Monday Mush -- We are Marshall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjoWmFYiNPo (3:54)

Ok, so back to great football Movie speeches for our Monday message.  This is one of my favorite, and not just because of his cool pants and short tie.

“We are Marshall” is a depiction of the true story of the 1970 plane crash in which the entire team and head coach were killed returning home from a game.  The new team (freshman, 3 varsity that weren’t on the flight, new coaches, and new players) have to learn the game and how to be a team very quickly.  They lose their first game 29-6, and this speech occurs before their first home game.  They do go on to beat Xavier 15-13 in that epic win. 

I think this is a perfect opening to a week as we are pushing towards the first report card.  Remember that statistics shows us that teacher/student disengagement is highest in October and Feb.  Knowing that most schools and students will statistically be more disengaged, helps us make bigger strides to get ahead of the pack.  We also can know that we are subconsciously drawn to “pull back” in October, so don’t let yourself be lulled to sleep!

In his speech, he highlights some very important principles….principles that we need as educators….principles we need for life.  Here are some that stuck out to me:

1.       We need to know our past.  It defines who were are TO THIS POINT. However, it DOES NOT define who we will become.  Knowing our past helps us better plan for the future.

2.       Our “opponents” can seem insurmountable at times.  They seem bigger, better, and more confident.   But, that doesn’t mean the chapter ends there.  Just because statistics tell you one thing, doesn’t mean it is true.  We cheer for the underdog for a reason….we want to see Goliath fall.  What is your Goliath?  Who is your Xavier University?  They/It can be beaten.

3.        It is about heart.  The desire to succeed is the determining factor of success.  It isn’t talent or ability…it is the desire to be better today than you were yesterday….the desire to go around obstacles to reach that goal…the heart to fight for what is worth fighting for.

4.       We need to show ourselves who we are.  We don’t have to prove it to others…we just need to prove it to ourselves and believe that.  It is what we have to “lay on the line.”

5.       We play all out till the final whistle.

6.       We cannot lose or be defeated if we know we gave all we had…no matter the “score.”

7.       How you play “this game,” is how you will be remembered.  What do you want to be remembered for?  Our daily interactions/actions need to be in line with that.

I hope everyone has a great Monday!