We had a good win versus Heidelberg last night. Doubles set the tone with 8-1, 8-5, and 8-0 victories. Now we have to prepare for Ohio Wesleyan tomorrow (Saturday). The guys know we need to come out guns blazing in that one and I think we are ready.
Dealing with adversity and also dealing with success are two huge things you get out of competing in athletics. Can you bring yourself into focus when everyone in the crowd is rooting for you to fail? Can you, maybe accept is the wrong word, but deal with, and take as a positive challenge a coach’s decision not to start or play you? How do you continue to be relaxed when you know the score is tied and you are leading in the deciding match?
We work on these things as a team and by no means are they easy. Our group of young men have grown and matured greatly over the last two years. They have learned to accept challenges as positive experiences and not as obstacles. One of the greatest parts of my job is seeing this growth and helping to facilitate it. The young men who come and play tennis here at Oberlin WILL be successful in the fields they choose because they do embrace the challenges put before them and use those to propel them.
“Whether it’s playing or coaching, socially or professionally, there have to be some tough days to make you a better person.”
-Digger Phelps
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