Podcasts about west morris

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Best podcasts about west morris

Latest podcast episodes about west morris

Morris Sussex Sports
Cup Semis and Finals Preview

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2019 39:42


Morris Sussex Sports, along with hockey guru Justin Scicchitano, talk about each Morris-Sussex hockey team and recap Justin's official Top 15 Hockey Team Rankings for this week. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Hockey Teams (Week of 2/13/2019) 1. Delby   2. Randolph   3. PJ   4. Madison   5. Knolls/Hills   6. Vernon  7. Chatham 8. Morristown-Beard 9. Kinnelon  10. Morristown   11. Montville   12. Sparta/Jefferson  13. Mendham  14. Roxbury 15. West Morris  

Morris Sussex Sports
Wrestling: Week in Review, MCT Hangover with Don Brower

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2019 42:04


Morris Sussex Sports and Don Brower of Morris County HS Wrestling are combining to bring provide top notch wrestling coverage of all the Morris-Sussex wrestling teams through weekly podcasts and live stream broadcasts.  No high school wrestling writer has more of a handle on the pulse of wrestling in Northern New Jersey than Brower and his insights and expertise provide wrestling lovers everything they'd ever need or want to stay up on every single team and wrestler. In this episode of this show which we are calling Back Points, Brower shares insights about this past week's wresting action of the 2018-2019 season, including some stellar matches, his latest Top 10 and who he is giving his Wrestler of the Week to. Don's Top 10 for 1/15/2019 1) Delbarton (12-1) 2) Mendham (10-2) 3) West Morris (8-5) 4) Pope John (10-2) 5) High Point (11-2) 6) Hanover Park (8-5) 7) Newton (11-6) 8) Roxbury (9-6) 9) Mount Olive (11-2) 10) Kittatinny (12-7)

Morris Sussex Sports
Top 15 Hockey Teams (Week of 1/24/2019)

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2019 51:58


Morris Sussex Sports, along with hockey guru Justin Scicchitano, talk about each Morris-Sussex hockey team and recap Justin's official Top 15 Hockey Team Rankings for this week. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Hockey Teams (Week of 1/24/2019) 1. Delby (10-3-2) 2. Randolph (15-2-1) 3. PJ (11-4-4) 4. Madison (12-3-4) 5. Knolls/Hills (8-8-2) 6. Vernon (10-4-2) 7. Mo-Beard (4-10-2) 8. Chatham (7-10-1) 9. Kinnelon (8-4-4) 10. Morristown (1-13-2) 11. Montville (5-9) 12. Sparta/Jefferson (3-11-3) 13. Roxbury (5-8-3) 14. Mendham (12-3) 15. West Morris (3-14-1)

Morris Sussex Sports
Back Points Podcast E3: The Week in Wrestling with Don Brower

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2019 64:50


Morris Sussex Sports and Don Brower of Morris County HS Wrestling are combining to bring provide top notch wrestling coverage of all the Morris-Sussex wrestling teams through weekly podcasts and live stream broadcasts.  No high school wrestling writer has more of a handle on the pulse of wrestling in Northern New Jersey than Brower and his insights and expertise provide wrestling lovers everything they'd ever need or want to stay up on every single team and wrestler. In this episode of this show which we are calling Back Points, Brower shares insights about this past week's wresting action of the 2018-2019 season, including some stellar matches, his latest Top 10 and who he is giving his Wrestler of the Week to. Don's Top 10 for 1/15/2019 1) Delbarton (11-1) 2) Pope John (7-1) 3) High Point (4-0) 4) Mendham (9-2) 5) Hanover Park (6-3) 6) Newton (5-3) 7) Roxbury (7-5) 8) West Morris (6-4) 9) Mount Olive (7-2) 10) Kittatinny (7-6)

Morris Sussex Sports
2018-2019 Early Season Wrestling Review & Top 10 with Don Brower

