He who thinks that he is finished, is finished. Those who think that they have arrived, have lost their way. Those who think they have reached their goal, have missed it.
--Henri Nouwen
Thursday, May 28, 2009
James A. Harding
Dr. Earl Irvin West on James A. Harding, the namesake of Harding University:
"Usually every great man has one outstanding quality that he epitomizes. Harding's most outstanding quality was his faith in God. It was with him a settled conviction that if he did the work God wanted him to do, God would look after him, even to the performing of a miracle if necessary. He could have no doubt that if he ceased his school work and devoted all his time to the work of the Lord, God would care for him. Being found hundreds of miles from home was not unusual for Harding, getting ready to depart for the depot without a cent in his pocket. If someone asked how he expected to ride a train with no money, he could expect the answer that God would look after him."
"Usually every great man has one outstanding quality that he epitomizes. Harding's most outstanding quality was his faith in God. It was with him a settled conviction that if he did the work God wanted him to do, God would look after him, even to the performing of a miracle if necessary. He could have no doubt that if he ceased his school work and devoted all his time to the work of the Lord, God would care for him. Being found hundreds of miles from home was not unusual for Harding, getting ready to depart for the depot without a cent in his pocket. If someone asked how he expected to ride a train with no money, he could expect the answer that God would look after him."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/27/09
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“What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what kind of a person you are”
-- C.S. Lewis
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/26/09
“Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are.”
-- Soren Kierkegaard
-- Soren Kierkegaard
Winning
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war,
while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
-- Sun Tzu
Right NOW is when we win. Make sure we're doing just that.
Also, think about this: Winning together should be our focus, not defeating someone else. It does not matter what anybody else is doing or not doing this summer. We can't do anything about Missouri Southern's preparation. Furthermore, if I told you Missouri Southern was taking the summer off would it mean we would relax? No, we would continue to work as hard as possible because that is what is noble.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/25/09
BRAVERY
“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it."
-- Thucydides
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Memorial Day & Micah Gifford
Let us remember all of those who have gave their last full measure of devotion for worthy causes, especially one of our own: Micah Gifford. Micah, a Bison from 1998-2002, lost his life on Dec. 7, 2006 while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a beloved teammate, a cherished friend and an American hero. Spc. Micah S. Gifford was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne) and 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, stationed in the United States Army in Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Click here for thoughts and comments about Micah from his friends and family.
Quote of the Day - 5/23/09
“You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.”
-- Coach John Wooden
-- Coach John Wooden
Tony Dungy & Michael Vick
From the May 25, 2009 Sports Illustarted:
Guidance With A Fatherly Touch
Helping Michael Vick and other young people realize their potential
by Tony Dungy
As I was preparing to visit Michael Vick at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kans., earlier this month, I got a phone call from Ron Freeman. His son Josh is the Kansas State quarterback who was the first-round pick by the Buccaneers last month. We had never met, but we spoke father-to-father. Ron asked me if I would call Josh and keep an eye on him as he was getting used to his new environment in Tampa, where I make my home. As we talked, I could tell Ron and his wife had done a great job in preparing their son, and Josh was probably one of the few NFL rookies who wouldn't need much mentoring. But his dad was going that extra mile for his son.
Then I went to see Michael. As I sat down with him at the table in the visitors' room, he looked just like many of the young men I have talked with in other prisons. I couldn't get over how young he still looked. I hadn't seen him in person since 2005, but his face looked the same. The Falcons' number 7 jersey, though, had been replaced by a tan jumpsuit with his inmate number on it. We talked for about two hours, and my message was the same one I've given hundreds of other inmates I've visited. "What you learn in life is the same thing you learn in football," I told Michael, who was scheduled to be released from prison this Wednesday to serve the final two months of his 23-month sentence in home confinement. "You have losses, and you have to rebound from them. The key thing is, How do you bounce back from a defeat?"
In the two hours we spent together, Michael and I learned a lot about each other, and we made a commitment to stay in touch after he is released. When I left the prison, I found myself thinking: What if Michael, who says his father was not a positive influence on his household when he grew up, had had the same family support system that Josh had? Would he have ended up in this situation? I really don't think so. Read more . . .
