March 23rd, 2007
What is a Saluki?
In the US it is the time of year referred to as March Madness. The national championship for college basketball is at stake.In my state of Illinois, the major baskeball program, The University of Illinois lost in the first round of 64 teams. Our hopes went to a so called, mid major team with a bigtime program. Southern Illinois University is known to the nations basketball fans because of their excellent play during March Madness the past several seasons.
The campus is located a little closer to Tupelo, Mississippi than Chicago. It is over a 6 hour drive and is known as a party school. My oldest son attended SiU. Notice I said attented not completed but he is a fan.This program captured the imagination of the state and could have been champ.
The chase ended for this year’s team with a lost to mighty, Kanas, the birthplace of basketball,kansas 61, SIU 58
On to the coach of SIU. A 34 year old black man, Chris Lowery. Coach Lowery has been the youngest head coach in the 64 team tournament for the 3rd year in a row.I am very proud to witness a young man with a wife and family exhibiting leadership in one of America’s most anticipated events.
This is a blog for ordinary people wanting extraordinary success. Coach fits and exceeds the goal.He graduated in 1995 with a degree in Physical Education, no easy major. He was raised in Evansville, Ind. What a role model for young students!He is showing how to use athlethic talent. he also played for the Salukis.
Many kids want to be pro athletes, and most will not. the odds are better if you study hard, and earn a degree and become a Coach like Coach Lowery. He makes around 300k, and the scholl is prepared to offer 500k with 100k signing bonus. In Carbondale, that is a lot of jack. In the open market, Coach could easily commend 1.5 million per year. He is in a win win situation. The young man is a hero and deserves to be.For more see the link below.
http://siusalukis.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/lowery_chris00.html
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Great piece! Thanks for stopping by, and the kind comment…
March 24th, 2007 at 3:50 am
I’ve taken note of Coach Lowery’s success as well. All he needed was an opportunity to showcase his talents.
BTW, a saluki is an ancient Egyptian hunting dog!
March 24th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Thanks Gene,I love your writing, you are another great role model for young people.
March 25th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Jim do you see a parallel between kids wanting to be pro athletes and adults wanting to be pro talent at work. How can more pro happen in a way that benefits the wider community - as you see it?
March 25th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Ellen, In order to want to excell you have to have pride in your self and see your work as an expression of self.Many people see their jobs as a means to a pay check and that is sad for them and their employer. In sales you look for people that are competitive and want to win. I have had shoe shine guys brag about giving the best shine, they may not of been high paid but they wanted to do a good job.Pro talent at work has to evolve from the selection process to the energy of the leader and the culture of the team. I would like for most kids to shoot for educating themselves in planning of becomming a pro talent at work as opposed to something very few become, pro athletes.That is why we should highlight this coach.
March 27th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
TJP, I knew about the hunting dog because my son attended SIU, most people do not know, so thanks for youe answer