Mihalik

To answer this question, it's important to understand my family and upbringing.

I realize now my life has had more of an impact on my athletic career rather than athletics impacting my life.

I grew up in Ebensburg, which is located in Cambria County. Ebensburg, as well as other surrounding communities, was dependent on the coal mining industry.

My dad was a coal miner for 42 years. Coal miners didn't call off sick, didn't have personal days, didn't have excuses. They woke up in the morning and went to work.

TV announcements of weather-related cancelations cause me to reflect that you never heard the announcement that Colver Mine "won't work today."

My family life shaped my approach to athletics. Coal miners had a commitment and passion for their job and pride in their work. I'd like to think I have that same kind of passion about athletics.

Whether it was football, basketball or baseball, sports was the means by which I could get an education. Sports was and is "easy" compared to working in the mines.

I grew up in a disciplined, loving and hardworking home. I learned toughness from my dad and affection from my mom. Believe me, I use both in my role as a head coach at the collegiate level.

A lot of the principles, values and character I have regarding sports can be traced back to my family roots in Cambria County.

One response is that sports, and only sports, provides many unique opportunities. These experiences encompass both good and bad scenarios.Sports afforded me the opportunity to travel and have and maintain many relationships. Friendships with teammates, coaching staff and colleagues, many of them lifelong, do not exist without sports.To many, the saying, "Sports helps prepare you for Life" is just a cliche. However, it really is true for me.Throughout the various stages of life — youth, adolescence, teens, young adult, adult and senior citizen — we face many challenges. These challenges take on different shapes and forms as we travel through life's timeline.Sports has helped me cope with acceptance, adversity, decision making, teamwork, failure and success.In the elementary and middle school years, it's important for youth to feel they are wanted and they belong. Being part of a team or sport helps fulfill that basic human need. Discipline, decision making and developing a work ethic are all fostered and nurtured via athletics.Establishing and enhancing positive self-esteem and self-respect is a huge challenge during the teenage years. Friends and peers can, at times, be cruel. Having a group or team to rely on and use for support can be helpful.Athletics can assist teenagers through some rough times.The athletic experience of losing helped me learn how to handle adversities of adulthood. How to recover from a defeat, how to work harder, how to handle disappointment are invaluable for the game of life.The same can be said for the joy of winning and success. Sometimes it's more difficult to cope with success than disappointment. Remembering the work it took to win, what it takes to maintain it, and the concept of staying focused are priceless learning experiences.We all know life's ups and downs come at us in varying degrees. They may be sporadic or in bunches. Sports lessons have helped me to endure the past, handle the present and prepare for the future.

Children: Get involved, participate.It doesn't matter the sport activity; what matters is the fact that a child is involved. Let them try a few different sports, don't limit them to just one. Children will eventually discover the sports they enjoy.There is plenty of time to specialize as they grow older and consider collegiate sports.However, on the contrary, don't overextend a young person. Too much or too many activities at any one time can be a negative. Find a good balance allowing them to manage their available time.Always remember academic success and athletic achievement can and should coexist. We have a saying in Rock football: "Remember football will end someday but something called life doesn't — so prepare for that career and profession that you'll choose and graduate."Parents: Let your child enjoy the athletic experience. Let them make the decision to participate. Don't force your desire on them.Your child is just that, a child, not a professional athlete. Be patient. Improvement in skill level will occur as they mature and grow older. Appreciate the moment and be proud of your child's efforts no matter what the level.Specialization at a young age can be counterproductive. Current day society and some athletic philosophy tend to channel our youth toward this concept. Be firm in your resolve to allow your child the opportunity, if they want, to have some variety.As your child grows older, specialization may naturally occur. However, there is nothing wrong with the multiple sport athlete. In fact, SRU football has no hesitation in recruiting this type of athlete.When attending athletic events, be mindful of your vocal comments and opinions. Remember that is someone's daughter or son who is participating. Measure your comments lest you want the same to be said about your child.Adults: I have the utmost respect for individuals who continue to participate in sports activities. If the body allows, go for it and enjoy the experience. Adult sporting leagues are fantastic. Senior Olympic Games are to be applauded.The adults who get the most fulfillment out of athletic activities all have a common bond. They realize that time marches on and the athlete of the past isn't the athlete of the present.However, they relish the opportunity to compete, exercise, and have fun.

Slippery Rock University coach George Mihalik talks to his defensive line during a game against Youngstown State in 2004.