The Observation Deck

A good turnout on a terrible weather day!

This morning was the 2014 Community Leaders Breakfast put on by the Chamber of Commerce
and the Lakewood Board of Education.

For this year's event, Jim Tressel, Vice President of Strategic Engagement for the University of Akron,
was asked to speak. He talked about the importance of many things including 5 steps for
success which is the abbreviated version from his book, "Winner's Manual." He spoke
briefly on the University of Akron on "Mainstreet, or whatever we call it" and then went into
20 minutes of his days at Ohio State, taking them from 6-6 to the Championship.



He also spent time talking about what leaders are and the number one thing is selflessness
and the ability to see what everyone needs as opposed to your lone needs and wants.

He ended with the first line from a poem from Edward Everett Hale - "I am only one" and
described the OSU Team before emerging from the tunnel into the stadium saying: "I am
only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let
what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. And by the grace of God, I will."

.

I just don't get why we hold cheaters and cover-up artists like Mr. Tressel in such high esteem. He has a long history of NCAA violations that go back to his days coaching at Youngstown State.

I truly believe in giving people a second chance ... but remember, a second chance is just that: a second chance. Past that it's a third chance, then fourth chance. Cheaters are not heroes nor role models. Sorry ... I just can't understand the need to cheat. If one cannot achieve success (or victory) by working harder, or trying a different strategy/tactic, or asking for help ... one needs to resort to cheating (Then cover it up!??!?!!?)

"I'm not a role model... Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids." ~Charles Barkley