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2018 104:35


Morris Sussex Sports and Don Brower of Morris County HS Wrestling are combining to bring provide top notch wrestling coverage of all the Morris-Sussex wrestling teams through weekly podcasts and live stream broadcasts.  No high school wrestling writer has more of a handle on the pulse of wrestling in Northern New Jersey than Brower and his insights and expertise provide wrestling lovers everything they'd ever need or want to stay up on every single team and wrestler. In this episode, Brower shares insights about the early 2018-2019 wrestling season, including feedback from his big preseason preview special, updates from all of the holiday tournaments and which wrestlers came out of the gate on fire so far. Brower also discusses the logic around his Top 10 Morris-Sussex teams so far. Brower Top 10 1) Delbarton (6-1) 2) Pope John (4-1) 3) High Point (3-0) 4) Hanover Park (3-0) 5) Newton (2-1) 6) Roxbury (0-3) 7) West Morris (2-1) 8) Kittatinny (5-3) 9) Mendham (4-1) 10) Mount Olive (4-0)

Morris Sussex Sports
Hockey: Weekly Team-by-Team Recap and Top 15 Morris-Sussex Rankings

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2018 67:33


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, talk about each Morris-Sussex hockey team and recap their official Top 15 Hockey Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Hockey Teams (Week of 12/3/2018) 1. Delbarton 3-1 (1) -- 2. Pope John 2-0 (2) -- 3. Randolph 3-0 (3) -- 4. Morris Knolls/Morris Hills 2-1 (7) +3 5. Chatham 1-2 (4) -1 6. Madison 2-0-1 (5) -1 7. Morristown-Beard 1-1-1 (6) -1 8. Vernon 2-1-1 (8) -- 9. Morristown 0-3 (10) +1 10. Kinnelon 2-1 (12) +2 11. Roxbury 2-3 (9) -2 12. Sparta/Jefferson 1-2 (11) -1 13. Montville 1-2 (15) +2 14. Mendham 4-0 (13) -1 15. West Morris 1-3 (14) -1

Morris Sussex Sports
2018-2019 Hockey Team-by-Team Preseason Preview & Top 15 Rankings

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2018 46:56


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Hockey Team Rankings. This week, Justin gives a preseason analysis of each Morris-Sussex team.  You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Hockey Teams (Week of 11/26/2018) 1. Delbarton (0-1) 2. Pope John (0-0) 3. Randolph (0-0) 4. Chatham (1-0) 5. Madison (0-0-1) 6. Morristown-Beard (0-0-1) 7. Morris Knolls (0-0) 8. Vernon (1-0) 9. Roxbury (1-0) 10. Morristown (0-0) 11. Sparta/Jefferson (0-1) 12. Kinnelon (0-0) 13. Mendham (1-0) 14. West Morris (0-1) 15. Montville (0-0)

Morris Sussex Sports
2018 Round Sectional Finals in Review & Top 15 Rankings

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2018 41:44


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Football Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Football Teams (Bowl Finals) 1. Kittatinny 10-2 (3) +2 2. Butler 10-1 (2) -- 3. Newton 10-2 (1) -2 4. Randolph 9-2 (4) -- 5. Delbarton 7-4 (5)  -- 6. Sparta 8-3 (6) -- 7. Wallkill Valley 9-2 (7) -- 8. Montville 8-3 (8) -- 9. Boonton 7-3 (9) -- 10. Mountain Lakes 7-3 (10) -- 11. High Point 6-4 (11) -- 12. Pope John 2-9 (12) --  13. Morris Knolls 5-5 (13) -- 14. West Morris 5-5 (14) -- 15. Morris Hills 6-5 (15) --

Morris Sussex Sports
PODCAST: 2018 Round 2 in Review & Top 15 Rankings

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2018 73:30


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Football Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Football Teams (Sectional Finals) 1. Newton 10-1 (6) +5 2. Butler 9-1 (7) +5 3. Kittatinny 9-2 (8) +5 4. Randolph 9-2 (1) -3 5. Delbarton 7-4 (2)  -3 6. Sparta 8-3 (3) -3 7. Wallkill Valley 9-2 (4) -3 8. Montville 8-3 (5) -3 9. Boonton 7-3 (9) -- 10. Mountain Lakes 7-3 (10) -- 11. High Point 6-4 (11) -- 12. Pope John 2-9 (12) --  13. Morris Knolls 5-5 (13) -- 14. West Morris 5-5 (14) -- 15. Morris Hills 6-5 (15) --

