Why Not Us?

I am not a “life-long” NC State fan. My dad is an alumn of the University of North Carolina so I grew up pulling for the Tarheels. That lasted until I became a freshman at NC State in 1989 and then I became part of the Pack. Ever since the primary sports athletic teams have not done all that hot. Got rid of Valvano, then Sheridan left in football. We’ve had some glimpses of success, but nothing sustained. Meanwhile our brothers up the road have several basketball National Championship trophies added to their shelves. This year’s basketball team was good, just not good enough. Plenty of discussion among fans and on the message boards about Keatts status as the head coach. The Big Cheese himself has been saying “Keatts gotta go…” for weeks now. The challenge with today’s college basketball is free agency without a salary cap. We’re in a different world these days and I don’t envy a coach that has to recruit new high school seniors, tranfer portal and re-recruit their own team. NC State was more or less a pick up team last summer and it takes time for coaches and players to learn the system, each other, and all the aspects of playing the game at a high level. Entering the ACC basketball tournament, State had little shot to win nothing more than a few games. No team had won 5 games in 5 days before. Keatts challenged his team “Why Not Us?” The guys bought in and have been on an amazing run with 8 wins in a row. I’m not sure State has won 8 basketball games in a row in years. After the historic ACC Championship win, when I’d expect their energy to dissipate, the team continues to prove me wrong. As I have told my daughter who is in the final month of her NC State experience, being a Wolfpack fan teaches perseverance. Maybe, just maybe, the curse has skipped my generation and will open a new chapter for Pack fans. For now, we’ll enjoy the ride as long as it lasts.

Oh – Monday I led a workout at The Sandlot – want to know what we did?

Warm-up – same stuff, different day. We had an FNG, Will Windley brought by Amazon, so I had to cover the 5 core principles and the disclaimer. Bob the Builder posted again – keep it up BTB.

Said the pledge and moseyed to the KFC parking lot – grab a rock – size matters. Use the curb with your plant foot for step-back lunges holding the rock. This is a great variation b/c the slight elevation makes your muscles work harder than usual. I felt this extra sore area the next day – I’m sure the PAX did as well.

• Elevated step-back lunge w/ the rock 10 per leg
• Squat and Press w/ the rock x 20
• Reverse Crunch with the rock overhead x 20
• Repeat circuit 2x for total of 3

I asked the PAX did they want to keep their rock? Only Winehouse did, majority overruled, dump the rock and follow me to the Food Lion parking lot. Partner 11’s – yes, your reigning Q of the Year has some tricks in the bag and this one is a crowd pleaser. It’s not as difficult as it sounds. I didn’t even need signs, props, or scantily clad women to assist.

Partner 1 on the north end of the parking section, opposite Partner 2. Each begins with 10 Plank Jacks and moves toward their partner, meeting in the middle for 5 boo-yah merkins, then continuing to the opposite side for 1 shoulder tap (count 1 side). Reverse course to run back to your start but again meet your partner in the middle for 5 boo-yah merkins, you get the drill. The 5 merkins ends up being 50 total, plus the shoulder work on the planks – so the PAX were feeling it. Why not add some more? But we’re running low on time, so 7’s instead of 11’s. Individual this time…6 Mike Tysons on one end, 1 jump squat on the other, nothing dirty in the middle. We made it back to the parking lot with a minute to spare.

COT – prayers for Turtleman, Huck, the Hall family. Announcements – Community Foundation run 4/13. FNG Will Windley, grew up in Gastonia, graduate of Gaston Christian. His best friend was the guitarist for Luke Combs (yeah – the guy that left, from Gastonia). Will works at BofA and Merrill Lynch, so we went easy on him naming him “Bull” welcome to the brotherhood.

The NC State Basketball tournament theme, “Why Not Us,” is simple but prescriptive. Could be applied to any group or any person. If someone is going to win, Why Not Us? Obviously there has to be talent, strategy, and execution as part of the equation, but having the freedom to perform is a big part of that and belief. When the next opportunity for you to lead comes before you, maybe its your time to shine: “Why Not You?”

Go Pack!

Short Sale