Bridget Dean-Hammel, Clearview Class of 1991
Your piece on Tom Hengel captured the most important aspect of his coaching; his unwavering commitment to his athletes. Mr. Hengel truly deserves his recent honor, but for so much more than the statistics show; for the incredibly positive impact he has had on so many students’ lives and the contribution he has made to their own successes as athletes, as professionals and more materially as people of character. I offer some of the lessons he imparted; the real reason he has always been a Hall of Fame coach.
· Do not take onboard other people’s perceptions of you. You know what you are made of, and what you are capable of doing if you work hard and smart enough.
· Have ambitious goals because if you have the will, there is a way to achieve them.
· Prepare in such a thorough manner that you have no regrets once you get into the starting blocks. And don’t let a bit of rain hamper said preparations; working through rough weather only gives you grit.
· When you think you cannot do “one more,” know that actually you can and doing it will make all the difference.
· When you are approaching a ‘hurdle,’ do not slow down or chicken step, accelerate into it and attack. You will have nothing to regret and a much better chance of clearing it.
· Everyone on the team contributes. Each is running her own race; respect that and do your part, especially your part in helping your teammates to be their best and acknowledging the part they have played in your own success.
· It is good to have high expectations of people, particularly kids. More often than not, they will live up to them, especially if they know that you have faith in them.
Mr. Hengel has been a faithful example of dedication and discipline for his athletes, showing exactly what work ethic, mindset, and level of resilience is required to fulfill potential. I know that he did not do all of the things he has done for his students for the gratitude, but nonetheless, he is owed it.
Bridget Dean-Hammel
