Building Men for Others: Being Oblivious

I sat in the stands during the last JV game against Westhills. As I was eating my hotdog and visiting with family and friends, I heard this young female student use profanity like it was going out of style. Every other word out of her mouth was "F-that, B-that, S-that".

Nobody said anything to her as she kept on cussing up a storm around her friends. Finally, I turned around and yelled at her saying, "Hey! Nice mouth! Do you kiss you mom and dad with that mouth?"

Needless to say, she was embarrassed to the point of tears. Really? Is there a need to cuss like a sailor?

During the Varsity game later that night, the PHHS band played the National Anthem at the beginning of the game. As everybody stood at attention during the Star Spangled Banner, one of my Freshmen players began to hug, chase and grab at another female student.

I love my Country. The playing of the Star Spangled Banner means a lot to me and I give it all the respect it deserves. I think of all the war veterans that have given their lives to protect our freedom and for all those currently serving in the military in the war against terror around the world. I am proud to be an American.

Needless to say, I was stewing as I watched my player and this female student play 'grab-ass' during the National Anthem. Afterwards, I went to my player and sternly spoke to him about the image he projected and the lack of respect he showed. Again, he said he didn't know he was disrespectful. Really?

It is common place in today's society to be focused on yourself and what you are doing while not having a care about anybody else in the world. Building men for others involves thinking of others and how people think of you.

I spoke to our players and asked them, "What kind of image do you want others to have of you?" Don't be oblivious and start thinking of others. I told the players they are an extension of me, the school and their parents. Act in a manner that would make us all proud.