H.E.A.R.T Athletics is all about YOU....

When I came up with the acronym of H.E.A.R.T, is was an attempt to capture the essence of what I thought was important when it came down to the most basic components of sports.

H-ave
E-nough
A-ttitude
R-esilience
T-oughness

This not only sounded good to me, but it completely made sense.  When we watch watch any sporting event (even if we're too old to play and work in corporate America...) we see individuals who in a sense make us sick.  I'm NOT passing judgement, but we notice individuals who don't necessarily exude the same values we (me and you) have in life as in sports.

We see it every day (during a game or at work).  The player who reluctantly lays down a crappy bunt, refuses to take on a pulling guard, doesn't want to dive on the hardwood or chooses to leave the office early while the rest of the office works overtime to get ish done.

I knew since 2007 that I wanted to start my own business H.E.A.R.T Athletics LLC to cater to those that possessed the same values that I have.  My company is about providing products to individuals who think (or want to) like I do and are tired of the same "cookie cutter" B.S. that is feed to them by BIG BUSINESS.

H.E.A.R.T Athletics LLC is about YOU and how you feel about sports and life.  If you are tired of feeling under appreciated, unwanted and undervalued, you have to stop by the website and take a look around.

We provide clothing and products that put you at the focal point.  Our H.E.A.R.T Athletics LLC Player Card makes your athlete feel like a Superstar with their very on shirt. 

On the front you have your very own picture, with a custom card design and on the back is everything about you to wear around town to show off YOUR accomplishments.  That's what we're about...YOU.

So stop by the FACEBOOK PAGE (and like us!) and follow us on TWITTER.  At the very least post this blog on your Facebook page and spread the word. 

Thank you!  My company would be NOTHING without you guys.

Matt Bergman #33

March 6, 2012

January 20th started out as a regular day for me.  I went to work, came home and chilled, and debated to cross the street to Wooster H.S. to watch a basketball game.  I had no idea that one individual, which whom I had no connection to (previously) would have such an impact on not only mine but others' lives as well.

This Friday afternoon in January led me to watch Matt Bergman play in a High School basketball game.  Most people have no idea how hard it is to be a fan of the game and attempt to photograph it at the same time.  It's really hard because you find yourself watching more than photographing.  And the way that Matt played, it was extremely hard to concentrate on shooting instead of watching.

What I witnessed from Matt is that he played his ass off every possession.  He did the little things (such as hustle plays), he rebounded, played tenacious defense and when the opportunity showed itself, he took advantage and got buckets (slang term for "scoring points").  My overall opinion of Matt was so high that after the game I actually sought him out to personally tell him, "you played one hell of a game fam".  He didn't even know me and with complete sincerity said, "thank you".

It wasn't until he read an earlier blog post that he remembered who I was (I was and still am honored by it).  He sent me a Facebook message asking me, "if I was the guy who spoke to him after the Manogue game".  After talking to Matt several times, I had a much better understanding of who he was.  He was a good baller, but a much better human being.

It wasn't until recently that one of our mutual friends messaged me and asked me to write something about Matt.  There was no way that I wouldn't.  All I asked for was some inside information for a better understanding of Matt and everything that was said to me confirmed my previous beliefs on Matt's character.

Awesome Matt fact...he chose #33 because his Mom wore that same number.  How cool is that?  Most kids want to wear some "superstars" number or their Dad's...but Matt chose his Moms.  This to me speaks volumes.  He was unselfish, wanted to make you laugh and he was a great friend/teammate.

When I found out about this tragedy I had no idea of what actually happened.  It wasn't until I was told how it happened that all of my opinions about Matt came full circle.  He gave up his life attempting to save his Sister.  Everything that I saw on the basketball court that day in January had cemented my characterization of Matt and his entire being.  He would do anything for anybody, and give it his all no matter what the cost.  Matt, you're a hero buddy and one kick ass individual.  We didn't have that much time together, but you did impact my life as well as those who knew you for much longer and had a deeper relationship.

We're all going to miss you...



Hug Hawks 2011-12 Basketball

February 25, 2012

I'm just going to start writing, and then let my thoughts take over.  I normally sit back and think about what I'm going to write, format it and then go to town.  But tonight is going to be a little different.  I'm thinking about the Hug Hawk Varsity Hoops Squad and I can't help but draw parallels to "real" life and the definition of my company H.E.A.R.T Athletics LLC.

These young men just played for the State Championship and unfortunately lost to Bishop Gorman.  *Sidenote* Bishop recruits players, while Hug has to play with the kids that live in its school zone...moving on.  These kids played their H.E.A.R.T's out tonight.  And although they came up just a bit short, it was sheer determination that got them to where they were tonight.  Think about it.  How many other hoopers in the state of Nevada would trade places with them tonight?  Just having the CHANCE to win a State Title is an honor in itself!

The lesson here that the Hug Hawks probably didn't realize (yet...) is that shit isn't always going to go your way.  Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.  But never...EVER, take your loss as just a loss.  It's a learning experience.  The camaraderie, hard work and determination it took for them as a whole to get to where they were tonight will help them the rest of their lives.  Crappy things happen in life.  You as an individual AND team have to live, learn and adapt.  If you don't like losing...do something about it.

The Seniors won't have another chance...and that sucks, but the Junior and lower classes have a chance to learn and get better.  This doesn't mean the Seniors can't use this game as a spring board into their futures as well.