Morris Sussex Sports
PODCAST: 2018 Round 1 in Review & Top 15 Rankings

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2018 58:48


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Football Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Football Teams (Week 9) 1. Randolph 9-1 (1) -- 2. Delbarton 7-3 (2) -- 3. Sparta 8-2 (3) -- 4. Wallkill Valley 9-1 (4) -- 5. Montville 8-2 (5) -- 6. Newton 9-1 (6) -- 7. Butler 8-1 (7) -- 8. Kittatinny 8-2 (8) -- 9. Boonton 7-2 (9) -- 10. Mountain Lakes 7-2 (10) -- 11. High Point 6-3 (13) +2 12. Pope John 2-8 (NR)  13. Morris Knolls 5-4 (NR) 14. West Morris 5-4 (11) -3 15. Morris Hills 6-4 (12) -3

Morris Sussex Sports
Football: 2018 Week 8 in Review & Top 15 Rankings

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2018 67:51


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Football Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Football Teams (Week 9) 1. Randolph 8-1 (1) -- 2. Delbarton 6-3 (2) -- 3. Sparta 7-2 (3) -- 4. Wallkill Valley 8-1 (4) -- 5. Montville 7-2 (5) -- 6. Newton 8-1 (6) -- 7. Butler 7-1 (9) +2 8. Kittatinny 7-2 (10) +2 9. Boonton 6-2 (15) +6 10. Mountain Lakes 6-2 (7) -3 11. West Morris 5-3 (13) +2 12. Morris Hills 6-3 (8) -4 13. High Point 5-3 (14) +1 14. Par Hills 6-3 (11) -3 15. Mount Olive 5-3 (12) -3 

Morris Sussex Sports
Football: Week 7 In Review and Newest Top 15 Ranking

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2018 75:41


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Football Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Football Teams (Week 8) 1. Randolph 8-0 (1) -- 2. Delbarton 5-3 (2) -- 3. Sparta 6-2 (5) +2 4. Wallkill Valley 7-1 (4) -- 5. Montville 6-2 (3) -2 6. Newton 7-1 (6) -- 7. Mountain Lakes 6-1 (8) +1 8. Morris Hills 6-2 (7) -1 9. Butler 6-1 (10) +1 10. Kittatinny 6-2 (9) -1 11. Par Hills 5-3 (11) -- 12. Mount Olive 4-3 (12) -- 13. West Morris 4-3 (13) -- 14. High Point 4-3 (14) -- 15. Boonton 5-2 (NR) 

Morris Sussex Sports
PODCAST: 2018 Week 6 in Review & Top 15 Rankings

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2018 72:33


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Football Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Football Teams (Week 7) 1. Randolph 7-0 (1) -- 2. Delbarton 4-3 (2) -- 3. Montville 6-1 (6) +3 4. Wallkill Valley 6-1 (8) +4 5. Sparta 5-2 (4) -1 6. Newton 6-1 (3) -3 7. Morris Hills 6-1 (5) -2 8. Mountain Lakes 5-1 (7) -1 9. Kittatinny 6-1 (15) +6 10. Butler 5-1 (13) +3 11. Par Hills 5-2 (11) -- 12. Mount Olive 3-3 (9) -3 13. West Morris 3-3 (14) +1 14. High Point 3-3 (12) -2 15. Pope John 0-7 (10) -5

Morris Sussex Sports
PODCAST: 2018 Week 5 Football in Review & Top 15 Rankings

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2018 74:56


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Football Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Football Teams (Week 6) 1. Randolph 6-0 (1) -- 2. Delbarton 3-3 (2) -- 3. Newton 6-0 (T-3) -- 4. Sparta 5-1 (T-3) -1 5. Morris Hills 5-1 (5) -- 6. Montville 5-1 (6) -- 7. Mountain Lakes 4-1 (9) +2 8. Wallkill Valley 5-1 (7) -1 9. Mount Olive 3-2 (11) +2 10. Pope John 0-6 (8) -2 11. Par Hills 4-2 (15) +4 12. High Point 3-2 (14) +2 13. Butler 4-1 (13) -- 14. West Morris 2-3 (10) -4 15. Kittatinny 5-1 (NR)

Morris Sussex Sports
Football: Week 4 in Review & New Top 15 Rankings

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2018 62:22


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Football Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Football Teams (Week 5) 1. Randolph 5-0 (2) +1 2. Delbarton 2-3 (1) -1 T-3. Newton 5-0 (4) +1 T-3. Sparta 4-1 (5) +2 5. Morris Hills 4-1 (8) +3 6. Montville 4-1 (6) -- 7. Wallkill Valley 5-0 (11) +4 8. Pope John 0-5 (3) -5 9. Mountain Lakes 3-1 (12) +3 10. West Morris 2-2 (10) -- 11. Mount Olive 2-2 (7) -4 12. Lenape Valley 3-2 (9) -3 13. Butler 3-1 (13) -- 14. High Point 2-2 (15) +1 15. Par Hills 3-2 (NR)  

