Winning Words 3/18/13
“A little March Madness may help…keep society on an even keel.”  (Henry Porter)  The term, March Madness, originated in 1939 with the Illinois High School Basketball Tournament.   The Moline Maroons weren’t in the finals.  You lose some; you win some.  When Butler’s basketball team recently lost on a last second shot, Coach Brad Stevens said, “I’m a huge person on growth over prize.  Whether the last shot goes in or not doesn’t define the team.”  That’s basketball; that’s society; that’s life!    ;-)  Jack

 FROM TL IN TEXAS:  Jack, your thoughts are refreshing, motivating and relevant. Thanks again for my daily vitamin, for adding goodness to my life.////JACK:  If you want to have a friend, the best vitamin to take is, B1.

 FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Great WW!!!!! I can remember a time when the coach of my daughter's swim team put all the "B" swimmers in for the last half of the competition because the team they were playing were so disadvantaged in terms of school resources. Brenda and all her teammates experienced a great example of compassion and ethics and "growth over prize." ////JACK:  Football coach Vince Lombardi is often misquoted in saying: "Winning is the only thing."  He actually said, "Wanting to win etc."  Sometimes you win by not making winning the only thing.

 FROM WALMART REV:  "It's not whether you win or lose the came, it's how you played the game that counts!" I'll bet you know where saying that originated, Jack! I really don't, but remember the saying well!  Nice to have in you my life again this Monday morning.////JACK:  The sportswriter, Grantland Rice, said something like that.  The real question is..."How do you measure success?"////REV:  You always impress me with the background knowledge.////JACK:  When you live long enough (and keep your faculties)...

 FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE:  I'm disappointed the Hawks didn't make it. NEXT YEAR!!////JACK:  I watched several of their games.  They played well, even when losing.  Maybe that's "winning!"

 FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  Playing to win the game IS a part of the game. By virtue of a game that defines a winner, there must also be those who lose. In my own experience, winning is a wonderful experience; but it is in those times of defeat that character is most often developed. You can be sure that "good winners" were taught through their earlier loses! ////JACK:  The game is the point!  There will be winners, and there will be losers.  There used to be ties, until some sports took away that possibility.

 FROM HONEST JOHN:   That's the year I was born...so glad that Moline didn't win that year!////JACK:  The Maroons came in 2nd in 1951 (a heartbreaker); E.M. lost in the finals in 1970.

 FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I'm excited that the Fighting Illini made it into the big dance, but they will probably be one of those teams that will have to value growth over prize, as well.  Didn't realize the term March Madness originated in Illinois!  Looking forward to all of the excellent basket ball games!!  Also the advent of  Easter and Holy week on the other side of the spectrum!!!////JACK:  Oh, the things you learn when you read Winning Words.

 FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER:  Slam Dunk!////JACK:  Let the games begin!