Maybe we all can be a little more 'CHUCKSTRONG'
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
I don't cheer for the Indianapolis Colts on a regular basis. In fact, anyone who knows me or has seen my wardrobe knows my heart lies with a team located in Dallas, Texas.
But what the Colts are doing this season is about more than wins or losses in football, and if one team besides the team in Dallas can win football games this year, my hope is that team is the Colts.
If you haven't heard, their first-year head coach Chuck Pagano is in complete remission (as stated by his doctor on Monday) after undergoing treatments for leukemia. Pagano is in preparation for his second round of chemotherapy.
What got to me was this past Sunday, Pagano was in attendance for the Colts' 23-20 win in Indianapolis, and following the game, he gave one of the most inspirational speeches I've ever heard in a postgame speech.
[[In-content Ad]]If there is one thing that anyone can learn from Coach Pagano and his team, it's how to battle.
"I mentioned before the game that you guys were living in a vision, and you weren't living in circumstances … because you know where they had us in the beginning, every last one of them.
"But you refused to live in circumstances, and you decided consciously as a team, as a family to live in a vision, and that's
what you bring things home like you brought home today.
"That's why you're already champions and well on your way."
It is the next part of his speech, though, that gives me chills and even hope, not only for football, but people in general. Hope that even in times of despair, no matter how big or small, we can overcome anything if we have the willpower, strength, patience and courage to achieve anything we want and to overcome any obstacle that may be in our way.
"I got circumstances," Pagano told his team. "You guys understand it. I understand it. It's hard to beat. My vision that I'm living is to see two more daughters get married, dance at their weddings and hoist that Lombardi (trophy) several times … (with) everyone in this room right here … several times, we're going to hoist that baby.
"I'm dancing at two more weddings, and we're hoisting that trophy together … congratulations, and I love all of you. Thank you so much."
Honestly, I want the best for Mr. Pagano. His battle, though I wish neither he nor anyone else would have to go through what he is going through, shows that pro sports has heart, and good can come from it.
There are days where we all say "ugh" or "boo-hoo" … I have those days, but Pagano not only spoke to his team that day. What he said struck a chord with me. His speech taught me to continue to strive for myself and to work for my goals, and that nothing in life is easy.
We all need to be reminded of that every now and again, I believe, and maybe, as the Colts have termed … maybe we all can be a little more "CHUCKSTRONG" in our lives.
I am.
Best health and recovery wishes to Mr. Pagano.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached a sforsha@gmail.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.
But what the Colts are doing this season is about more than wins or losses in football, and if one team besides the team in Dallas can win football games this year, my hope is that team is the Colts.
If you haven't heard, their first-year head coach Chuck Pagano is in complete remission (as stated by his doctor on Monday) after undergoing treatments for leukemia. Pagano is in preparation for his second round of chemotherapy.
What got to me was this past Sunday, Pagano was in attendance for the Colts' 23-20 win in Indianapolis, and following the game, he gave one of the most inspirational speeches I've ever heard in a postgame speech.
[[In-content Ad]]If there is one thing that anyone can learn from Coach Pagano and his team, it's how to battle.
"I mentioned before the game that you guys were living in a vision, and you weren't living in circumstances … because you know where they had us in the beginning, every last one of them.
"But you refused to live in circumstances, and you decided consciously as a team, as a family to live in a vision, and that's
what you bring things home like you brought home today.
"That's why you're already champions and well on your way."
It is the next part of his speech, though, that gives me chills and even hope, not only for football, but people in general. Hope that even in times of despair, no matter how big or small, we can overcome anything if we have the willpower, strength, patience and courage to achieve anything we want and to overcome any obstacle that may be in our way.
"I got circumstances," Pagano told his team. "You guys understand it. I understand it. It's hard to beat. My vision that I'm living is to see two more daughters get married, dance at their weddings and hoist that Lombardi (trophy) several times … (with) everyone in this room right here … several times, we're going to hoist that baby.
"I'm dancing at two more weddings, and we're hoisting that trophy together … congratulations, and I love all of you. Thank you so much."
Honestly, I want the best for Mr. Pagano. His battle, though I wish neither he nor anyone else would have to go through what he is going through, shows that pro sports has heart, and good can come from it.
There are days where we all say "ugh" or "boo-hoo" … I have those days, but Pagano not only spoke to his team that day. What he said struck a chord with me. His speech taught me to continue to strive for myself and to work for my goals, and that nothing in life is easy.
We all need to be reminded of that every now and again, I believe, and maybe, as the Colts have termed … maybe we all can be a little more "CHUCKSTRONG" in our lives.
I am.
Best health and recovery wishes to Mr. Pagano.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached a sforsha@gmail.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.