Читать книгу Football 101 - Michael Ashley - Страница 17

#1 The United States Marine Corp

Marines take great pride in being the best in the world at what they do. They keep things simple and train beyond the point of getting it right. Marines train until they can’t get it wrong.

Marines believe in perfection and precision. It is not a catch phrase, but a way of life. One wrong move, one failed assignment could cost someone their life. Marines play for keeps.

Marines believe in discipline and courage. There is no obstacle that can stop them and nothing that scares them. Once you have survived Parris Island, everything else is a picnic.

Marines are passionate about being the best.

Every year I claim: “This is the best team we have ever had.” The other coaches laugh at me. Every Sunday I claim “these are the best pancakes I have ever made” (they are Aunt Jemima out of the box), or this it is the best movie I have ever seen, the best home I have ever listed the best player I have ever coached and the list goes on. In my mind, all of those things are true. My family is convinced I am a lunatic. The fact is: Passion for being the best never fades, it only gets stronger.

These traits have produced millions of young men and women that protect our country. If used correctly, they also build great teams, especially football teams.

Turning points come in people’s lives when they are least expected and will change them forever. Mine happened at Parris Island:

I was struggling as an 18 year old. My senior drill instructor came to me and told me I had the ability to do great things but I was wasting it, which I was. He gave me the confidence and inspiration I needed. I became an honor Marine at Parris Island, a member of the Presidential Honor Guard and did a three year stint on the ultimate team: The Unites States Marine Corp Silent Drill Team at Marine Barracks 8th and I.

Inspired people do great things. Coaching allows you to inspire others and be the turning point in their lives.