Chad Morin
Age: 12
East Middle School
Auburn, New York

Skills and values learned in athletics are taken off the field, rink, or floor and applies in life. Sports are not just games, but tests in which an athlete's true character is revealed. Athletic skills such as balance, stability, and control are vital to lead a successful life.

A successful life is like a four-legged stool. Each leg represents one important aspect of life. All contribute equally to the balance of the stool. One leg represents athletics. Another leg signifies academics. A third leg stands for spirituality. The last leg of the stool represents relationships. Each leg supports one another. If one leg is shorter than the others, or is broken, the stool collapses. The four legs support each other directly and indirectly. Discipline, work ethic, and perseverance learned in athletics can be directly applies to academics. Religious faith and strength can be called on in tough times on the athletic field or the classroom. This strength can make all the difference in the world when you are down by three goals or are suffering from an injury. Strong relationship skills are as important as captain of the hockey team. I have learned how to be a leader and to work with people that I didn't like all that much. The stool, like a person's life, is as strong only if all four legs are the same length and supporting each other.
Two recent experiences illustrate how strength and character built in one aspect of life can strengthen the whole life, the stool. One took place in Kingston, Ontario in the finals of a tournament. My team was down by two goals with less than two minutes to play. Our team could have easily given in to the pressure of the deficit and the relentless roar of the opposing fans. We refused to quit. We kept pushing toward the win. With a minute left, our team scored a goal. Still, we refused to say die. With thirty seconds left, we scored the second goal to tie the game. We went on to score an amazing overtime goal and win the tournament. In just 120 seconds, we went from sure defeat to decisive victory. This game will long be remembered in situations when the easiest thing to do is quit. I will keep pushing on because of this experience.

The second experience was in Buffalo, New York just three weeks ago. I was involved in a very physical, emotional, and penalty-filled hockey game. I personally did not take any penalties, but I saw that some of my teammates were losing control. A pushing match evolved in the corner after the play. As Captain of the team, I felt as though I needed to react to the situation somehow. I went into the corner and tried to separate our players from the fight. The situation just intensified, and I was unable to stop it. Emotions flared after the games. Parents, coaches and players were yelling and provoking each other. I worked hard to get our players to return to the locker room and ignore the opposing team's jeers. Later, I was commended for my leadership by the opposing coach, but some of my teammates were unhappy with my attempts to stop the fight. I learned that day that everyone cannot always be pleased, and to do my best to do the right thing, regardless of how others may react.

These were two different experiences, which required me to draw on skills and values learned in other aspects of my life. These same two experiences on the hockey rink will make me a stronger person outside the rink.

The four-legged stool will collapse without the strength of just one leg. Leadership, teamwork, work ethic, self-motivation, balance, power; all of these skills have been given to me by athletics to help me excel in all other areas of my life.