Category: Heroes

Heroes: Dick & Rick Hoyt aka Team Hoyt

On By kassienetteIn Heroes, Marathons, Running, Sports1 Comment

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I was a woman on a mission Monday. I was determined to be in front of a computer when Dick & Rick Hoyt crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon for the last time.

I first learned of their story a few years ago. It was a story that I stumbled across as I learned more and more about the countless number of Americans whom have overcome debilitating obstacles to finish marathons. I read about runners whom had suffered torn ACL’s & achilles tendons, runners whom were told they would never walk again and Tom Panek, the CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, who was participating in his first Boston Marathon. Panek is blind.

And then there is Team Hoyt. One of the things I truly love about sports are the stories of athletes persevering through circumstances to accomplish their goals. This story comes to us in the form of a father-son team. If you are unfamiliar with their story then do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with it. Rick(the son), was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic at birth. Dick and his wife, Judy, were told by doctors that Rick should be institutionalized because he had no chance to live a normal life. Undeterred by the doctors suggestions, the Hoyts set out to provide their son with a life that included inclusion and communication.

In 1977, at the request of Rick, Team Hoyt participated in their first race. It was a five mile race that benefited a Lacrosse player who was left paralyzed following an accident. With Dick pushing and Rick leading the way, the legend of Team Hoyt was born. For Rick, the simple words but heartfelt words of ‘Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped” would set in motion a drive and determination that would span four decades.

Since 1977, Team Hoyt has completed over ONE THOUSAND races including 70 marathons, 22 biathlons and 247 triathlons(including SIX IRONMANS). Oh and they biked across the continental United States in 1992, completing a full 3,735 miles in 45 days. Talk about inspirational.

2013 was suppose to be their last Boston Marathon. However, they never crossed the finish lines due to last year’s tragic events. A story of this magnitude can simply not end in that manner. So here they were again. One last time. Pushing. Persevering. Enduring. Waving. Rejoicing. Smiling.

As I watched them cross the finish line on Boylston Street one last time, the tears fell. Quickly. From thousands of miles away, I could feel the love the father has for his son. I could feel the love the son has for his father. I could see the sacrifices Mr. Hoyt has made for his son. I could see the rewards of Rick having a father that is willing to make those sacrifices. I could see not one but two heroes crossing that finish line. I could even see that through my tears.

 

Until next time…TOODELLS!

 

Almost there
Almost there

 

Team Hoyt's final finish at the Boston Marathon :-}
Team Hoyt’s final finish at the Boston Marathon :-}

From Tragedy to Triumph

On By kassienetteIn Heroes, Marathons, Running, Sports, Uncategorized1 Comment
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}

 

Resilience. Determination. Perseverance. Courage. Endurance. Persistence. From tragedy to triumph.

Meb Keflexzighi. Rita Jeptoo. Dick Hoyt. Rick Hoyt. The runners who did not finish last year. The runners who did. The couple who wants to finish what they started. The runners who will run the race for the first time.

April 21, 2014. Patriot’s Day in the great state of Massachusetts but more importantly, it is Marathon Monday. Boston style.

A year after the tragedy that vibrated down the Boylston Street, the City of Boston is once again on display. For hours, people have lined the streets, eyes have been glued to TVs and live streams and runners have been pounding the pavement in an effort to raise their arms in victory as they cross the finish line at the 118th Boston Marathon. We all knew this day would trigger a wide range of emotions throughout this country but I do not think I expected the barrage of tears that fell as I watched both winners cross the finish line.

As I skiddaddled over to the Boston Marathon website, I rejoiced over the fact that I had tuned in just in time to see the last two miles of the race. I was partaking of my lunch that would soon turn chilly as I silently cheered at my desk for race leader Rita Jeptoo. She was on pace to not only win but set a new course record. My mouth fell open in disbelief as I found out her split time for Mile 24 was four minutes and 50 seconds. UNREAL. It was at that moment that I knew destiny awaited her. She looked strong. She looked confidant. She looked like she had only been running a couple of hours, which was true. I am not even going to describe to you what I look like coming out of Mile 24. Actually by then I have gotten my pep back in my step but anyway. I definitely do not look like Jeptoo. As she headed down Boylston Street, the tears started. The story was perfect. A repeat winner. A new course record. Back to claim what was hers again. Twitter exploded over her triumph and as the internet celebrated, an American hero awaited his turn.

