‘The Ol’ Ball Coach’-Spurrier speaks at Boyd banquet
|
A crowd of over 500 people filled the McMinnville Civic Center, as the evening kicked off with a meet-and greet-session, and followed with a steak dinner before the guest of honor took the stage.
University of South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier was this year’s guest speaker. Over a 17-year collegiate career Spurrier has compiled a record of 157-50-2 as a head coach. He got his start as a head coach at Duke University, and in 1990 became the head coach at the University of Florida where he won a National Championship.
After a brief stint as the head coach of the Washington Redskins, Spurrier found himself on the college sidelines once again this time as the head coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Before Spurrier addressed the audience a special presentation was made on behalf of Boyd Christian School by board member Wally McClarren to honor C. N. Womack. Womack was presented a plaque of outstanding service for all of his dedication and hard work at Boyd Christian over the years.
Sportswriter and childhood friend of Spurrier, Joe Biddle, introduced the guest speaker and told the audience he remembered Spurrier being a better basketball player than a football player.
‘Steve was a great athlete and it didn’t matter what sport he played he was the best player on the team,’ said Biddle. ‘It’s been fun to watch him progress as a coach over the years. There’s three C’s, which I think describe Steve, he is one of the most competitive people I have ever meet. The other he is a very creative person and third he’s very confident.’
Part of Spurrier’s message was what he thought was very important not just for young athletes but for everyone in life to be successful. He admits you have to love what your doing, but there are nine things, which can help you get the most out of what you love. There are nine traits, which all successful people share.
‘Anyone can acquire these traits to be successful if you really want to,’ said Spurrier.
‘No.1 is attitude. You always have to stay positive and stay up beat. I tell you people if you say, yes sir and no sir and keep a smile on your face it will take you farther in life than all the books in the library if you know every thing in them.
‘Second is responsibility. Be honest in every thing you do and take responsibility for you actions.
‘Third, effort and courage. Don’t be afraid to take chances.
‘Fourth, Preparation. Always be prepared for what your about to do. General Patton once said, most battles are won before there ever fought. The team that is best prepared will always win.
‘Fifth, ability to take creative risk. Don’t be afraid to take some chances in life.
‘Sixth, learn how to handle adversity.
‘Seventh, you have to have the ability to transcend previous accomplishments. Don’t get full of yourself.
‘Eighth, you have to love to compete. People who love to compete love to compete more than winning.
‘No. 9, persistence. You have to give it every thing you have all the time. Try all the time and never give up.
‘These are some things, that I realized have helped me to become a coach and successful in life. I never was a great student in school, but I worked hard and maybe didn’t work longer hours, but I worked smarter hours and used my time wisely.’
After Spurrier’s message, several footballs and a golf bag were autographed and auction off to the highest bidder as the evening came to a close on a very successful night for Boyd Christian School.