BLOGGING WITH HAWK

Kansas.

“The ultimate freedom in life is to determine one’s attitude in a given set of circumstances” – Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning.

The road to success is always under construction. It was a tough night for the Buffs and some specific individuals at Kansas State.  But we always know it’s how we respond to adversity that defines us.  The reality is K-State took it to us.  I said before the game I like Ron Prince and the way he coaches, and you saw why.  I thought his guys played with and edge.  They get after it in all three phases.  K-State deserved to win and did.

Chase McBride showed great toughness as he came back from his shoulder injury the previous week.  Hugh Charles ran very tough—he continues to get better. Our running game did well.

We did do some good things (not enough).  Cody had a tough night—he forced several balls trying to make a play.  Three interceptions—YIKES! He tried to make things happen without going through his progression, but he’ll fix it.  We played well at times on defense, but got gashed on several plays.  We have a good defense, they will loosen up and concentrate better, and they’ll fix it.  The blocked punt was a stinger on special teams.  That was tough for Matt, but he has played well this year and I know he will rebound as well. We did manage to keep their return game under control.  Unfortunately, we committed too many penalties on some key special teams plays (we had a little reinforcement for that on Sunday).

So goes the education of young men and a program building itself up.  Our guys’ mentality and resolve is good.  We are learning and getting better.

It’s long season, plenty of games to be played.  There are many challenges and great programs ahead.   Given our schedule we just need to keep improving, getting stronger, and focusing on the task at hand.  Celebrating wins and mourning losses will not serve as well.  We have six weeks and five good teams coming up—many things can happen during that time.

We are back at Folsom Field against a great Kansas team this Saturday.  We need the fans and students to provide the great electricity we have been having here the past few games!

I think Coach Mangino is a good man and coach.  He did a great job bringing in his young QB last year against us, and coming from behind to beat us in Lawrence.  The Jayhawks are improved and executing at a high level.  It is another tough conference test!

There are many formulas for success.  I believe handling adversity is one of the most important skills and person can possess.  The ability to make adversity your fuel, your energy- takes practice and experience.  Most will go in the tank.  Many will be tough and make it through.  The great ones use adversity as a spring board, energy for forging ahead. 

We see each week teams, coaches, and players who have struggled (just like all people J).   But, as it has been said, “It’s not the critic who counts.”  Any time you risk, strive, or reach there is a possibility of failure.  To always succeed means never getting out of your comfort zone. 

If you haven’t read Viktor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning, it is a powerful message about dealing with adversity.  I highly suggest it.

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Let’s see… Music.  Let’s go with a little Ozark Mountain Daredevils (not just Jackie Blue).  They are old school, but it’ll grow on ya.  Hey I’m just trying to get you out of your comfort zone.  Everyone knows the Top 40, I’m tryin’ to give you somethin’ a little different!

Movie.  Since adversity is the theme and we are referencing Victor Frankl, watch Life Is Beautiful (get the Italian version with English subtitles).  It is a powerful example of the power of your mind, how you view circumstances, and dealing with adversity.

Thanks for reading, hope you get something out of it that helps you relate to Colorado Football, and more importantly, Life!  See you Saturday. That’s right; it’s going to be another beautiful day in Colorado—71 degrees—perfect.  So get your exercise in, do some yard work, and get to the prettiest stadium in America, Folsom Field, for a 3:45 kickoff!

PEACE!

Hawk

 

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