Guidance With A Fatherly Touch
Helping Michael Vick and other young people realize their potential
by Tony Dungy
As I was preparing to visit Michael Vick at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kans., earlier this month, I got a phone call from Ron Freeman. His son Josh is the Kansas State quarterback who was the first-round pick by the Buccaneers last month. We had never met, but we spoke father-to-father. Ron asked me if I would call Josh and keep an eye on him as he was getting used to his new environment in Tampa, where I make my home. As we talked, I could tell Ron and his wife had done a great job in preparing their son, and Josh was probably one of the few NFL rookies who wouldn't need much mentoring. But his dad was going that extra mile for his son.
Then I went to see Michael. As I sat down with him at the table in the visitors' room, he looked just like many of the young men I have talked with in other prisons. I couldn't get over how young he still looked. I hadn't seen him in person since 2005, but his face looked the same. The Falcons' number 7 jersey, though, had been replaced by a tan jumpsuit with his inmate number on it. We talked for about two hours, and my message was the same one I've given hundreds of other inmates I've visited. "What you learn in life is the same thing you learn in football," I told Michael, who was scheduled to be released from prison this Wednesday to serve the final two months of his 23-month sentence in home confinement. "You have losses, and you have to rebound from them. The key thing is, How do you bounce back from a defeat?"
In the two hours we spent together, Michael and I learned a lot about each other, and we made a commitment to stay in touch after he is released. When I left the prison, I found myself thinking: What if Michael, who says his father was not a positive influence on his household when he grew up, had had the same family support system that Josh had? Would he have ended up in this situation? I really don't think so. Read more . . .
Friday, May 22, 2009
Accountability
This weekend is Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately, many will be tempted to use this long weekend as an opportunity to engage in activities that are not beneficial to themsleves, the team, and the Kingdom.
Call a teammate this weekend and encourage him.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up . . . Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
-- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12
Call a teammate this weekend and encourage him.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up . . . Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
-- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12
Bison Update
Please keep RF Hendricks in your thoughts and prayers. RF e-mailed me a couple of days ago telling me of another physical setback he's been forced to endure. He was experiencing some intense abdominal pain, so he went to the doctor and learned he had appendicitis, and thus had an appendectomy. He's going to be fine, but he cannot run for a couple of weeks, nor workout for several more weeks.
This surgery comes on the heals of a very frustrating spring for RF. He suffered a severe ankle sprain early in the semester, then pulled a muscle as he was compensating for a bad ankle. But I know RF will persevere. He's a tough guy that epitomizes everything that is right and good about Bison Football.
This surgery comes on the heals of a very frustrating spring for RF. He suffered a severe ankle sprain early in the semester, then pulled a muscle as he was compensating for a bad ankle. But I know RF will persevere. He's a tough guy that epitomizes everything that is right and good about Bison Football.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/20/09
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DETAILS
“It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."
-- Coach John Wooden
“It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."
-- Coach John Wooden
Details
The difference in close games is attention to the small details.
Make sure you are paying attention to the tiniest of details when it comes to your summer workouts. Do not skip anything. Admit to yourself what it is that you would be inclined to skip, or at least take lightly, and attack it with a vengeance. Make that the best part of your whole workout. For a lot of guys it will be the post-workout stretching. You're hot, tired and ready to be done, but keep pushing.
Make sure you are paying attention to the tiniest of details when it comes to your summer workouts. Do not skip anything. Admit to yourself what it is that you would be inclined to skip, or at least take lightly, and attack it with a vengeance. Make that the best part of your whole workout. For a lot of guys it will be the post-workout stretching. You're hot, tired and ready to be done, but keep pushing.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/19/09
CHARACTER
"Ultimately, character and its growth don't come from rules but from the small actions of responsibility that occur day after day."
-- Tony Dungy, Uncommon
Leading for generations to come
I love to borrow (i.e., steal) ideas from All Pro Dad. Anything Tony Dungy endorses - let alone supports and contributes to - is probably good and beneficial. A friend recommended it to me several months ago, and I get daily e-mails from them. I know many times these sorts of things become a nuisance, but not this one. Most are geared directly towards being a dad, but many still have great application towards what it is we're trying to do here at Harding Football.
Here is a posting from the website from yesterday:
Princeton scholar Benjamin Warfield has charted the 1,394 known descendents of the famous American theologian Jonathan Edwards. There were 13 college presidents, 65 college professors, 30 judges, 100 lawyers, 60 physicians, 75 military officers, 100 pastors, 60 prominent authors, 3 United States senators, 80 public servants including governors and ministers to foreign countries, and one vice-president of the United States. The story of Jonathan Edwards is an example of what some sociologists call the "five-generation rule." How a parent raises their child – the love they give, the values they teach, the emotional environment they offer, the education they provide – influences not only their child but at least four generations to follow.
