"Lessons From Lou"

Big shout out to Stephen Hatfield and other leaders of University of Colorado Boulder alum groups around the country who participated last night in a real fun evening. CU alums enjoyed the film, Born To Lead: The Sal Aunese Story - An Inspirational Documentary Film. Afterward, I was blessed to facilitate a panel discussion with players and coaches from that era. Jeff Campbell, JJ Flannigan, Eric McCarty, Gary Barnett and Notre Dame's Lou Holtz. Also on the call, TC McCartney, now with the Cleveland Browns as an offensive assistant coach. We had a blast talking about those great battles between the Buffs and Irish. We also talked about Sal and that season of football and life that, for those of us at ground zero, we'll never forget. I joked with darling wife this morning how much I enjoyed telling the story of informing Notre Dame Football's Rocket Ismail and teammates, celebrating at my feet in the back of the south end zone at the now-demolished Orange Bowl, "Hey guys, there's a flag down there." I've told that story a million times to many groups, but never with the legendary coach, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom last year, in the audience. Holtz was very entertaining on the call and even made a donation to the alumni group's efforts to raise money for scholarships. What a fun night. However, these are challenging times for the coach. He's mourning the loss of beloved wife, Beth. The lovebirds were married almost 60 years before Holtz's bride passed last summer. The 84-year-old spoke fondly of her last night. It was very touching. Hang in there coach. Wrapping it all up a quote from Holtz: "It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it." Amen buddy. We all have our stuff. The trick is learning how to carry it effectively and not break down. Easy to talk about, far more difficult to execute. I get it. Try anyway! #goodbetterbest