VCWho?

Now that the NCAA basketball season and tournament is over, I have to look back and salute the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams for their remarkable season. In case you were under a rock for the last month, here is the scenario. VCU barely made it to the tournament and many "experts" questioned whether they should have, since they came in second in the Colonial Athletic Conference tournament. They won their play-in game for the right to be able to be the 11th seed in their region. Then they went on a tear that broke many favorites' backs and messed up many a bracket (for what it is worth, I picked them to win their first two games).

Most people did not even know who they were until they found themselves in the Sweet 16. VCWho? Then they won twice more to make it to the Final Four. They cultivated quite a following across the country, and nowhere more than here in Richmond.

How, when they were a team who was questionable if they should even participate in the tournament, did they make it to the Final Four? Inspiration and perspiration. The winning formula for nearly every successful team and individual effort since the beginning of recorded time. They swarmed defensively all over their opponents, took the right shots, and fired themselves up as their coach fired them up.

We all have to overcome obstacles to be our best. Let's learn from the VCU Rams the success formula.

Bracketology

I have to admit I get really attached to college basketball games this time of year. I am always amazed at how quickly we get to know the players and teams, and form an affinity for them. Right now there are two teams from Richmond in the Sweet 16 of college basketball, which has never happened before. Both of them are playing their best ball of the season, which is what is required to get this far.

I have to admit in my brackets I thought they would both win their first round games, but go no further. Our church team did just that, even though we were also playing our best at the end of the season. And just like the college guys, we reflect back on the last few minutes of our final game and wonder why we did not execute the way we had all game long. A quick shot here, a turnover there, and suddenly the game slips away from you.

There is always next year.

Give and Go Basketball Camp

In this month's eZine I mentioned the Give and Go basketball camp being offered here in Richmond the week of July 21-25. This is my endorsement of that camp, meant to teach skills to your favorite 1st to 6th grader this summer. Click here to download the application form, and sign your youngster up now before they fill up.

It will be a great experience, and the cost is only $25.00 -- unbelievable!

If you have questions or want more information, send an email to Ginnie or Laura by clicking here.

Pass the word, let other parents know about this.

Give and Go!