Senior Tribute

T-Ball Extras

Very Impressive Person

He greets everyone with a smile
And a hearty handshake;
And makes you feel he means it
When he says he’s glad to meet you
And he makes you glad you met him.

He walks with a sprightly step
And speaks with a laugh in his voice.
He listens with interest
And speaks with conviction,
And makes you feel you’ve known him all your life.

He doesn’t seem to try to impress,
Yet he’s most impressive.
He never tries pressing to persuade,
Yet you always come away convinced.
He’s the kind of guy we enjoy being around
Because he is what we all secretly would like to be –
Someone who enjoys being himself.

John Wooden

"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

Wooden on Leadership

Industriousness?

In plain language, I mean that you have to work – and work hard. There is no substitute for work. None. Worthwhile things come only from real work.

I called it “industriousness” because “work” as performed by most people isn’t real work; rather, it’s going through the motions, putting in time, enduring boredom. Many will complain about a hard day at the office when, in fact, they didn’t lift a finger or think a thought. That’s not work. I had something else in mind, the kind of work in which you are fully engaged, totally focused, and completely absorbed. There is no clock watching and no punching in and out. Industriousness, for me, means true work.

I also knew intuitively that for industriousness to occur, an equally important quality is required…

…Enthusiasm

Work without joy is drudgery. Drudgery does not produce champions. You will not reach the top – success – if you and those you lead are wearily trudging along, waiting for the workday to end so you can move on to something you’d rather do.

As a leader, you must be filled with energy and eagerness, joy and love for what you do. If you lack enthusiasm for your job, you can not perform to the best of your ability. Success is unattainable without enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm transforms work into industriousness and catapults you to most productive heights.

Your enthusiasm does the same for those you lead. The energy and enjoyment, drive and dedication you exude stimulate the team. Enthusiasm must be real, not phony. False enthusiasm is common and easily detected. If you are faking it, posing and pretending, those under your supervision with spot it and do likewise.

Enthusiasm comes from within and is expressed in different ways. It is not necessarily jumping up and down and making a lot of noise.

When they are joined together, industriousness and enthusiasm become the driving force, the engine that powers all…

You will perish without hard work, without industriousness. Industriousness is not possible without enthusiasm. Success is unattainable without both of them.

T-Ball Camp Dates Set

Dates for our camps have been announced:

• Boys in grades 9-12 will meet for two weeks, June 9-12 and June 16-19, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Boys in grades 6-8 will meet June 9-12 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., and boys in grades 3-5 will meet June 16-19 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
• The aim of each camp is to teach and develop fundamental basketball skills, team play and motivation.
• Registration forms are available at Papillion-LaVista South High School or by logging on to http://plv.ishareinfo.org/jhueser/documents/ACFE.pdf.
• For more information call (402) 829-4618 or shoot me an email: jhueser@paplv.esu3.org.

Black Hole, Thank You!!!

Dear Black Hole Nation:

On behalf of South Titan Basketball, I want to thank Black Hole Nation for a very memorable season. You have done what very few schools are able to do in this day and age. You have incredible spirit without compromising sportsmanship and class.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success." Your school spirit was second to none and a big part of our success! Thank you!!!

We look forward to 2008-09!!!

Go Titans,
Coach Hueser

Senior Night

February 16, 2008

Dear Seniors,

They say there is “Joy in the Journey.” And I agree. It seems like just yesterday the McCook Bison were defeated in the State Tournament and I was saying good-bye to a great team. It was a very sad day for me and my family.

The following day I went to UNL’s old Coliseum to watch Sy play in the MIT basketball tournament and playing on the adjacent court was a group of young Predators. Four of which I believe are sitting in here today. As I watched you play I was very apprehensive about the future. The waters were uncharted so to speak.

I had no idea five years later we would be where we are today. Not only have we become the best team in Titan history, but one of the best teams in the state. But not without a price, right? No sacrifice. No victory. You guys are the cornerstones of “T-Ball”. Your hard work and enthusiasm has been priceless.

Think of the hundreds of mornings we’ve spent together over the years working on your skills. Think of the hundreds of practices we’ve grinded out striving for excellence. Think of the many weeks of T-Ball camp over the summers. Hotshot contest. Dribble tag. Ravenna. Coach Beranek. Think of the many summer league games and QT stops afterwards. Think of Going UP! and the price paid to become bigger, faster and stronger. Think of the many team meals and time spent together off the court. For example, our team trip to Coach Simpson’s lake.

All for what? To win at a “silly” game? Maybe, but it’s so much more than that. I believe the silver lining lies in what you and your teammates have become. Today and forevermore you are defined by our Titan Creed:

• A Titan always strives to be a great teammate!
• A Titan always plays hard, smart and together.
• A Titan is not boastful in times of success and perseveres through times of hardship.
• A Titan is not easily angered or intimidated.
• A Titan is passionate and plays with enthusiasm!
• A Titan is courteous, unselfish, and not envious of others.
• A Titan never leaves anyone behind, thus, he is trustworthy and full of love.
• A Titan is disciplined and always performs the mundanities of excellence.
• A Titan is patient, because he knows he must endure trials and tribulations.
• Most of all, a Titan is proud! He is a champion because he does all the things required of a champion.
• This is our creed, and it is who we are.
  
  
  May God bless you and Christ coach you!
  Coach Hueser