Tressel speaks of teamwork, success during visit to Beaver
CALCUTTA — Speaking to students in grades 9-12, Youngstown State University president Jim Tressel provided a message as they prepare to move past their high school stage.
“I think it’s never too early to think about what you would like to do with your life,” Tressel said.
The message of success and teamwork was made Thursday morning to Beaver Local High School students in the facility’s auditorium. The 45-minute speech, which at times included choruses of cheers from the audience, was a combination of Tressel sharing experiences of his four-decade coaching career and audience participation.
Tressel first spoke about the successes during his 26-year head coaching career with both the Youngstown State and Ohio State football programs, resulting in five national championships (four at YSU and one at Ohio State).
One known aspect Tressel spoke about was what he called “quiet time,” a time he said occured before practices as players reflected on their day and wrote down one thing they were grateful for. Tressel reminded the students that regardless what hardships they may face, there are more positive aspects to life.
“Truly there will be things in life that we’re grateful for and there will be things in life that are hardships, but the chances are, fortunately for us because of the country we live in, the opportunities we have, the people that care about us, our list of blessings is much longer than the list of hardships, and we have to go into everyday reminding ourselves how fortunate we are,” Tressel said.
The idea of success and what success could mean to them was next. While Tressel acknowledged that some people would measure success based on stats, he said his team viewed success on what they can accomplish as a team.
Tressel provided four steps for the students to how the team viewed success. Those steps included the need to dream, the need to work, the need to handle the ups-and-downs in life, and the need to believe in oneself.
“There’s a lot of people that like to douse your excitement,” Tressel said. “You’ve got to believe in you. If you don’t believe in you, no one else will, and fortunately you have a group of teachers, a group of administrators, parents and community and everyone.
“I mean, somehow you raised the money to build this unbelievable school. Why were people willing to spend their money for that? Because people believed it would impact you and because they believe in you.”
Tressel also shared three tips with the students for success during and after college. He advised the students to keep quality friendships; to get involved outside of the classroom whether it’s a team, a club or any organization; and to invest wisely, noting that college education costs thousands of dollars.
“So those three tips–friends, get involved, and finances–I promise you, if you will take part in those, my experience has been, your chances of reaching those goals and those dreams will be profoundly impacted.”
Taking those steps and tips mentioned–as well as acting on a tip from Superintendent Eric Lowe about competition–Tressel turned the second half of his speech over to the audience, bringing several students to the stage to see if the students knew, in order, either the steps or tips to success he mentioned.
Correct answers earned the students gift certificates for free pretzels from Auntie Anne’s. At times, other students from the audience were called to the stage and helped out in case they were stumped, often bringing cheers from the audience.
Following his speech, several students met with Tressel at the stage, where they shook hands, took selfies and got autographs. Tressel also met with some of the high school honor students prior to the speech.
Tressel’s visit to Beaver Local was the first of two Thursday as he later was scheduled to visit Leetonia.
srappach@reviewonline.com
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