But more significant than them winning was what happened with some of the other athletes. Tonight we had several 6th graders, and two 7th graders jump for the first time this season. Some of them have been practicing for a couple weeks, while a couple have had only 1 or 2 practices but still had the courage to compete tonight. I was so proud to see them step out.
I guess I should explain a little. I am not a pole vaulter. I was not even on the track team in High School. My 8th grader has been vaulting since 6th grade and their was not a dedicated coach for the event. I started trying to learn enough to help a little, and quickly realized how technically challenging the event was. So I had to step up my game. instead of just watching videos I turned to books, videos, conversations with coaches, anything I could find to help me be able to help them. I am a coach by nature. I was born to teach. But I am not a teacher by profession either. I do coach K - 8th Grade wrestling and have done so for 9 years. Before that, while in college I assisted with the high school wrestling team. So while I am not a pole vaulter, I am a coach. So watching these young athletes push their limits tonight was amazing.
Most notably from our team was a young lady who has practice with us 2 times. The first time she only did drills in the grass and never even stepped onto the runway or jumped onto the pit. Last night, at her second practices, she tentatively ran from less then 30 feet away and over time built up her confidence. Tonight at the meet she started at that same 30 feet, but quickly moved back to 45 as her confidence built and she let loose and ran full speed. The result? She cleared 6ft 6 inches, higher then any other girl at the meet (there were 7 total) including 2 8th grade vaulters. So not only did she log a 6'6" Pr at her very first meet, but that height is just 3 inches short of a qualifying for the state tournament at the end of May.
Something else happened as well. During the check in process I asked the 2 eight grade vaulters where they wanted to start. One of the said "5 foot please, still have not cleared 5'6" yet". So 5 foot it was. Both 8th graders cleared it so on to 5'6", and again both cleared it. She was excited for her new PR. Next 5'8" and another PR. Now the nerve are setting in. She has never been this close to 6 ft. She needs to get higher up her pole, she may want to adjust her start to get a longer run. She is getting nervous and has not coach for support, so she ask me what I think she should do. We talk a few seconds as other jumpers compete and she makes some adjustments. A few jumps later she has a new 6ft PR. from 5ft to 6 ft in one night. I know I did not teach her anything new tonight. But I think I did help her stay calm and work through the excitement and anxiety of her success. We worked together just enough for her to go home feeling like she had achieved a great PR, and she had.
Track meet over, take the boys out to eat, head out of town town for a quick errand. I am overjoyed. All the 6th graders did outstanding for their first meet. The 7th grade femail jumper far exceeded her own expectations and I think is hooked on Pole Vault. And a young lady from the other side of the county rode the bus home knowing she was no longer stuck at 5 foot. I was so excited. I felt like I was a champion just because I had a small chance to in their success. And that is what all this rambling post is about. The way helping others lifts us up as well.
If the story ended there it would be enough, but there is more. After my errand I sat down at the computer to make a video or two for social media, and while cutting and slicing the dead spaces between jumps I heard this:
I do not have words to express how it makes me feel to know that my boys see me doing things to help others and take notice. We go through life as parents hoping some things go well and that it all works out. But hearing that they notice is humbling. Character is caught not taught, and I hope they are catching the best of me.
So here is the bottom line. Their is no better way to elevate yourself then by elevating those around your. I think that is what #GOALGETTER is all about. I am extremely excited to be in this challenge. I know I am far away from Mississippi where the challenge is based, but I feel like I have been welcomed into the family as part of the challenge. I want to Succeed. I want to do anything I can along the way to help others succeed as well. That is what causes Transformation.
Truth and Transformation!
David
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