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Blog Entry 43 of 68 The Write Words
I hope to write about anything and everything that comes into my mind, as long as it is in good taste. I hope to communicate effectively and stimulate thought and conversation. I can't wait to get started!

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~ErinsBlog

A winner in more than one way

Contributed by: Erin Di Paolo   on 5/1/2007

Sports teams are all about winning. Whenever an athlete or coach is interviewed, most of them say that winning is everything; that individual accomplishments and statistics are meaningless if you don't win. Though I have never been an athlete, I understand the concept. After all, I am a New York Yankees fan.

Recently I read a Rick Reilly column (Reilly writes for Sports Illustrated, for those who do not know him) that touched my heart. I read Reilly's columns every chance I get, not just because he is a phenomenal writer, but because he often writes about people in sports who are making a difference in other places besides the football field or baseball diamond. And also because his writing often makes me cry. This particular column had both elements.

The subject of the column was Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. As millions of football fans know, Dungy led his team to a Super Bowl Victory in February of this year. Maybe a not-so-common fact is what kind of a person Dungy is. I didn't know much about him myself, until after his team's victory. He was asked what it was like to be the first African-American coach to win the NFL's most coveted honor. He answered the question, but said it was much more important to be a Christian. Some people criticized Dungy for bringing God into the mix; I applauded him for it for he lives his faith the way he should; on AND off the football field.

He continues to do so. In the article, Reilly talked about how Dungy contacted a man, Mark Lemke, after Lemke lost his 19-year-old son in a motorcycle accident. As some people realize, Dungy also lost his 18-year-old son in 2005 to suicide. To make a long story short, Dungy befriended Lemke, even invited him to the Super Bowl. They now have a close friendship.

The column went on to say that Dungy has befriended many others like Lemke. He has given those who have lost someone dear a reason to have hope and to cling to their faith, even in the midst of horrific circumstances. More than anything, he offers himself, with no strings attached.

Dungy is my inspiration for I, too, am a Christian. And most of the time, to be quite honest, I forget what it is supposed to look like. In too many ways, in too many situations, I judge when I should instead offer comfort; I speak when I should remain silent. I focus on things that are not important. When people look at me, the last thing they see is Christ.

I am trying to change, but it is a long, hard, excruciatingly painful road. But with someone like Dungy paving the path before me, it makes my load a bit easier to bear.

And just for the record, what makes him a true champion has nothing to do with his team winning the Super Bowl.


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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments
Submitted By: Gladys Mercier
posted on 5/3/2007 @ 10:34:47 PM
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I am glad to hear that you are a Christian Erin,I am too. It is comforing to know that Jesus loves us and died for us just the way we are. Dungy sounds like a great guy.
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Submitted By: Rob Guthrie
posted on 5/2/2007 @ 1:00:07 PM
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Great piece, Erin.
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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Erin Di Paolo

Denver , CO

Erin Di Paolo has posted 68 blog entries and 1 comment since joining on 3/18/2006. Erin Di Paolo 's average blog rating is 4.45.
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