A hero, for sure
A lot of so-called "heroes" come to us from the world of sports.
And most of them have two things in common...they have a "style" that we admire(and these days especially)they make a LOT of money doing what they do in the world of sports.
Well, since I'm admittedly not like everyone else, it follows that my heroes be somewhat "different" as well.
I'm not a track and field fan per se(though I have a lot of respect for the athletes and coaches in it) but one of my newest sports heroes has devoted most of his life to track and field, and giving those gfifted a chance to participate in it and to excel at it.
Bob Fraley finally retired as track and field coach at Fresno State a couple of days ago after 28 years of being one of the best coaches of it in the country.
And the last five years, he's done it for free.
Yes, you read correctly...I said free. As in no salary, no benefits, no perks, no fancy ad deals or contracts.
Why?
Well, in 2003, Fresno State was poised and ready to eliminate track and field altogether from its' athletic budget. You see, track and field in college is not the high revenue, high visibility sport that football and basketball are. And despite having one of the best track progframs in the West, the university was scrambling financially with its' athletic budget. The school has already eliminated its' water polo, wrestling, and swimming programs because of its' budget mess.
Fraley would not accept that fate for a program that he devoted so much time and human effort into for the previous 23 years...so he made a deal with the university. In effect he said, I'll forego my salary if it will help save the program and keep it there for the kids who want to do it.
In an age where even some baseball coaches in college are making seven-figure deals to coach, and coaches like Bobby Petrino are abruptly leaving PROFESSIONAL jobs to accept huge college offers, it is truly refreshing to see a modern coaching legend(which Fraley is)consent to coach and mentor for nothing, at least nothing more than the pride of helping youngsters learn the rudiments of track and field.
Far from being viewed as insane by the sports community, Fraley was given national accolades by the likes of Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly, and sports people far and wide expressed admiration and respect for this man who was willing to put his money where his mouth was, and teach lessons like what results true sacrifice can produce.
Fraley is not hurting for money, he was 65 at the time he forsook his salary, and he has enough to last him his remaining years on earth.
But he also has something too few in his profession have these days.
He has honor...and respect. And we all learn eventually that there is never a price tag that can be placed on either of those things.
Enjoy your retirement, coach...you truly HAVE earned it.
Posted on Feb 17, 2008 - 09:04 AM | [0]
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