As I logged Jim Hill’s interview with “Mr. Clutch,” aka Jerry West, something inside me snapped – in a good way. I realized that Jerry West, retired professional basketball player, Head Coach, and former GM of the Los Angeles Lakers, is much like UCLA Head Basketball Coach Emeritus and arguably the “Greatest Coach of All Time,” John Wooden.
Not only do their initials read “JW,” but their views toward sports, and presumably life in general share very similar qualities. The one underlying theme that struck me was Jerry West’s immense use of the word, “passion” throughout his interview with Jim. In one of his answers he said that, “Life is not worth living if you don’t have passion.” And being the biggest John Wooden idol I am, I immediately thought of him and his view on the subject. As Coach Wooden says, “It isn't what you do, but how you do it,” referring to the passion and emotion a person must implement into his or her daily tasks.
West went on to say that he believes in two things: “goals and passion” and that not a single person can get anywhere in life without having some substantial goals as a stepping-stone. Sounds like Coach Wooden, whose most famous quote is about success and being the best you can be. The interview went on and discussed West’s biggest passion of helping others and his desire to give back to people who have helped him in his life. As he says himself, “…if I can help someone, I truly want to do that.” And as Coach Wooden says, “You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” These two men, although one 71 years of age and the other just one short of a century, can still agree on one thing: passion is key to life.
Written by Robin Randolph
I like what you wrote poetry through words to a tee. You definitely know what the essence of life is through sports. Bravo Dad
ReplyDeleteWow, JR and JR really are similar in how they approach life. I think that if you are an elite athlete or coach you have an inherent passion for your discipline. To carry that same passion over from sport and apply it everyday life is something that you don't see too often but that's what makes these two so special. It makes me think of another set of initials. RR=RR. One of my favorite people who has a passion for life and applies it to her profession to make delicious treats. Rachel Ray.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your report and it showed a lot of thought and respect for both of these very special people Mina
ReplyDeleteawesome writing, senorita randolph. we need more people in this world like the two jws in your blog. continue writing with fire/fuego
ReplyDeleteGreat post robin. I loved the way you used quotations from both men. It really shows that you understand them and how much respect you have for them. Keep writing!
ReplyDeleteRobin, I really loved reading this. Last night i had a conversation with someone i was meeting for the first time and asked her if she was excited for the olympics (after she told me she played ice hockey). She responded with a slight "ehh." So i kind of went off on her.."Whatttt HOW ARE YOU NOT EXCITED FOR THE OLYMPICS!!!" The others in the convo didnt seem to care... as if the olympics was just about a competition. Then, i got into this whole speech about passion- that is what truly makes the olympics. Its about athletes coming together, its about representing your country, marching into opening ceremonies and carrying your flag, winning the gold and hearing your anthem. its about the passion that you feel not only for your sport, but for your country. Thats one aspect i love about the olympics. So, this post really reminded me of that. its so key to have passion in anything you do.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite lines was at the end when u said how these men are so old, yet they still agree on the fact that passion is the key to life. I think thats what keeps them alive-- the passion to love and to live.
keep writing! you rock love you!