Even Bear Bryant had setbacks. Alabama struggled in the late sixties after winning national titles in 1961, 1964, and 1965. In 1970, the Crimson Tide hosted USC and got embarrassed 42-21, as the Trojans rolled up 559 yards of offense. African-Americans scored all six USC touchdowns. An Alabama assistant noted that USC could have made the score "whatever they wanted." Some credit that defeat as promoting integration more than any politics. Alabama closed practices before the 1971 rematch in LA and emerged with the Wishbone and a 17-10 upset.
Ryan Holiday discusses the "canvas strategy" where you make others look good by preparing the way. One of two Leonardo 'signature' paintings, the Mona Lisa, is an oil painting on wood. The finished product is greater than the material.
Master chef Gordon Ramsay became a co-owner of the restaurant, Aubergine, in 1993. As a young chef, Ramsay learned how to cook great food with inexpensive cuts like oxtail and lamb shanks. He says he didn't serve a filet mignon in his restaurant for three years, because he couldn't afford filets. His restaurants have now served over one million beef Wellingtons.
Former Marine LouAnne Johnson (Dangerous Minds) earned a Master's Degree in teaching English. She authored My Posse Don't Do Homework about the struggles and successes teaching underprivileged students in California. The Hollywood adaptation of her story became a blockbuster hit in 1995.
McFarland, USA tells the story of Coach Jim White and his cross-country program in a poor farming community. Without prior track coaching experience, White earns the trust of local students and families and creates a cross-country dynasty.
Coaches have the capacity to transform lives. Ideas get traction as action.
As we learn, we appreciate what is possible. We succeed when our teams grow their game and overcome their limitations.
Obstacles are unavoidable - segregation for Bryant, relative poverty for Ramsay, Johnson, and White, and lack of formal education for Leonardo. Success rewards us when we beat those barriers.
Lagniappe:
The ball screener does double duty nailing the defensive rotation.The push-pull penetration reaction concept is demonstrated in this spread ball screen action. The ball screen draws 2 defenders, and pulls the back side 2 offensive players behind for a spacing advantage. pic.twitter.com/hBGdcVFQbZ— Chris Oliver (@BBallImmersion) June 16, 2018