Enjoying the Success of Others (Weekend of Oct 13-16/06)

Apart from a busy weekend - including catching up with my very talented friend Dave White as he performed with Glen Soderholm here in Winnipeg - there were three parts that stuck out.
ONE, on Fri. eve. I attended the 1st cd ("Change Your Life") release concert of my friend Don Amero (http://www.myspace.com/donamero). With Don always doing things with excellence and doing a good job of planning, it was great to see a good turnout (200+?). In addition to Don's vocals and his acoustic guitars and harmonica, he also had people play the trumpet, keyboard, upright bass and djembe, and provide vocal accompaniment. Appreciated the variety. A great evening - deservedly for a great guy.
TWO, on Sat. morning I went to cheer on the Gr. 7-8 girls volleyball team from the school where I work as an Education Assistant (and where I also serve as Gr. 9 boys volleyball coach). Intending to only watch 1 match, I had the privilege of watching 14 girls - many of whom have not played before - make the playoffs, win the semi-finals and then lose the championship (to a previously undefeated team) in an extra set by only two points. Incredible! Reminded me of how mental a sport that volleyball is. The girls really seemed to appreciate the fact that I went. How we need to support youth - and others in general!
THREE, today (Mon) the Gr. 9 boys volleyball I coach lost our 2nd game (we're now 1-1). As a coach, I needed to make some tough coaching decisions that may have cost us the match victory, but will likely help us as a team be more successful at the end of the season. Although I have been fortunate to have been quite successful as a varsity coach in the past, even more important than winning is developing deep character (i.e. work ethic, dedication, commitment, humility, teachability, etc.) in the athletes.