Creating content with AI-hype or hope?

It’s AI week at Terryfic Writing, I’ve been studying up on the subject and trying to break through the hype to discern whether platforms such as ChatGPT can actually produce USEFUL content.

It just so happens that it’s high school football championship weekend in Illinois, so I auditioned Chat GTP by commissioning it to draft an article about my illustrious alma mater Mt. Carmel College Prep in Chicago.?

This is what it wrote.

?“The Legacy of Mt. Carmel High School Football and Today’s State Championship Game

Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago has built a football tradition that is nothing short of legendary. Since its founding in 1900, this all-boys Catholic school has become synonymous with excellence on the gridiron. Over the decades, its football program has grown into a perennial powerhouse, revered for its consistency, discipline, and success. With a history that spans generations, the Mt. Carmel Caravan has earned its place as one of the most celebrated high school football programs in the country.

Today, the program prepares for yet another monumental moment: the state championship game, where the team has the opportunity to further solidify its already storied legacy. The heart of Mt. Carmel’s success lies in its strong culture of discipline and tradition. The school prides itself on producing young men who excel both on and off the field. As the motto over the door says 'You came to Carmel as a boy. If you care to struggle and work at it, you will leave as a man.' This ethos is deeply rooted in the program’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes teamwork, hard work, and mental toughness. Generations of coaches have upheld these values, ensuring that each team not only competes at the highest level but also represents the school with honor and integrity.

The coaching legacy at Mt. Carmel has been pivotal in shaping the program’s success. After World War II, the school continued its reign as ?a football powerhouse under the leadership of Coach Tom Carey, who took the helm in 1945. Carey established a foundation of discipline and strategy that would become the hallmark of Mt. Carmel football. His influence extended beyond the X’s and O’s; he taught players life lessons that resonated far beyond their playing days. Carey’s tenure set the tone for the decades to come, creating a culture of excellence that future coaches would inherit and build upon. In the 1970s and 1980s, the program reached new heights under legendary coach Frank Lenti. Lenti, who took over in 1984, became one of the most successful high school football coaches in Illinois history. During his tenure, which spanned over three decades, Lenti led the Caravan to 11 state championships and an astonishing 374 wins. His innovative strategies and ability to develop talent made Mt. Carmel a dominant force, not just in the Chicago Catholic League but also on the state and national stages. Lenti’s players often spoke of his ability to prepare them not only for games but for life, emphasizing discipline, perseverance, and accountability. Following Lenti’s retirement in 2017, the program transitioned under Coach Jordan Lynch, a former Mt. Carmel quarterback and college standout at Northern Illinois University. Lynch, who had once led the Huskies to the Orange Bowl as a player, brought a fresh perspective to the program while maintaining the values that had made Mt. Carmel successful for so long. Under his guidance, the Caravan has continued to thrive, blending modern football tactics with the program’s traditional strengths of toughness and discipline. Lynch’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the team to today’s state championship game, where the players aim to write the next chapter in the school’s illustrious history.

The program’s legacy is also reflected in its remarkable list of alumni, the Men of Carmel, many of whom have gone on to achieve greatness at the collegiate and professional levels. Donovan McNabb, the former NFL quarterback who starred for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Simeon Rice, an All-Pro defensive end and Super Bowl champion, are among the most notable graduates. These players, along with countless others, credit their time at Mt. Carmel with instilling in them the skills and mindset necessary to succeed at the highest levels of competition.

The 2023-2024 season has been particularly special for the Mt. Carmel community. Entering the year with grand expectations, the Caravan displayed dominance throughout the regular season. Their offense, led by a dynamic quarterback and a hard-hitting running game, often overwhelmed opponents, while their defense, known for its relentless pursuit of the ball, stifled even the most talented offenses. The team’s journey to the state championship has been marked by thrilling victories and a collective resilience that has defined their season. Today’s state championship game represents more than just another opportunity to win a title; it is a moment to celebrate the enduring legacy of Mt. Carmel football. The players, many of whom grew up dreaming of wearing brown and white, understand the significance of this opportunity. They carry with them not only the hopes of their teammates and coaches but also the pride of a community that spans generations.

As the Caravan takes the field today, they will do so with the weight of history on their shoulders, a burden far heavier than their shoulder pads, but one that has forged their strength and determination. They are playing not just for a trophy but for a tradition that dates back to 1900, emodied in coaches like Tom Carey, Frank Lenti, and Jordan Lynch, and for the countless alumni who have worn the Mt. Carmel jersey with pride. Win or lose, the 2023-2024 team has already earned its place in the annals of Mt. Carmel history. Yet for the players, coaches, and fans, one thing remains clear: the Caravan isn’t just playing for today’s championship; they are playing for a legacy built over more than a century of excellence.?

#MtCarmelHS”

?I was blown away. It was good. Scary good. It did this in a couple of minutes and I only had to make a couple of edits. There were no spelling errors. NONE.

So ChatGPT passed its first test with flying colors. However, your mileage may vary. Some articles turn out better than others. You need to expertly formulate the instructions to the platform, evaluate the accuracy and tone with critical human judgment, and edit with authentic versus artificial intelligence.

That’s where Terryfic Writing can help. Call me the AI whisperer. I can help you use the platform on the front end and provide editing services on the back end. ?

Interested? Send me an email to start the process.

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