Just a few miles back, Ehiopian-born American, Meb Keflezighi, only had pavement standing in between him and the one thing no American man has done since 1983, finish first in the Boston Marathon. With Wilson Chebet of Kenya closing in on him, the race was setting up to be a sprint to the finish. However, Keflezighi, feeding off of the momentum of the crowd and no doubt the tragedy of last year, found some speed in the reserve tank and managed to create some space between himself and Chebet. As he barreled down Boylston Street admist the the cheers, screams and tears, Keflezighi pumped his fists and smiled. Could this really be happening? Could things really be set up this perfectly? A course record and an American winning all in one day? In one of the world’s most prestigious marathons? Just a year removed from tragedy. Could triumph really come back with a vengeance? The answer to all those questions: yes. “Marathon Meb” had done it. The Boston Strong way.

From tragedy to triumph. Land of the free, home of the BRAVE.

 

{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}

 

Respect: Maurice Clarett

On By kassienetteIn College football, Controversy, Football, Heroes, NCAA, Sports2 Comments

Saturday night, I found myself exhausted. I had an extremely busy and productive week which consisted of meetings, work, fundraising and the cherry on top: my little cousin graduating from college with honors. As I lay in the recliner Saturday night flipping channels, I stopped on one of my favorite channels: ESPN. A new 30 for 30 was about to start entitled Youngstown Boys. It was the story of Youngstown’s most famous sons, Maurice Clarett and Jim Tressel. As tired as I was, the thought crossed my mind to DVR it and watch it later. However, I was intrigued from the opening scene and I decided to watch it. To say that I am glad I did would be an understatement.

The media. The media. The media. Boy has the media torn apart  Clarett. The media would have you to believe that Clarett is a young man who squandered away the opportunity of a lifetime all because he was self-centered, self-righteous and self-appointed to be the next big star at Ohio State University. They labeled him a troublemaker. A traitor. A modern day Benedict Arnold in the state of Ohio.

Now, I have closely followed Clarett’s story since he burst onto the scene at Ohio State. During his freshman year, I was a Senior at North Carolina State and we had a freshman that was making a lot of noise on the football field as well: T.A. McLendon. Both were hard nosed runners who could dart through a hole almost before it opened. There was a lot of hype surrounding both players especially before the season began in 2003, the  year my beloved Wolfpack would make the trip to the infamous Horseshoe for a show down with the Buckeyes. Unfortunately, the showdown between two of the best in the backfield did not happen. Clarett was in the middle of serving what would eventually become a year long suspension from football. That suspension marked the beginning of a downhill spiral for Clarett. For those of you who are not familiar with his story, watch Youngstown Boys.

Before I watched the documentary, I assumed the focus would be on Clarett’s and Tressel’s “fall from Ohio State grace.” That was how it was promoted. I was presently surprised to see that the focus was mainly on Clarett with Tressel’s story weaved into the mix. Not that I would not have enjoyed hearing about Tressel’s rise from the relatively unknown city in Ohio, it is just that I wanted to hear Clarett’s story. In his own words.

As much as I love writing and the whole idea of reporting, it is stories like Clarett’s that make me want to scream when it comes to the way the media tends to portray athletes. Especially black athletes. Now, as a writer, I understand that the media is driven by what society wants to hear. Society thrives off negativity. However, there is a large portion of society that thrives off positivity and restoration. Those of us who thirst for the good in the world could be found with big smiles on our faces and tears streaming from some of our eyes at 11 o’clock Saturday night.

