Great Coaches Change Lives

By John Passaro on February 4, 2014 • ( Leave a comment )

One of the greatest things that has come from me writing my book this year, has been the people that I have met over the last year.

Absolutely great people, who have inspired me.

If the improvement one’s life is gauged by the number of great people that have been added to it, year over year, well I can truly say mine is much improved over last year.

Under the same category of meeting new people, and equally as important, is reacquainting with old friends; friends that you have not spoken with in many years.

There is nothing better.

If you have someone that you value, and you haven’t spoken to them in a while, pick up the phone…

It is that simple.

There is something about a high school friend that time can not tarnish.

Today, a high school friend of mine, Bill Ward, one whom I regard as one of the brightest humans that I have ever met, picked up the phone and called me.
We hadn’t spoken in 30 years.

We spoke for an hour, which felt like 8 minutes, and it was awesome.

Awesome because time couldn’t stand in the way of reigniting a friendship, even more than facebook posts…
Awesome because Bill wanted to talk with me, and I with him.
Awesome because I remember trying to figure out life with Bill during the AP Classes that took together, and because today we tried to do the same thing…Just 30 years later.
Awesome because I really wanted to know how he was doing in life, and he with me.

If there is a person in your life that you would like to speak with – call them.

It is that simple.

During our conversation, Bill and I talked about the value and impact that a great coach could have on a young athlete.
We reminised about our High School days and he told me about a tribute that some of the X-Country runners from William Floyd had for such a coach.

“Coach Labo”

Coach Labianca changed lives.

I came across a blog from one of Coach Labo’s former runners that I would like to share.

Reading this blog made me realize how much of an impact that one man can have on so many people.

Great coaches change lives…

Great people make life…

Time should never take either one.

If it has – change it.

The greatest asset in your life are great people that you know, not money.

We invest so much time trying to make money.

Imagine if we invested the same amountof time rekindling relationships with great people that have come through your life at some point.

I’m glad Bill picked up the phone today, after 30 years.

I have always said that more good than bad is going to come from my families adversity – that is my mission.

Solving that, may be as easy as truly caring about people.

The funny part is that neither Bill or I ever competed for Coach Labo, but we both have been impacted by the way that he changed lives through his discipline, beliefs and unending dedication to improve people lives.

Imagine if we all were “Coach Labo” to someone…

Lessons from my track coach that motivate me every day.

Home Contact Paperbacks Ebooks Audiobooks Shorts