Morris Sussex Sports
2018 Morris Sussex Sports Football Top 15 (Week 2)

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2018 44:30


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Football Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Football Teams (Week 2) 1. Pope John 0-2 (1) -- 2. Delbarton 0-2 (2) -- 3. Mount Olive 1-0 (3) -- 4. Newton 2-0 (4) -- 5. Lenape Valley 1-1 (7) +2 6. Morris Hills 2-0 (6) -- 7. Randolph 2-0 (8) +1 8. Sparta 1-1 (11) +3 9. Montville 2-0 (9) -- 10. West Morris 1-0 (10) -- 11. Butler 2-0 (12) +1 12. Mountain Lakes 1-0 (NR) 13. Jefferson 1-1 (14) +1 14. Hackettstown 1-1 (5) -9 15. Wallkill Valley 2-0 (NR)

Morris Sussex Sports
2018 Morris Sussex Sports Football Top 15 (Week 1)

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2018 86:36


Each week Morris Sussex Sports, along with Justin Scicchitano, publish their official Top 15 Football Team Rankings. You can listen to the audio podcast as it all gets broken down to find out how your team got ranked or why they are left off the list. Top 15 Football Teams (Week 1) 1. Pope John (0-1) 2. Delbarton (0-1) 3. Mount Olive (0-0) 4. Newton (1-0) 5. Hackettstown (1-0) 6. Morris Hills (1-0) 7. Lenape Valley (0-1) 8. Randolph (1-0) 9. Montville (1-0) 10. West Morris (0-0) 11. Sparta (0-1) 12. Butler (1-0) 13. High Point (0-0) 14. Jefferson (0-1) 15. Roxbury (0-0)  

Morris Sussex Sports
Mike Genovese Guides His 2008 Livingston Football Team on a Magical Ride

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2018 86:02


You don't have to be a football fan to be able to fall in love with this story.  In 2008, Livingston quarterback Mike Genovese led his Lancer team through a roller coaster season that took everyone who witnessed it through every emotion possible.   It started in the spring of Genovese's junior season when his close knit group of friends suffered the loss of their classmate and beloved friend Brielle who passed away due to a fast moving cancer.  After dedicating their senior football season to Brielle, it seemed like the wind was at their back as they were steam rolled past their competition.  However, things were about to take a turn for the worse. At 5-0, Livingston lost an overtime barn burner of a game against West Morris.  Not only did they lose the game, but they also lost their star player Genovese with a broken hand.  The following week they lost again to Roxbury and it seemed their playoff hopes where about to disappear without without the story book ending they had hoped for. But instead of feeling sorry for themselves, the Lancers rallied.  The student section kept bringing the sign in Brielle's honor that read, "Where ever we go, we take a piece of you with us!" with her number 21 in the middle of it surrounded by a heart.  They they played an inspired brand of football that you only see in the movies. Livinston was able to win their eighth game against Randolph which allowed them to get a bid to the State Playoffs.  From their, this cast of characters carried these their team through a tough playoff schedule with the hopes of giving their injured leader Genovese a chance to finish what they all started.  And that they did as Genovese was able to heal just in time for the Championship game at Giants Stadium. Listen to how it all unfolds in our riveting interview with Mike Genovese as he takes us through this amazing season through the lens of ten years later. 2008 Record: (9-3-1) Head Coach: Bill Tracy 09-12 @ Mount Olive W 28 - 0 09-19 East Orange W 24 - 13 09-27 @ Morristown W 13 - 0 10-03 Morris Knolls W 42 - 21 10-10 Columbia W 49 - 14 10-17 @ West Morris L 29 - 28 (OT) 10-24 Roxbury L 21 - 6 10-31 Randolph W 34 - 28 11-08 @ Seton Hall Prep L 43 - 0 11-14 Clifton W 30 - 12 11-22 @ Ridgewood W 10 - 7 12-06 Hackensack W 28 - 8

Morris Sussex Sports
Interview with QB Roy Moss of Dover's 1992 State Championship Team