I can personally say I never had a really negative opinion about Clarett. Sure, I thought he made some horrible decisions. I thought he got tangled up with some people who were only concerned about what he could for them. I thought he had just given up on life and did not care that his life was spinning out of control. And when he was sentenced to jail time, I actually thought that may be the end for Clarett. His fall from grace had been a long one. And he hit the ground hard. And when he was released, it was to very little fanfare. And maybe that was for the best. From the time he was young, he was surrounded with fanfare. That can be overwhelming, for anyone.

Our society sets up kid’s like Clarett for failure, daily. We focus on their accomplishments on the field, court and diamond while forgetting to nurture their minds through learning.

I am glad Clarett was able to share his story. There were many things that happened that were NOT reported in the media. His story is admirable, impactful, honest, real and intriguing. It is stories like his that convince me on a daily basis that GOD is real. There is no one else that could have gone through what Clarett went through and still come out a winner. He was created specifically for this journey. His determination to turn his life around is more inspiring than anything he ever did on the gridiron. The endurance it took for him to reach the point he is at now will sustain him for years to come. Clarett has definitely gained a new fan and I look forward to the next chapter of his life.

P.S. His mom deserves her own 30 for 30. Talk about strength! There is nothing like a mother who NEVER gives up on her children. Phenomenal woman, she is.

For Madiba…

On By kassienetteIn Heroes, LoveLeave a comment

 

December 5, 2013. The day people will remember where they were when they heard the news that global icon, Nelson Mandela, had died at the age of 95.

I was sitting in my living room. Working. Well Facebooking when I saw a breaking news status from WRAL out of Raleigh. It confirmed what we all knew was inevitable. Mr. Mandela was no longer with us. Physically.

While death surrounds us every day, it is rare that a death engulfs us in a way that news outlets cease all prior projects, CEOs whip out their smart phones to confirm the news and social media erupts in an outpouring of gratitude, thankfulness and love. With my very own eyes, I saw it happen yesterday. Within an hour, #RIPNelsonMandela was the number one trending topic worldwide on Twitter. Within an hour, my Facebook newsfeed was full of statuses with Mr. Mandela quotes. Within an hour, every news station was, for once, focused on something positive: the life of a man who meant so much to so many.

Mr. Mandela, like us all, did some things that he was not proud of. On many occasions he openly discussed his past but adamantly stated that he would not change a thing. For what he did lead him to be the person that we saw before us. The person that was full of love. The person that was full of forgiveness. The person that was full of grace. The person that was full of mercy. The person that was full of passion. The person that was full of humility. The person that was full of kindness. The person that was full of dignity. The person that was full of compassion. The person who was full of intelligence. The person that was so full that his only option was to give.

A thousand plus words today about a man who showed this world how to live empty would never do him justice. I had always hoped that one day I would be in a position to meet him, just to say thank you. Thank you for showing us how much stronger we can be if we love instead of hate. Thank you for showing us how free we can be if we forgive instead of holding grudges. Thank you for showing us how to be humble when we have every right to be boastful. Thank you for showing us how to lend a helping hand to pull someone else up instead of pushing them down. Thank you for showing us how to smile when we our world around us is crumbling. Thank you for showing us how one life can change a world for a lifetime. Thank you Mr. Nelson Mandela for fulfilling your purpose in this world.

I am grateful.

 

Rest in eternal peace, Madiba.

 

 

nelson-mandela

 

Land of the free because of the BRAVE…

On By kassienetteIn HeroesLeave a comment

(Originally posted on 11.11.12. It has been updated, slightly)

This post has absolutely nothing to do with sports.

On today, November 11, people all across the country will celebrate the great men and women of our Armed Forces. They will be honored with parades, free meals, handshakes, standing ovations and endless thank yous. They are worthy of each and every act of gratitude that is bestowed upon them on that day. The members of our armed forces are known for their strength, determination, resilience, heart, work ethic, faith, courage, dependability, endurance, integrity, loyalty, the list goes on. I admire them for all these things but what impresses me the most is their humility.

