H.E.A.R.T Series, Part One Keith Cannone

For the next week or so, I want to write about people I have met in my life that exemplify what H.E.A.R.T means to me.  Playing with H.E.A.R.T doesn't necessarily mean that you are the best player (it doesn't mean you're not either), doesn't mean you put up gaudy stats, or that everyone knows your name.  It means that you play your cheeks off no matter the score, the final outcome of the game or how many people are in the stands. 

One person who continuously sticks out in my mind is a great guy I know who I went to High School with.  His name is Keith Cannone.  If you went to Linganore High School in the early 90's, there is no doubt you crossed paths at some point with Keith.  He's not only was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet (for a Yankee's fan), he LOVED the sport of basketball.  I mean he REALLY loves basketball.  Keith would dribble a basketball between classes in the hallways at Linganore.  To increase his hops, he wore those incredibly uncomfortable shoes that worked your calves all day long.

Keith loved basketball as much as I love football...maybe even more.  He was such a great teammate that he NEVER once complained out loud about minutes.  NEVER talked stats.  He just played his ass off every time he got in the game.  It was evident to everyone who knew him how much he loved hoops because when he got in the game, the crowd would go nuts.  Everyone in the stand showed Keith love because he truly loved the game and played his H.E.A.R.T out, every minute of every game.

I loved the way Keith played the game, his love of the game and his unselfish dedication to his team and school.  There is NO statistic you can put on the impact that he had on me and countless others.  I'm proud to say that I not only know Keith but that he actually helped mold my thinking of how every play counts and that you should play each one like it's your last.