I love March Madness! I grew up playing basketball, continued through high school, and then cheered for my older brother throughout his college career. I coached the game for a number of years, as well. To me, nothing beats the passion, desire and determination that these collegiate men and women display during the "Big Dance." I love watching teams overcome large deficits in order to advance to the next round. Unfailingly, the commentators state again and again how poised these teams are, and I must agree. The teams that prevail are clear-headed and focused, and they stick to their coach's plan.

Every single person is in a position to lead…it doesn’t matter how good you are at your sport, or how popular you are on your campus, every person has the opportunity to influence other people.

I played JV soccer this past year at my high school, but I’m friends with all of the Varsity guys and I would always talk and hangout with them.

Josh Davis is thankful for a lot of things. He’s accomplished greatness as a world-class swimmer, winning a combined five Olympic medals (including three gold medals) and breaking American and world records. As a family man, he is a devoted husband and proud father of five children. Davis is also thankful to have a nice house and a big car that’s spacious enough for the entire bunch. He even has had a building named after him—the Josh Davis Natatorium—in his hometown of San Antonio.

It certainly sounds great, but Davis will be the first to admit that everything on that list and more doesn’t mean much without one key ingredient.

Does the word “wait” cause the hair on the back of your neck to rise like it does mine? As an endurance athlete, a lot of my training can last for several hours. An example would be during one of my former marathon trainings. One week I had a 20-mile run scheduled. Before the first mile was completed I was already thinking, “Wouldn’t it be great if this was mile 19 and I only had one mile to go?” I was wishing that I could fast-forward through my run and just see the end results.

Hockey Chat:  Coach Jack Parker of the Boston University has helped to lift players to new heights and ultimately to the NHL.  As Chris Drury, the Captain of the Bufalo Sabers said, “He is so revered.  His name carries a lot of weight. He teaches things I still carry today.”

Everyone has a bad day once in awhile. Even the greatest athletes struggle from day to day. A common phrase in baseball is "pick-me-up." This is said when a particular player needs a boost in spirit. And, truth be told, we all need a "pick-me-up" occasionally.