The one thing that you can't teach, coach or buy is...

HUSTLE. 

It is virtually impossible to teach, coach or buy this state of mind.  You show me someone who can, and I'll show an entire NBA team that has floor burns. But let's stay on track...Hustling whether in sports or in life is about a desire to want "it" more.  The "it" is defined by the individual who has that burning desire.  It burns soooo much that they will stop at nothing to attain it. 

As I watch the NBA playoffs, I can't help but notice some players get a "pass" for not hustling, while those that do virtually get overlooked.  This ultimately reminds me of the consummate hustler...Mark Madsen  (even though as a kid, Kurt Rambis was THAT hustler).

With all the talent in the NBA there is absolutely NO reason that Mark Madsen or Kurt Rambis should be employed...none.  But yet there they were.  Mark for over 9 years and Kurt 14.  Why?  How is it that two individuals who are limited physically can stay in a league this long when the average NBA career is 4.7 years?

HUSTLE

All it takes to succeed in life as well as sport is the desire to do what the next man/woman won't.  As the case with Mark and Kurt, they were willing to sacrifice their bodies for the greater good of the team.  In turn, the team rewarded them with a roster spot.  It's really that simple.  The desire to dive on the floor, grab rebounds, take charges, run back on defense and make their teammates better in practice manifested itself into long careers (by NBA standards).

This term of "hustling" also translates into the "real world".  If you're not willing to go the extra mile (doing what others won't do), then you should never be surprised when your results match your outcome.  It's really as simple as this, work your tail off, reap the benefits...simple.

Just remember, a little bit of hustle (no matter if you think they were scrubs or not) allowed two physically ungifted players to last longer in a sport than the average player...Just sayin'...

What does it take to complete a triathlon...

Well physically, I don't KNOW what it entails, I mean, I KNOW, but I've never had to do it myself.  I know (from watching and participating in its events individually on a recreational basis, but I digress...) from watching them on television and watching my good friend Chad B. Davis in real time complete one.  I know it is physically and mentally demanding and the only way to get through is to not give up.

Not giving up isn't necessarily a mental thing, but in my opinion more of a H.E.A.R.T thing.  Having enough attitude, resilience and toughness.  I've know Chad for over four years now and if anyone embraces these terms it's him...

I actually just got off the phone with him a couple of hours ago and he reminded me that he's participating in another Tri in Kansas City this weekend.  And that brought back a flood of memories of when he worked his tail off training for his very first one.

Chad is a great cyclist, awesome runner and was a decent swimmer (after the first Tri, he trained harder to bring his swim up).  With those components you would think that a Tri would be a piece of cake.  Well, you have to also realize that you are not only competing with others and the clock...you're also competing against yourself as well.

Prior to Chad's first Tri, he actually broke one of his toes...reread that...He BROKE one of his toes!  Do you know how painful it is to break a bone which the doctors can do absolutely NOTHING for you?  "Wrap it up, here's some Tylenol...".  Gee, thanks.  Well if you think a broken digit was going to stop him, you don't know how big his H.E.A.R.T is!

He continuously trained around his injury by devoting more time to his swim and cycling, while decreasing his time on his feet running.  He ate better, hydrated as best as he could and stayed the course of his training, all while working a full-time job which in my opinion is way more than full-time!

All of his hard work culminated in his participation and completion of his first Tri in Havre de Grace, MD.  I was really proud of him because I knew how hard he had to work to get to where he was at.  He overcame his swim, a broken toe and the terrible...terrible, Maryland humidity!  Below are some of the pictures from his first Tri and I look forward to seeing new pictures from his Tri this weekend in KC.  Go get'm Chad!  Show those three events just how big your H.E.A.R.T is!!!



Chris Polk

Chris Polk

      Like any other football junkie, I was enthralled with the NFL Draft.  Well, the Draft has come and gone and like every year, there are guys who were taken too high, too low, or didn't get selected at all.  A lot of people think that not being selected is a testament to how good they (the player in question) "thought" they were.  Others think it's an oversight on scouting.  I tend to think that most scouts, GM's, coaches and owners fall in love with "numbers" and not the PLAYER who's putting up those numbers.

     While yes, it is true that some guys put up gawdy numbers because of the system they played in and it's easy to fall in love with stats...Sometimes you have to actually LOOK at the stats and see HOW they were put up!  I was told in my college Stats class that there are 3 kind of lies...lies, damn lies and STATS.  Statistics tell part but not the entire story.  Behind every statistical gain, there is a player behind them.  Whether these stats are system generated, roster induced (lack of quality players behind the starter) or basic workings of the team (i.e. Nebraska under Tom Osborne), there is a player that has worked their tail off to achieve them (college football is really hard...)

     This brings me to Chris Polk.  I've watched this young man ball his H.E.A.R.T out for the University of Washington over the past 4 years (he Redshirted his Frosh year because of injury).  He carried the team in 2009 when Jake Locker was getting all the love in the Great NW.  Everybody knows that every great Quarterback NEEDS a running game.  Without a running game, the defense just "sits back" and waits on every pass.  Needless to say, when Jake was struggling in 2010, it was Polk who picked up the pieces and gained over 1,400 yards rushing on 260 carries (yeah, you read that right...260).

     In his final year at the University of Washington, the school once again leaned heavily on Chris until first year starter Keith Price got his feet wet.  If you don't believe me about Polk's contribution to the Program, check out his bio for yourself...-----> Chris Polk stats. 

     All of this, his leadership, playing through pain, getting very little recognition lead him to what...?  Not getting drafted?  Are you kidding me?  This guy played his ass off for 3 years!  But you know what?  That doesn't matter to Chris.  Chris now has an opportunity to play for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL and it's not his "Stats"that got him there...it was his H.E.A.R.T. 

     So the next time you think that stats prove a player belongs, or how many accolades he/she has gained or how many Twitter followers they (you) have.  You need to look into their eyes and analyze what's beating in the chest.  Because there is nothing worse than competing against someone who still thinks they have something to prove and has one big ass chip on their shoulder...





     

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.

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