The BIG Takeaway™ newsletter By Rich Trombetta March 6, 2023
Using examples from TV, movies and sports to launch a journey toward peace and happiness at work, at home...in life. Grab the remote and change your life.™
This week's trivia question What team won the first NCAA basketball national championship tournament?
Benchwarmers bring the heat The most important players might be the ones who don't play at all
The context This weekend was filled with "senior nights" when college seniors, playing their last home game were recognized by their team and fans as the college hoop regular season came to an end.
Some of the seniors are well-known athletes, even stars; however, many are bench players who barely played at all.
Due to the changing nature of college athletics, more players are transferring to other schools and many are opting out of their final years of eligibility to begin a professional career.
Therefore, while senior night might not always recognize the best players, the tradition, especially at big-time programs, honors possibly the most loyal players on the team.
Go deeper Many people assume that players on a Division 1 or 2 team are on scholarship; that is not always the case.
Many players, especially the ones who sit at the end of the bench, might be what's known as walk-ons - people who come to college, try out and are hopefully offered a spot on the roster.
Most of these walk-ons don't receive scholarships; they often want to be on the team simply because they love the game.
In addition to not getting a scholarship, they often don't get much playing time. Instead, they become the ones fans see cheering on their teammates, sometimes in fun and unconventional ways.
Consider this My daughter attends a big-time basketball school; it has been so much fun to watch almost every game on television.
While the team has exceeded expectations and is nationally ranked, one of my favorite parts of the game is when the broadcast crew shows the bench's reaction to a dunk, thee-point shot or any other exciting play.
What makes it even more fun is the fact that these players know that they probably won't play - maybe ever - and that they are there because they want to be there.
Instead of pouting or complaining about a lack of playing time, they embrace the moment and participate in a different way that brings joy to themselves, the team and the fans.
PLEASE watch the videos below.
While they don't feature my daughter's college, these examples are possibly the best of the best. Again, no scholarships. No playing time. No big payday after school.
I promise these will bring a smile to your face and joy to your day.
Connect the dots While I fully appreciate and respect the impact that devastating situations and conditions like mental illness can have on a person, I am coming to recognize that so much of how we move through life is a choice.
It's easy to complain, blame others, pout, gossip and even sabotage a situation; I am guilty of all of these things. What good comes from these behaviors?
These players model how powerful a positive attitude can be. I am guessing that in practice they play with an intensity that makes the star players work harder which makes the team better.
They know their roles, are grateful to be on the team and choose to bring an attitude of joy and happiness to the world; maybe these are the true superstars.
My BIG Takeaway
I have to remind myself that I can choose my attitude and the way I show up at work, at home, and in life overall; this will take some work.
Parting thoughts Please know I am not encouraging toxic positivity which is unhealthy and dangerous. I also know that there are times when the magnitude of a situation can make it impossible to have a joyful or happy attitude. With that said, all things being equal, choosing to be positive and optimistic versus negative and pessimistic seems like a good choice to make.
Quote for the week “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” - Maya Angelou
Trivia answer Oregon The 1939 NCAA Basketball Tournament involved 8 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship. The Webfoots went 29-5 on the season and beat Ohio State University 46-33 to win the national title. (source)
I guess we know have to say Oregon beat THE Ohio State University since those dolts in Columbus, Ohio trademarked the word 'THE" in 2022. Screw 'em. I proclaim that the answer to this week's trivia question is now THE Webfoots!
That's all for now Thanks for reading and please remember:
We archive our stories and put them here for the world to read so feel free to have a look.
If you have any ideas or feedbackContact me with your thoughts.
Rich Trombetta @trombettarich
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