Both the volleyball and football seasons have ended with a loss. However, as one of the principles of Ro Wiggins says, "I will win if I don't quit," has been proven true. These teams saw weekly improvement. They worked so hard as a team; they have got to feel good about what they accomplished. I am so excited to see what they will achieve next year!
Ro Wiggins is a young man originally from Louisiana who has been traveling Montana to give athletic camps in many small towns. He has a powerful training session that teaches mental toughness and how to succeed. Ro told me, " It started with my little brother when he was in the 5th grade. He wanted to be a better football player. My dad's never been in my life. My mom worked three jobs just to put food on the table. She could never pay for camps like these, so I developed my own self-drive." He was a basketball player, "I've never played football, but my brother was asking me to help him. So I developed this program." It worked for his brother; he's a straight-A student and plays football at Oklahoma University. Ro wondered if it would work for other kids. He ended up at the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming before coming to Montana.
Ro has been running camps for three years. Some in personal homes. He said the tools he teaches are "bridges--tools you need for life story. It relates to everybody. I'm really big on the principles." He has seven he teaches.
I will adapt.
I will overcome.
I will chase progression, not perfection.
It's my race, but I'm not alone.
I will chase my dream to the distance unknown.
It's a marathon, not a sprint.
I will win if I don't quit.
The name of his program is gROw because his name is Ro. "Grow is a forever process. I believe that every day that you wake up with breath in your body, you have an opportunity to grow." I was impressed because the principles aren't just for athletics. They don't just work for students. They work for adults.
Ella Jurenka knew Ro before coming to Big Sandy. She wanted him to come and help the students here. He is currently a Dodson P.E. teacher and head BB coach. But his real purpose in life is this mission. To help kids become the best person, best student, best athlete they can become.
On his Facebook page, he quotes Luke 6:27-28 27 "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." I believe he believes we all need to continue to grow.