Morris Sussex Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2018 117:02


1992 State Champion quarterback Roy Moss of Dover talks about the Tiger's amazing 11-0 season from the moment the team lost in the state finals the year before through all the way until they walked off the field with the ultimate prize. Moss discusses how team leadership, hard work, great coaching and a will to win were the vital ingredients to Dover's success. He gives insights to the team's mindset as they navigated setbacks, how legendary Coach Tardive navigated was the ultimate motivator and how much respect they had for all of their opponents. Moss's narrative is a fun trip down memory lane for the former players of that day. But he also delivers a motivating message for those current teams who want to know what it takes to be a champion. Dover's 1992 Schedule/Results Week 1: Mendham @ Dover 0-26 Week 2: Parsippany @ Dover 6-44 Week 3: West Essex vs. Dover 18-29 Week 4: Hanover Park @ Dover 0-48 Week 5: Mount Olive vs. Dover 8-35 Week 6: West Morris vs. Dover 7-27 Week 7: Par Hills @ Dover 6-34 Week 8: Morris Hills vs. Dover 7-21 Semi-Finals: Hackettstown @ Dover 22-30 North 2, Group 2 Playoff Week 9: Boonton vs. Dover 8-33 State Finals: Summit @ Dover 0-22 North 2, Group 2 Championship

Heads 'N Tales Podcast - Talking Sports Injury Rehab, Prevention, Perseverance, Concussions & Athlete Transition
81 : Uncovering The Influence of Toughness & Masculinity, Dr. Jarrod Spencer, Sports Psychologist

Heads 'N Tales Podcast - Talking Sports Injury Rehab, Prevention, Perseverance, Concussions & Athlete Transition