But the five-generation rule works both ways. If we fail to work at being good fathers, our neglect can plague generations. Consider the case of Max Jukes, a contemporary of Edwards. As an adult, Jukes had a drinking problem that kept him from holding a steady job. It also kept him from showing much concern for his wife and children. He would disappear sometimes for days and return drunk. He made little time for loving and instructing his children.
Benjamin Warfield has also charted Jukes' descendents. What he found further supports the five-generation rule. Warfield was able to trace 540 of Jukes' ancestors. They offer a stunning contrast to the Edwards' legacy. Of Jukes' known descendents, 310 died as paupers, at least 150 were criminals (including 7 murderers), more than 100 were drunkards and half of his female descendents ended up as prostitutes.
Of course this doesn't mean that people are simply a product of their parenting and that who they are is determined entirely by their ancestry. There have been many who descended from men like Jukes and overcame great obstacles to succeed. Others have come from loving homes like Edwards' only to descend into a troubled adulthood. But these are the exceptions, not the rule.
The stories of Jonathan Edwards and Max Jukes offer powerful lessons about the legacy we will leave as fathers. Five generations from now, it is likely that our professional accomplishments will be forgotten. In fact, our descendents may know little about us or our lives. But the way we parent today will directly affect not only our children, but also our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren and the generations that follow.
Here is a posting from the website from yesterday:
Princeton scholar Benjamin Warfield has charted the 1,394 known descendents of the famous American theologian Jonathan Edwards. There were 13 college presidents, 65 college professors, 30 judges, 100 lawyers, 60 physicians, 75 military officers, 100 pastors, 60 prominent authors, 3 United States senators, 80 public servants including governors and ministers to foreign countries, and one vice-president of the United States. The story of Jonathan Edwards is an example of what some sociologists call the "five-generation rule." How a parent raises their child – the love they give, the values they teach, the emotional environment they offer, the education they provide – influences not only their child but at least four generations to follow.
But the five-generation rule works both ways. If we fail to work at being good fathers, our neglect can plague generations. Consider the case of Max Jukes, a contemporary of Edwards. As an adult, Jukes had a drinking problem that kept him from holding a steady job. It also kept him from showing much concern for his wife and children. He would disappear sometimes for days and return drunk. He made little time for loving and instructing his children.
Benjamin Warfield has also charted Jukes' descendents. What he found further supports the five-generation rule. Warfield was able to trace 540 of Jukes' ancestors. They offer a stunning contrast to the Edwards' legacy. Of Jukes' known descendents, 310 died as paupers, at least 150 were criminals (including 7 murderers), more than 100 were drunkards and half of his female descendents ended up as prostitutes.
Of course this doesn't mean that people are simply a product of their parenting and that who they are is determined entirely by their ancestry. There have been many who descended from men like Jukes and overcame great obstacles to succeed. Others have come from loving homes like Edwards' only to descend into a troubled adulthood. But these are the exceptions, not the rule.
The stories of Jonathan Edwards and Max Jukes offer powerful lessons about the legacy we will leave as fathers. Five generations from now, it is likely that our professional accomplishments will be forgotten. In fact, our descendents may know little about us or our lives. But the way we parent today will directly affect not only our children, but also our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren and the generations that follow.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/18/09
"The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little."
-- Thomas Merton
-- Thomas Merton
The Blog
(Coach Simmons and I were in California recruiting last week, so that's why there were no blog entries. I will try to give frequent updates thoughout the summer, but they likely will not be daily.)
Bisons,
Don't forget to stay on top of your summer workouts. Let us know if you have any questions. Today's running looks fun: 1 x 400m, 2 x 200m, 8 x 110 yds, 4 x 55 yds. Enjoy!
Bisons,
Don't forget to stay on top of your summer workouts. Let us know if you have any questions. Today's running looks fun: 1 x 400m, 2 x 200m, 8 x 110 yds, 4 x 55 yds. Enjoy!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Just a thought . . .
Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Sewell used only 1 bat in his 14-year career and struck out only 114 times in 7,132 attempts. He never was convinced that a newer, more sophisticated bat would improve his play. When he was in a slump, rather than blaming his equipment, he took extra batting practice and focused on his swinging mechanics.
