So, I am thinking that this is a pretty cool story--you may have seen it in the national media.Montee Ball was a top 5 finisher in the Heisman Trophy balloting this fall--a nationwide award for the most outstanding college football player. He had a remarkable season, being recognized nationally as one of the best.
With that in mind, let's go back a mere 14 months. As the story goes, Ohio State rolls into Camp Randall as the #1 team in the country. Wisconsin knocks them off (sorry, Nate) in front of a crazed crowd. Plenty of excitement and national recognition for the Badger squad. During that game Montee Ball stood on the sidelines--and watched. No touchdowns (he's got 38 this year), no runs, no returns, no catches, never stepped on the field. After the game he was pretty shook up--agitated that he didn't get to participate in this huge game. He called his parents, cried a bit, discussed switching to linebacker--since the running back thing wasn't working out so well. His father encouraged him to stick with it and stay on task. He did, committing himself to increasing his focus and intensity--not giving up or changing tracks.
He stuck with it--and had an incredible, break-through season this fall--setting all sorts of records, winning awards, and enjoying the fruits of his labors.
Sometimes life is like that...we think we're on the verge of defeat, wanting to quit or change tracks--and then we hang in there and good (sometimes great!) things happen as we endure and demonstrate persistence, hope, and hard work.
Love you guys.
3 comments:
Great post, Dad! Loved this!
i like how he lost a bunch of weight and rededicated himself after the rose bowl game. very impressive guy!
I think this is a wonderful story - and a wonderful example of persistence. I'm a big Montee Ball fan. He's so talented & really fun to watch.
Thanks for sharing, dad! I always love posts like these! Great message.
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