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2017 46:36


Episode 81 brings us back to Bethlehem PA, to talk with Dr. Jarrod Spencer, Sports Psychologist at Mind of the Athlete.  Last time Jarrod was on the show in episode 50 we talked about the athlete transition to life after sports.  However, this time we spoke about a topic that I am very curious and passionate about, which is how our society's definition of toughness and masculinity affects athletes. This was our summer intern Alex's first field trip for the podcast, hence the nice action shots we have from the day (below).  George Bright, who has close to 30 years of experience in college athletics, also sat in on our conversation. Dr. Spencer Knowledge Bombs Dr. Jarrod Spencer, Sports Psychologist, Mind of the Athlete Dr. Spencer, Kevin, George Bright Below you will find an outline of our conversation: Dr. Spencer's definition of toughness: like the classic definition; being comfortable being uncomfortable (being in a stressful situation that drains your energy and makes you anxious) Sounds like our dude Nate Boyer from Episode 52 Toughest person in the eyes of Dr. Spencer : Tim Tebow. This is because he has stood up in the face of a culture that has pushed him down, but still does it with lifted spirits and a smile on his face. Couldn't agree more! How the media's portrayal of injuries has masked the reality of being a football player (not showing the icebaths, opiates/painkillers, the difficulty to treat pain). It should be no surprise that this led to a discussion on cannabis. Dr. Spencer believes the science is proving the benefits of cannabinoids. That doesn't mean there isn't a downside. THC w/ athletes: can become a problem for athletes that depend on it to relieve stress/anxiety. The importance of rethinking the culture of Cannabinoids with a more scientific approach. What the athletes need to know: It’s ok to cry and express yourself. The importance that coaches understand the weight their words carry with young athletes. How mental health is going to be the next big problem. NCAA could be a stepping stone for this. Dr. Spencer's Earliest memory of toughness: Jr. High School Wrestler (Phillipsburg, NJ). Finished 2nd, and it felt like there was a death in the family. Playing through injuries subsequently. Memory bank: amygdala serves as a protective mechanism as a guideline Overriding the amygdala: rethinking situations and taking different angles (relaxing, breathing, etc) A moment Dr. Spencer felt emasculated: After suffering a concussion playing football in college because he was failing at the simplest tasks, which made him feel weak. The moment when Dr. Spencer felt like he exuded toughness and masculinity the most: when his daughter became extremely ill about 10 years ago. Proved that even sometimes when you are at your lowest, you will experience moments of toughness. Where does the bar lie when it comes to toughness? Relative to each person and family. How do we redefine where that bar lies?  When we put the science behind injuries that would normalize it and maybe make it more relatable to the public. Gender discrepancy with toughness. How does Jarrod define toughness for his kids? Definition of toughness to Jarrod’s kids Surround them with the right people and role models How they compete, how they worship God, how they talk, how they relate religion to their lives Showing bright spots where they can emulate Fellowship of Christian Athletes Not just for Christians The power of positive thinking. After the interview, Dr. Spencer taught me about the power of positive thinking.  He did so by having me raise my arm out in front of me, think about a negative or positive thought while he tried to press my arm down.  It was amazing to see how much stronger I was when I was thinking positive thoughts.  George Bright noticed that subconsciously my stance also completely changed when I was thinking negative thoughts, which ended up putting me in a weaker position. Photo: John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Ryan Finlay (Game MVP) of West Morris rolling out in the 24th Annual Paul Robeson Classic All-Star Game. To close out this post I just wanted to reflect on my experience of watching the 24th Annual Paul Robeson (I encourage you to do some research on Paul Robeson, he was one tough dude) All-Star Game where I was supporting my friend Ryan Finlay who will be playing safety for Gettysburg College next year.  I have spoken in depth with Ryan about how my definition of toughness has dramatically changed over the years.  This has also had an influence on the way that I watch football today.  There were three instances in particular I witnessed in this game that I wanted to address and this was just in the first half: Early in the game there was a phenomenal pick-six interception for the West team.  With any dramatic change of field like this, there are usually many opportunities for a big crack-back (blindside) block.  One of this players teammates laid a huge hit on the last remaining East defender which sprung him to a touchdown.  The crowd erupted, the sidelines went nuts, and even I found myself saying "Ohhhhhhh!" At that moment I realized that as a culture, we are all conditioned to react that way when we see a big hit and that even I am a part of the problem I am seeking to fix.  There was no replay at the game, but I do believe this player led with his head on this hit to an opponent that had no idea he was coming.  In my mind, a safer and equally as effective shoulder block could have been used.  Would the crowd still have erupted?  Yes, but to the same degree? Probably not, but what's more important? Your brain? Or how "cool/tough/masculine" you look on the field? I think my dude Kyle Turley referred to these types of hits as the extracurriculars that he could have done without.  The second incident happened as the East quarterback was rolled out to pass on forth down (I believe) , saw no one  open, tucked the ball and started running up the West sideline.  The East player still had about 4 yards to get the first down as a defender came in to make a tackle.  The quarterback had two options.  He could either run out of bounds, turnover the ball on downs, and not get hit. Or, he could attempt to run though the defender in hopes of breaking a tackle, but in all likely hood still not get the first down and potentially get hurt.  This player chose to go out of bounds.  All the West players started chirping at this QB and even parents in the stands were yelling "He doesn't want to get hit!" In my 27 year old eyes, this QB was smart, not a sissy.  Guys who want to extend their careers as long as possible should take notes from him. To me, there is a time and a place for lowering the shoulder and trying to gain some extra yards.  Those are near the goal line, and a yard from the first down in a playoff or championship game.  If you try to run people over in pre-season scrimmages, I promise you, you wont make it to the playoffs, but hey at least you looked "tough" for about 3 seconds. The last play was a hit that never happened.  A ball was thrown to a receiver in the flat.  One of the defenders recognized the play early on and made a be-line to make a big hit.  The defender left his feet and launched himself into the air like a missile to make the tackle.  Luckily, the receiver saw the flying defender at the last second and side-stepped him, gaining an additional 5 yards on the play.  I was sitting next to Ryan's brother Kevin and he said that kid almost got crushed. I replied to him saying yeah, but had he broken down and made a form tackle like we are taught, he wouldn't have missed the tackle.  Moral of the story is, are highlight hits worth costing your team yards?  I guarantee if that was a regular season game, the defender would be getting chewed out during the film session for missing that tackle. I am not here to ruin America's precious game of football.  I love football and being at the game gave me that itch to throw the pads back on.  Kenny Chesney's Boys of Fall song says it all.  I brought those points up because in my eyes, those are simple ways to make the game safer without changing any rules.  I hope this this episode helps to reframe what toughness is to you and I believe that together, we can redefine it. WHERE CAN YOU FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MIND OF THE ATHLETE? WEBSITE | BOOK | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN WHERE CAN YOU FOLLOW DR. SPENCER? INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | LINKEDIN Download Episode 81 : iTunes | Stitcher | SoundCloud Permalink