There are hundreds of applications for this entry. It applies to marriage, football, academics, friendships, and so on. I'm pretty sure if you're reading this, there's a place for you to apply it to your life. Now go do it.
There are hundreds of applications for this entry. It applies to marriage, football, academics, friendships, and so on. I'm pretty sure if you're reading this, there's a place for you to apply it to your life. Now go do it.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/6/09
FRIENDSHIP
"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”
-- Henri Nouwen
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/5/09
PRIDE & HUMILITY
"Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real."
-- Thomas Merton
Monday, May 4, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/4/09
Jesus seemed to spend a lot of his ministry comforting the afflicted & disturbed, yet afflicting & disturbing the comfortable.
Kurt Adams Named Preseason All-America by CDS
Kurt Adams, a WR from Harding Academy (Searcy, AR) who will be senior for the Bisons in the 2009 season, was named to Consensus Draft Services Preseason Division II 2009 All-America First Team on Sunday.
Adams (6-5, 195) earned All-Region honors in 2008 after catching 61 passes for a school-record 1,122 yards and 11 touchdowns. He ranked seventh in Division II with 102.0 receiving yards per game. Adams needs five receiving touchdowns in 2009 to become Harding's career leader.
The entire CDS Division II 2009 Preseason All-American Teams:
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE:
QB Billy Cundiff, 6'2", 209, Ashland; WR Kurt Adams, 6'5", 195, Harding; WR Johnny Spevak, 6'3", 200, Central Washington; RB James Berezik, 5'11", 205, Grand Valley State (Jr.); RB LaRon Council, 5'10", 210, Northwest Missouri State; TE DeMarco Cosby, 6'3", 240, Central Missouri (Jr.); OT Tony Washington, 6'7", 300, Abilene Christian; OG Terence Crosby, 6'2", 295, Catawba; C Sam Hathorn, 6'2", 255, North Alabama; OG Bill Behling, 6'4", 305, Michigan Tech; OT J.Marcus Webb, 6'8", 320, West Texas A&M; K Craig Burgess, Indiana U. of PA (Jr.)
DEFENSE:
DL Marc Schiecl, 6'3", 250, Colorado Mines (Jr.); DT Jermelle Cudjo, 6'3", 300, Central Oklahoma; DL Drew Berube, 6'4", 262, Hillsdale; DL Phillip Stevenson, 6'3", 275, St. Augustine's; LB Nathan Yelk, 5'10", 235, Northern Michigan; LB John Jacobs, 6'2", 230, Saginaw Valley State; LB Matt Freed, 5'10", 205, East Stroudsburg; LB Jared Brawner, 6'1", 237, Missouri Southern; CB Justin Hamilton, 5'10", 160, Elizabeth City StateS Terrence Johnson, 6'0", 195, California of Pennsylvania; S Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, 6'1", 190, Indiana U. of PA; CB Robert Allen, 5'10", 170, Fayetteville State; P John Gregory, Tusculum
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE:
QB Trevor Harris, 6'3", 210, Edinboro; WR Johnnie King, 6'3", 187, SW Baptist; WR Dexter Manley, 6'3", 190, Elizabeth City State; RB Bobby Coy, 5'10", 205, Mesa State; RB Isaac Odim, 6'0", 215, Minnesota-Duluth (Jr.); TE Jarrell NeSmith, 6'2", 215, Tusculum; OT David Mims, 6'9", 325, Virginia Union (Jr.); OG Tim Drury, 6'3", 275, Indianapolis; C Torrence Wright, 6'3", 283, Arkansas Tech; OG Justin Magruder, 6'3", 283, Ashland; OT Jared Veldneer, 6'8", 311, Hillsdale; K Garrett Rolsma, Central Washington
DEFENSE:
DE Marcus Crump, 6'6", 240, St. Augustine's (Jr.); DT Joshua Conway, 6'3", 275, New Mexico Highlands; DT Antonio Hardrick, 6'3", 260, Clark Atlanta; DE Brad Davidson, 6'6", 240, Missouri Western; LB Zach Watkins, 6'0", 230, Washburn; LB Ryan Reeves, 6'3", 215, Wayne State (Neb.); LB Joe Knopick, 6'0", 220, Findlay; LB Caleb Jessup, 6'0", 220, Western Washington; CB Caylon Hann, 5'10", 170, UNC-Pembroke; S Myles Burnsides, 5'11", 195, Northwest Missouri St.; S Dominic Spinks, 6'2", 195, Delta State; CB Ronnell Tibbs, 5'11", 165, St. Joseph's (IN) (Jr.); P Cody Smith, Texas A&M-Kingsville
Adams (6-5, 195) earned All-Region honors in 2008 after catching 61 passes for a school-record 1,122 yards and 11 touchdowns. He ranked seventh in Division II with 102.0 receiving yards per game. Adams needs five receiving touchdowns in 2009 to become Harding's career leader.