All of my life I have been surrounded by men and women who were in the military. My grandfather was a Marine who served in World War II. He also served as a Post Commander in our hometown at one of the American Legion posts. My grandfather was a very humble man. Over the years, I had numerous conversations with my grandfather about his time in the Pacific and I can not recall him ever initiating those conversations. He was not one to brag. He would just simply say, “I was serving my country.” For all the times we talked, I had no idea I was talking to a man who made history. Not long before my grandfather passed, my mother found out that when he entered into the Marines he was among the first wave of African-American men to ever be admitted into the Corps. Come again? My grandfather? My daddy? The man who I call “The Epitome of a Man” was living history? Imagine our surprise. We knew he was stationed at Camp LeJeune but we had no idea about Montford Point which is where the African-American Marines were trained. The more my mother researched the story, the more we grew to understand just how huge this discovery was. When asked about the recent information that was discovered about him, my grandfather simply replied, “Yes, I was at Montford Point.” That was it. No tooting his horn. No sticking out his chest. No bragging about what he had done.

My grandfather’s response to what he accomplished is what I have always encountered with our soldiers. No boasting. No reminding you of what they did. No expectations of handouts. I am always humbled when I meet soldiers and I tell them thank you. A lot of times, I am given a “thank you for your support” as a response. I typically have that “you do not need to thank me” look on my face. It is not necessary but I get it. They fight for us. They serve for us. Many have given their lives for us. They do it selflessly. They do it knowing the risks. They do it because they love their country. Often times, I feel like our military heroes are forgotten. We see praise all over the place for reality stars, athletes(I managed to tie sports in), musicians, YouTube sensations, etc. Being a soldier is not just about November 11. It is about a commitment they made to “…support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…” As humble as our soldiers are, I know that acknowledging them solidifies that what they have sacrificed was worth it. So do me a favor, the next time you encounter a veteran or a current member of our armed forces, tell them THANK YOU. Then allow yourself to experience the feeling that truly makes them who they are…humility.

In honor of Veteran’s Day, I would like to publicly acknowledge some very special men and women who have served and are currently serving in our armed forces…my grandfather, the late LM Lockhart, the late Mr. Dewey Hill, Owen Mitchell, Brandon “Peanut” Parker, Danyell Horton, Tommy Parker, Johnny McKeithan, Adam Horne, Carlos Spruill, Leonard “Boogie” Williams, Cedric Payne, James Roberts, Jr., Lena Godfrey, Keith Hargrave, Tim Jones, Bernard Carter, Sheri McDowell, Jimmel Anderson, Quenya Borders Glenn, Tom Wiegand, Danielle Moses, Leon Marsh, Tracy Marsh, Marlaina Beaty and the late Josh Harris(I did not know Josh but he was a Navy SEAL Team Six member from my hometown who sacrificed his life during a combat mission in 2008). THANK YOU all for your sacrifice and service!! You allow me to proudly say, land of the free because of the BRAVE!

History. Montford Point Marines. My grandDaddy is on the last row, second from the left.
History. Montford Point Marines. My grandDaddy is on the last row, second from the left.
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}

 

 

 

 

 

Destiny Fulfilled. Boston Strong.

On By kassienetteIn Baseball, Heroes, MLB, SportsLeave a comment
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}

 

95 years ago, thousand and thousands of Boston’s loudest, boisterous and proudest fans packed in to famed Fenway Park to cheer their beloved Boston Red Sox on to a World Series victory. 95 years later, the faces have changed but thousand and thousands of fans that are packed into Fenway are just as loud, boisterous and proud as their ancestors.

The road to the World Series title was about as smooth as a Nestle Crunch.  In August of last year, the Red Sox unloaded their roster and sent Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez and Nick Punto to the Los Angeles Dodgers.  When the season ended, the Red Sox were in last place. Expectations coming into this season were high but not many were putting their chips on the Sox being the ones standing at the end.

{Source: The Boston Globe}
{Source: The Boston Globe}

 

And then it happened. April 15. The City of Boston was rocked to its core by two bombs at an event that is the crem de la crem of distance running, the Boston Marathon. The world watched, grief stricken, as chaos ensued. The world watched as people ran away from the point of attack with tears streaming down their faces. The world watched not fully knowing what had just happened and who was responsible.

