News Views – – Pat Summitt

We all have our own thoughts, opinions, ideas – all of which we seemingly treasure as our own and unique, all of which come through what we decipher from family, friends, news and the world around us.

We all at one time or another like the opportunity to share those thoughts, opinions, ideas – you know let off some steam or maybe just to say ‘hey this is my opinion’.

That’s what ‘News View’ is about, an opportunity to take a few bits of current and/or more recent past news and putting our personal imprint and/or opinion on it.

So from somewhere nearly in the heart of the United States where views of news literally comes from television, the internet and yes even some newspapers and magazines (some of us still read them) – here comes a View of the News.

The News –   Former University of Tennessee Women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt passed away at the young age of 64 after a brief bout with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Summitt won more games than any other basketball coach in NCAA history, both men and women’s.  She claimed victory in 1,098 games or 84.1% of every game she coached.  Eight national titles were claimed by the Volunteers under her guidance plus 16 Southeastern Conference Championships in 38 years of coaching.  Among the awards Summitt claimed were 7 NCAA National Coach of the Year, 8 Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year, Naismith Coach of the 20^th Century and the Presidential Medal of Honor in 2012.

The View – Pat Summitt is what all coaches should attempt to be.  She was as tough as they come, but yet she cared for each and every one of her players like they were members of her personal family.

There was no doubt that Summitt was one of the toughest coaches in the history of collegiate basketball – men or women’s.  The classic Summitt look will never be forgotten by players, foes and fans alike as she could give an icy stare in response to a play that did not go as hoped due to improper play, but she also knew how to care and have the backs of her players.

A fact that maybe not that many may know – Summitt was asked more than once by the University of Tennessee to consider taking over as coach of the men’s program.  Both times, in 2001 and four years earlier in 1997, she cordially declined the opportunity.

As a fan of college basketball I admit at times watching her coach a game was tough because I have never been a fan of those coaches who yell and almost seem to intimidate players, referees and other coaches during a game.

But Coach Summitt was different as she also had that caring side which seemed to much more visible than some of men coach’s known for their toughness style like Bobby Knight.  You could see her appreciation for the opportunity to help mold the life of a young adult woman, guide them to understand how to know that the tough times they will encounter will eventually get better.

The world of college basketball suffered when Pat Summitt was put in the position to have to retire much too early after the 2012 season because of the rapid increase of Alzheimer’s taking charge of her health issues.

The world itself suffered when Pat Summitt left this world we call earth for whatever lies beyond life as we know it – suffered because Pat Summitt was a lady, a coach, a mentor, a leader, a person that every mom and dad would be thrilled to have giving guidance to their young adult child.

Pat Summitt is one of those rare souls who knew the importance of being tough while leaning on her great gift of caring love to build lives up to reach their full potential rather than tearing them down as inferior.

May we remember Summitt for all she did and for all the guidance she left behind – building people up, one tough, caring moment at a time.

You may agree or disagree with what I post – it is always your choice, but I do ask for those who are compelled to leave a comment, compliment or rant (and I do encourage folks to speak their peace), you must be respectful of those who may not agree and be willing to agree to disagree and walk away as friends and fellow citizens trying to take care of our grand country together.  Those who are not respectful – well I will claim the right to dismiss those such individuals once they have been given the request to cease the lack of respectfulness.

So with that, for now from the very heart of this country we say aloha, shalom, prayers, blessings and get to know your views of the news – William & CrossDove Writer.

(Copyright@2016, CrossDove Writer)