The entire CDS Division II 2009 Preseason All-American Teams:
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE:
QB Billy Cundiff, 6'2", 209, Ashland; WR Kurt Adams, 6'5", 195, Harding; WR Johnny Spevak, 6'3", 200, Central Washington; RB James Berezik, 5'11", 205, Grand Valley State (Jr.); RB LaRon Council, 5'10", 210, Northwest Missouri State; TE DeMarco Cosby, 6'3", 240, Central Missouri (Jr.); OT Tony Washington, 6'7", 300, Abilene Christian; OG Terence Crosby, 6'2", 295, Catawba; C Sam Hathorn, 6'2", 255, North Alabama; OG Bill Behling, 6'4", 305, Michigan Tech; OT J.Marcus Webb, 6'8", 320, West Texas A&M; K Craig Burgess, Indiana U. of PA (Jr.)
DEFENSE:
DL Marc Schiecl, 6'3", 250, Colorado Mines (Jr.); DT Jermelle Cudjo, 6'3", 300, Central Oklahoma; DL Drew Berube, 6'4", 262, Hillsdale; DL Phillip Stevenson, 6'3", 275, St. Augustine's; LB Nathan Yelk, 5'10", 235, Northern Michigan; LB John Jacobs, 6'2", 230, Saginaw Valley State; LB Matt Freed, 5'10", 205, East Stroudsburg; LB Jared Brawner, 6'1", 237, Missouri Southern; CB Justin Hamilton, 5'10", 160, Elizabeth City StateS Terrence Johnson, 6'0", 195, California of Pennsylvania; S Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, 6'1", 190, Indiana U. of PA; CB Robert Allen, 5'10", 170, Fayetteville State; P John Gregory, Tusculum
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE:
QB Trevor Harris, 6'3", 210, Edinboro; WR Johnnie King, 6'3", 187, SW Baptist; WR Dexter Manley, 6'3", 190, Elizabeth City State; RB Bobby Coy, 5'10", 205, Mesa State; RB Isaac Odim, 6'0", 215, Minnesota-Duluth (Jr.); TE Jarrell NeSmith, 6'2", 215, Tusculum; OT David Mims, 6'9", 325, Virginia Union (Jr.); OG Tim Drury, 6'3", 275, Indianapolis; C Torrence Wright, 6'3", 283, Arkansas Tech; OG Justin Magruder, 6'3", 283, Ashland; OT Jared Veldneer, 6'8", 311, Hillsdale; K Garrett Rolsma, Central Washington
DEFENSE:
DE Marcus Crump, 6'6", 240, St. Augustine's (Jr.); DT Joshua Conway, 6'3", 275, New Mexico Highlands; DT Antonio Hardrick, 6'3", 260, Clark Atlanta; DE Brad Davidson, 6'6", 240, Missouri Western; LB Zach Watkins, 6'0", 230, Washburn; LB Ryan Reeves, 6'3", 215, Wayne State (Neb.); LB Joe Knopick, 6'0", 220, Findlay; LB Caleb Jessup, 6'0", 220, Western Washington; CB Caylon Hann, 5'10", 170, UNC-Pembroke; S Myles Burnsides, 5'11", 195, Northwest Missouri St.; S Dominic Spinks, 6'2", 195, Delta State; CB Ronnell Tibbs, 5'11", 165, St. Joseph's (IN) (Jr.); P Cody Smith, Texas A&M-Kingsville
Friday, May 1, 2009
Announcement
From Coach Beason:
Bisons,
Anyone on Football Scholarship Money needs to go by Coach Huck's office between 1:00 & 4:00 PM on either MONDAY or TUESDAY to sign your papers. No sign = no money!
Bisons,
Anyone on Football Scholarship Money needs to go by Coach Huck's office between 1:00 & 4:00 PM on either MONDAY or TUESDAY to sign your papers. No sign = no money!
Quote of the Day - 5/1/09
FAILURE
"Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure."
-- George Edward Woodberry
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