 

 

Five days later, while the world was still sorting through details, the Red Sox made a statement and it was a big, bold statement that came in the form of David “Big Papi” Ortiz. During a pregame celebration, Ortiz declared that “This is our ******* city. And nobody is going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong.” And from the infield that day rose a moniker that has been synonymous with all things good in Boston this year, BostonStrong. The Boston Bruins rode the momentum into the Stanley Cup final. The New England Patriots have rode the momentum to a 6-2 record, despite many of their starters being on the bench with season ending injuries. And of course, the Red Sox rode the momentum all the way to a World Series clinching victory. At home. At Fenway Park.

The Red Sox did it together. They did it as a family. They did it for Boston. And as the celebration began last night, dozens of fans raced up Boylston Street in Boston to celebrate at the placed that was robbed of its celebration in April, the Boston Marathon finish line. Last night in Boston and for weeks, months and years to come, it will be about more than just a World Series. It is about more than a ring. It is about more than 95 years. It is about a city that rose from the ashes in the midst of adversity. A city that refused to be defeated. A city that refused to be weakened by the cowardly act of others. It is about Destiny Fulfilled. The BostonStrong way.

 

Until next time…TOODELLS.

 

{Source: The Boston Globe}
{Source: The Boston Globe}

 

{Source: The Boston Globe}
{Source: The Boston Globe}

 

SoxCelebration2

Exit #42

On By kassienetteIn Baseball, Heroes, MLB, SportsLeave a comment
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}

I really wish I had appreciated Mariano Rivera more while he was playing. Let me clarify my statement. I have always been a big fan of Rivera but I am not a fan on the New York Yankees. I do not really have anything against the organization. I just always enjoy seeing them lose :-}. So it was hard to cheer for Rivera at times because of who he played for.

Tonight was the end of an era. The last player to ever wear the #42 in Major League Baseball “exited” off the mound. How fitting that a man who has exemplified nothing but class, humility and dignity gets to be the last representative of such a prestigious number. You know you have something special when your rival has a special ceremony for you in your last game at their field, which is exactly what the Boston Red Sox did on September 16.

I was shocked that none of the major networks carried tonight’s game. In a time when all that seems to be highlighted in sports are liars, cheaters, law breakers, whiners, performance enhancement users, drunk drivers and adulterers, you would think MLB would be chomping at the bits to ensure that such a momentous occasion would be broadcasted nationally. Thankfully because of social media sites such as Twitter, many of us did not have to wait long to see Rivera’s last pitch. And what a moment that was. Rivera entered the game in the 8th inning and retired all four players he faced. And then it was time. If you are not familiar with the routine in baseball, the manager always comes to the mound to relieve the pitcher. Well, Rivera is too special to just do things the normal way. Instead of the Yankees manager, Joe Giradi, relieving him, long time teammates Andy Pettitte, who will also retire at the end of the season, and Derek Jeter received that honor. Rivera whom smiled as the two approached the mound was immediately overcome by emotion as he hugged Pettitte. So was I. Rivera, who received a standing ovation that was over four minutes long, took it all in as he hugged teammates, coaches and Yankees personnel before he took the field again for one last curtain call at Yankee Stadium.

{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}

In case you missed it, Rivera’s number read like this…19 MLB seasons(all with the Yankees), 652 career saves(most in MLB history), 2.21 career ERA(lowest in MLB history with a minimum of 1,000 pitches), 0.70 ERA in postseason(best ever in MLB history) 42 career postseason saves(24 more than any other pitcher), saved games for six Cy Young winners(tied for most all time).

On Sunday, September 29, the Yankees will play their last game of the season, officially ending the Rivera era. There are rumblings that he may play center field for at least one inning during the series in Houston. Why not? He has earned it!!!

Exit #42. See you in Cooperstown.

The MOment…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_voxdzu2bvY

{Source: Google Images}
{Source: Google Images}
{Source: ESPN}
{Source: ESPN}