OPTIMISM - We stress the power of positivity in our program daily. We truly believe that our positive attitudes will create a competitive advantage in all aspects of life.  We believe in each other.  We love each other.  We do things with energy and effort.  Being optimistic is truly a quality of a great team and we need to be continually filling our voids with positivity. 

4. TRUST - We build trust one day at a time.  Sometimes it takes years to build trust, but there is no doubt that it can only take 2 seconds to destroy it.  What trust does is that it generates commitment and ultimately enables ordinary people to become a great team.  People unite and become one unit working for the betterment of the other person.  There is a love that will never be broken.  True teams understand that anything worth achieving only matters if it is done together with love. 

Our regular season has concluded and our team has turned its attention to our tournament.  Just like NC State did in 1983, we have encountered a significant amount of adversity this season.  We have grown closer through all of it and have become stronger as individuals and as a team.  In our minds there is only one game left this season, and it's the next one.  Every practice leading up to that game will require us to embrace these four qualities of a great team.  Rise up.  Survive & Advance.

Sources:
ESPN - http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney03/story?id=1525209 
Soup by Jon Gordon - www.jongordon.com