MAY 15, 2012 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Coach J. Robinson

Blake Davis then read a fitting memorial tribute to Bob Hengelfelt from himself Alan Ruvelson and Rolf Thompson.  Bob was one of those positive guys who always brought more to Rotary than he took away and Blake’s tribute focused on Bob’s humor and enthusiasm for life.

District Governor Elect Joe Kovarik stepped to the podium with Valdi Stefanson and Malcolm McLean to deliver a $6,000 check to match our $6,000 contribution to the Nicaraguan water project that is now providing clean water to 110,000 people and in two years will grow to 250,000.

Assisting President Bruce today were:

      Greeters – Mark Henneman and Dick Zehring
      Scribe – Jim Kosmo 
      Song Leader – Jim Field 
      Piano – Bob Jones 
      Invocation – Jean Vukas Roberts 
      Introduction of Visitors – Scott House 
      Bob Hengelfelt’s Memorial – Blake Davis 
      Cleveland Circle Volunteer Recruitment - Kathleen Riley
      48 Youth Exchange Hosts Needed - Al Uniacke
      DG Installation – Shelly Rucks 
      New Member Introduction – Linda Mulhern by Vicki Gee-Treft 
      Social Events – Jim Delamater
      Speaker Introduction - Nancy Anderson

Former Olympian and three time national champion wrestling coach J Robinson demonstrated why he’s also a three-time National Coach of the Year and mentor to 102 All-Americans at the University of Minnesota. Robinson clearly teaches more than wrestling moves.

He said, you need to have perspective on the way you look at the world and a philosophy on what you do in life to succeed anything.  You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room to succeed, but you can outwork 90% of them, if you choose to do it. “I’m average and ordinary, but I work harder than anyone else.” Another key ingredient is to put yourself with the best people in whatever field you choose and you will learn from them.  
 
“Life is hard,” he said, “but once you realize that, it becomes much easier.”

Looking at education, Robinson said, it is essential that students acquire skills. “They don’t need more programs, they need skills.”  He said students must be free to fail, “Fall down and learn to get up.” Reflecting on the current trend not to injure any young person’s feelings, he said, “Not everybody is a hero. If everybody is special then nobody is special.”

With a wry smile he noted, “My life is Groundhog Day, I have spent 26 years with 18 to 23 year olds and every year I start over again. How would you like to do your kid’s teenage years over again?”

Every year he is asked, “What are my kids going to do in college? And, I always say, what did you do? That’s what they will do.” As alarming as that may be, Robinson says, “Everyone has to go through the process.”

Athletics is a grand metaphor for life, according to Coach Robinson. The last five minutes of practice is the most important because that is when you want to quit, but when you hit the wall you are tested and those who succeed are those who find a way to go on.

He outlined the seven skills that he uses in teaching and coaching, and said they are essential to achieving excellence in life. His  7 J’s are:

·         Discipline 
·         Dedication 
·         Sacrifice 
·         Hard Work 
·         Responsibility 
·         Accountability 
·         Service