Life and Whatnot

JIM VALVANO


This past week, I got to learn a bit about a pretty amazing man. You might have heard about him? Jim Valvano. He was the basektball coach for North Carolina State University. His team unexpectedly won the 1983 championships, but I think what he’s most known for was his speech at the 1993 Espy Awards.

Because he died shortly after it. From cancer.

If you want to watch it, I’ve posted it. It’s ten minutes, but very moving. Such a great message.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePXlkqkFH6s]

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You know what I think about most after that speech? How he affected the kids on his team. With such a strong message, how could anyone not be moved?

I had a tennis coach in college, Charlie Kost, that affected me profoundly. Such patience, dedication to the team, and dedication to his family. Then, there was Kirsten Sauer, the counselor at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes tennis camp that introduced me to Christ.

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I’d love to hear the story of someone who’s impacted your life. Care to share?

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5 Comments

  • gzusfreek

    Great post, Lynn!
    I loved that you were introduced to Christ by a counselor at FCA. I love to hear how my friends were introduced to Jesus. Your life is such a tool for Him and I’m glad to know you.
    Thanks for the post!
    GZ

  • Kat

    Isn’t it amazing how we are accosted by certain people at just the right moments in our lives?

    I once interviewed a Baptist minister that was so full of zeal, it astounded me. He gave me a quote that stuck in my head, and I couldn’t figure out why until I was working on the most recent revision of my mss. The quote he used, or a very close variation of it, ended up slipping from one of my character’s mouths.

    “When troubles come — when hardships come– the devil has made his biggest mistake. He has gone and thrown you to the feet of Jesus.”

    Amazing stuff.

    Thanks for posting this.

  • Billy Coffey

    Jim Valvano was a great guy. ESPN has a charity auction for the foundation named after him every year, and every year they play this speech. It never gets any less moving or inspiring. Thanks for posting this.