Sports, as in life, teaches us valuable lessons that if you're looking at the trees...you're sure to miss the forest.  The lesson here is DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!  Keep striving for your goals.  If you miss the first time, readjust and fire again.  You are only a loser when you choose to give up...not when you lose (<-------see what I did there?).

Even though the entire team played their H.E.A.R.T's out, I want to shine some light on 3 that really stood out (in my humble opinion).

Sam Williams

This young bol was a BEAST in the paint.  Blocking shots, grabbing boards and dunking on kats...

Andrew Johnson

This kid is devastating.  There was NO PG in Northern Nevada that could guard him...period.

Norris Dupree

This kid was the glue-man.  He did everything and anything for his team.  The bol hustled, played D, boarding, hit the floor, whatever...this kid played his ass off.



In short, BIG UPS to the 2011-12 Hug Hawks Varsity Squad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Most Slept on Kid in Reno (Norris Dupree #22)

I don't normally like to single out one kid on a team (because he/she plays on a TEAM), but I'll be damned if this young bol, Norris Dupree isn't one of the most slept on (slang term for 'overlooked') baller in the Reno area. 

I've watched this dude play over 3-4 games so far this season and he's dope...period.  You see, the funny thing about his game is that he COULD take over if he wanted to, but he's willing to do the dirty work AND share the rock.  I've seen this kid dive on the floor for loose balls, handle the rock to give Andrew Johnson a breather, rebound, play lockdown defense on opposing PG's and drive the lane like he enjoys getting hacked (another slang term, this means getting fouled...very hard).

I've never seen this kid sulk, complain or show a shitty attitude.  I've never seen him yell at a teammate, pass the buck or ignore his coach.  All this young man does is go out and play his H.E.A.R.T out.  Everytime I read the reno gazette-journal they NEVER mention this kid.  Don't get me wrong...he team does have two other studs on it, legit studs, but this dude deserves some sun too. 

So Norris...here's a little bit of sun for you fam!  I dig the way you play, best of luck to you and your Hawks in the tourney.

Follow @iplaywithheart

Manogue Miners vs. Hug Hawks (1st Round Nevada High School Tournament)

Februrary 15, 2012

This past Wednesday was the start of the Nevada High School Boys Varsity State Tournament.  As far as tournament go, we all know that no matter what your seed is, NOTHING is guaranteed.  The only guarantee is your seeding.  But the only thing your seeding can do for you is offer a home game.  It's ultimately up to the teams to duke it out and see who moves on to the next round.

During the last part of the Boys Basketball season I have watched several teams play and I have a little bit of working knowledge on who's who.  So when the 1st Round started, it only made sense to go watch the Hug Hawks (they're close, they're pretty good and my young bol Rian Narra plays for'm).  First I want to say that the Hawks are real...I mean, you have to bring your A++ game if you don't want to get run out the gym.

With that being said, Manogue played hard in the 1st quarter.  It actually looked like the game could go either way (I actually tweeted about it during the game).  Once the 2nd quarter started, that's when the depth and speed of the Hawks started to take its tole on the Miners.  But I have to give credit to the Miners for playing with a bunch of H.E.A.R.T.  I've watched about 3 or 4 games at Hug...and that is one rowdy ass crowd!  It's the high school equivalent of playing at Cameron Indoor Stadium.  You not only have the students to deal with...you have to deal with the parents as well!

Long story short (as short as I can make it...I tend to talk alot) both teams played hard, they hustled, they contested shots, drove the lane on the big men and dove on the floor for loose balls.  Hug ultimately came away with the "W" and is moving on to the next round while Manogue's season is over.  Below are just some of the pictures that spoke to me personally, embody the spirit of competition, and display the H.E.A.R.T that I love to see athlete's play with!

Jeremy Lin....

In life there are three very...very basic lies. 1. Lies. 2. Damn lies 3. Statistics.  It really is simple when you actually break it down.  The third lie (statistics) tend to stop people, athletes and business people in their respective tracks before they even get started.  This brings me to Jeremy Lin.  Think about this...

You are a High School Senior who leads his team to a 32-1 record.  You beat NATIONALLY RANKED Mater Dei, while winning a State Championship.  You're First Team All-State (in Cali, not Delaware or North Dakota) averaging 15.1 points, 7.1 assists, 6 boards and 5 steals.  But nobody recruits you...

You go to an Ivy League school (which offers 0 athletic scholarships and the tuition is crazy expensive) and wind up the only player ever to achieve 1450 points, 450 boards, 400 dimes and 200 steals.  Oh...AND he graduated (from Harvard).

After graduating (noble concept) from college...NOBODY wants you on their team.  Well, at least not enough to DRAFT you anyway.  You sit on the bench of your hometown team because you love them that much.  You get minutes here and there, but they are far and few between.  Before the start of you second second season with your hometown team...they waive you.

Before the start of your second season in the NBA, you get picked up by one of the biggest market teams in the world.  You sit and wait, probably not expecting to play (seems to be the norm) but you don't let it faze you.  But once your current team inserts you in the lineup...you go ape shit!

You see...that's the thing about lies, they never tell you the WHOLE story.  They give you a fraction of what the teller wants you to believe, or what YOU want to believe.  Jeremy Lin's story, stats and situations have been well documented and quantified.  But there is ONE variable in every athlete that can not...I repeat...CAN NOT be measured...and that's his or her H.E.A.R.T.  And trust me...nothing makes or breaks a H.E.A.R.T like the sitting on the bench.