“The more positive influences you can have early in life, the better you will be later in life.”—Dan Gable
I make no secret of my love of the sport of wrestling (or my lackluster success in the sport). For me, Dan Gable is the epitome of American wrestler. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet Coach Gable when he was the keynote speaker for a wrestling golf outing at Eastern Michigan University, where I was teaching at the time. Coach Gable made the rounds during the outing, introducing himself to all of the foursomes. I was most impressed that he asked me who I was—not simply my name, but what I did for the university, etc. He was sincere and heartfelt. I understand why his wrestlers and so many associated with the sport hold him in such high regard. I also understand why his coaching tree is so successful. (Bill Walsh’s coaching tree in football is often referred to, but, in my humble opinion, Dan Gable presents a far more impressive coaching tree.)
For Christmas, my sister gifted me with a signed copy of A Wrestling Life 2 (to complete the set). Like the first, it is a great book. It begins with what have come to be referred to as “Gable Principles”: mentors, simplicity, communication, consequences, focus, examples, teamwork, adversity, improving, remembering, peaking, talent, excellence, help, prevention, unknowns, appreciation, tools, current, normal, victory, recovery, and the longer, the longer. I was in no way a gifted wrestler—let alone good enough to have wrestled for (or against) the legendary coach. Nevertheless, his words and example inspire me. In the coming days and weeks, I am going to share (one by one) what these principles mean to me.
Mentors. I value what others can teach me. I have been impacted by every life that has touched mine. As a professor, I can only aspire to be some level of mentor to my students and others.
I have written before of the concept of “environment of excellence” (March 15, 2016, January 15, 2017, and January 26, 2017). I learned the phrase from Jim Harshaw (Success Through Failure, formerly Wrestling with Success), himself a former DI wrestler and coach. He often emphasizes the importance of the people with whom we spend the most time, quoting Jim Rohn: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” and the need for a “Mastermind Group.” We need mentors and we likewise need to mentor others, where we can–iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), after all.
A year ago, I lost one of the most important professional mentors of my career. Dr. Travis Beck was a Gable-like professor at the University of Oklahoma. I shared his story last April (“Mentors”, April 6, 2017). In the time since his passing, I have met several of his students who speak as highly of him as Gable’s former wrestlers speak of their coach. I can only dream of my students holding me is such regard.
I rely of mentors. I try to seek them out wherever I might find them. Some I meet with in person. Others, I have contact with only via e-mail and social media. I am grateful for all.
I am grateful for all of the relationships in my life. While some are troublesome (yet, nevertheless, valuable teachers), most contribute positively to my growth. In turn, I seek to be available to others. It is for this reason that my values include impacting others.
Joe Ehrmann taught his players how to “be men for others”. This is the foundation of “I am third”, my daily mantra. Dan Gable is grateful for those who mentored him. In turn, he taught them to be mentors. (Like my friend, Travis, and his students.)
I am grateful for the coaches, teachers, colleagues, friends and family who have influenced me—and who influence my children.
Seek mentors. Be a mentor.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
“Coaching is not about winning. Striving to achieve at a high level is a given. It is about drastically changing lives. Miss that and you miss the point.”—Coyte Cooper