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QUICK LIFE UPDATE

We recently accepted a coaching position at Bethel College in Indiana.  Immediately, we felt welcomed and part of our new family.  Every single person that we have come in contact with at Bethel has been nothing but kind and helpful to us!  We are excited to get moved here from South Carolina and get into the full swing of things.  Thank you for the prayers and encouragement over the last few months as my family and I have been in transition.  I will be getting back to blogging more consistently as well once we get settled in.  God is good!

Top 5 MLB Logos of All-Time

Last year I posted my Top 5 NBA Logos of All-Time, so I thought it would be fun to look at baseball since the season has just begun!  There are many iconic logos in baseball, which made this a tough list to put together.  I'll warn you ahead of time that I left Boston & New York teams off the list.  I'd love to hear what your top 5 are!  Here's mine:

5. BALTIMORE ORIOLES (1966-1988)

The first team I ever played on in tee-ball was the Orioles.  I remember collecting baseball cards that had this logo on them.  Brings back good memories, so it comes in at #5.

The first team I ever played on in tee-ball was the Orioles.  I remember collecting baseball cards that had this logo on them.  Brings back good memories, so it comes in at #5.

4. CLEVELAND INDIANS (1979-1985)

This logo makes me smile.  Not sure if the movie "Major League" has anything to do with it, but I've always liked the Indians because of this logo.

This logo makes me smile.  Not sure if the movie "Major League" has anything to do with it, but I've always liked the Indians because of this logo.

3. MONTREAL EXPOS (1969-1991)

The red, white, and blue colors have always been a favorite of mine.  If you had an Expos hat back in the day, you always received a compliment.  Definitely a crowd favorite.

The red, white, and blue colors have always been a favorite of mine.  If you had an Expos hat back in the day, you always received a compliment.  Definitely a crowd favorite.

2. CHICAGO WHITE SOX (1987-1990)

My uncles were from Chicago and were huge Sox fans.  While I only have known the most recent logo, I have always loved this throwback White Sox brand.

My uncles were from Chicago and were huge Sox fans.  While I only have known the most recent logo, I have always loved this throwback White Sox brand.

1. MILWAUKEE BREWERS (1978-1993)

The ball and glove logo is simple and creative.  Yes, I'm a Brewers fan, but how can you argue with this logo?  It is easily the best. 

The ball and glove logo is simple and creative.  Yes, I'm a Brewers fan, but how can you argue with this logo?  It is easily the best. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

All logos were taken from Chris Creamer's Sports Logos.

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The Journey

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“Just because it didn’t happen the way you wanted doesn’t mean God isn’t working.”
— Steven Furtick

I have a dream that burns inside my heart.  It casts a vivid vision in my mind; filled with clarity.  The destination seems certain, but the pathway leading me there isn't as much.  Although each step is unclear, the place I discover most joy is on the journey.

THE JOURNEY...

It's a trip where my character is revealed through the way I respond to adversity.

It's a venue where I fail, get back up, and then succeed.

It's an adventure where each step I take leads to growth.

It's progress in learning that sometimes the right decision is the one that hurts the most.

It's when my faith is challenged.

It's progress in realizing the dream that God instilled in my heart.

And most of all, it's path that's only lit when my full trust is in the One who is I AM.

ALONG THE WAY

Along the way there are detours, bumps in the road, and wrong turns.  

There are also beautiful views, magnificent sunsets, and worthwhile purpose.

Every day the journey emerges clearer and my scope reveals more of God's plan.  Not because I've found some secret, but because I'm trusting God to direct my steps.  This dream I'm referring to can't be stripped from me.  Despite the world's attempts to divert me, I will continue to hold on to the promises that God has given me.  

“Which do you love more? The dream God gave you or the God who gave you the dream?”
— Mark Batterson

We are all on a unique journey and we all have a dream burning inside of us.  Regardless of the circumstances trying to bump us off course, stay true to the principles that will keep us running full steam ahead, chasing that dream!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5-6
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Land The Plane Safely

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“Coaching is like flying an airplane, there is going to be a lot of turbulence, but your job is to land the plane safely.”
— Chuck Daly

I love this #4 posting in "Brendan Suhr's Top 10 Chuck Daly "Dalyisms."  I feel like this is the point in the season when this quote might really hit home.  Some coaches have endured tough seasons, and others have experienced their best, but no matter which one is you, it is time to land the plane.  It is time to finish strong.  Hopefully you've kept your composure and stayed focused throughout the season.  Stay strong. Stay committed.  Rise Up.

“Coaching is like flying an airplane, there is going to be a lot of turbulence, but your job is to land the plane safely.”

During the season, there are going to be a lot of ups and downs, but as the coach you have to understand you have to remain calm and poised and remember the goals that you have established for the team. On the road to each Championship season, we had major turmoil occur, but Chuck landed the plane safely.

 

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One Word 2017 - FAITH

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My One Word for 2017 is FAITH.

The past six months have been a whirlwind with a lot of challenges and have required me to live out my One Word from 2016, perseverance.  Circumstances have now given me the opportunity to strengthen my faith and rely on God completely in 2017.  Part of me is anxious for 2017 and the other part of me is eager and excited.  It's a daily battle to trust God and understand that He has a plan, but that's the reason that I have chosen faith as my One Word.

I typically feel like I have control over most things in my life and have the ability to make things happen, but I'm learning that there are some things outside of my control that require complete surrender to God.  2017 is going to bring change, that's a given.  I don't know what that change will look like, but I know that my faith & trust in God is going to be at the forefront of everything.  Each decision I make for my family will come from a deep understanding that God is in control.  

While I might not know what my future holds, I will always know who holds my future.  When challenges are met with faith, perseverance becomes very powerful.  I'm so excited to embark on this faith journey in 2017 with my wife and two girls!  Your prayers and support are always welcome as I know that I will struggle to live out this One Word consistently.  This year is going to be one to remember - let's make the best of it!

Past One Word's:

2017 - Faith

2016 - Persevere

2015 - Serve

2014 - Immediacy 

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We Can Hear You

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15 years ago our country was attacked.  

And 15 years ago our country came together.

LEADERSHIP WAS A NECESSITY

In moments of chaos, tragedy, and uncertainty it was crucial that the leaders of our country conveyed a sense of calmness, strength, and hope.  Men such as George W. Bush, Rudy Giuliani, Dick Cheney, and countless others were called upon to bring such stability and direction.  On that day of September 11, 2001, these men had three traits that every leader needs to exude in a crisis.

1. PROJECT A SENSE OF CALM

Everybody's first instinct is to react.  Leaders, however, respond.  They project a sense of calm to keep people focused on solving the problem.  On 9/11 there are numerous accounts of our countries leaders remaining calm in the face of adversity.

2. PRIORITIZE, COMMUNICATE, AND EXECUTE

There is a story from a White House photographer that was allowed into the president's private chamber on Air Force One immediately following the attacks, where he shares the phone calls and communication that took place between George W. Bush and his staff.  The ability to prioritize action, communicate with clarity, and execute a plan proved to be crucial steps in establishing command of 9/11.

3. EMPATHIZE AND INSPIRE

We all felt it.  The pain, the hurt, the tears, and the disbelief.  Our leaders empathized with us and united us together as a country.  Through various speeches, actions, and stories we were inspired to get back up and become even stronger than we were before.  When George W. Bush yelled, "We can hear you!" to several NYPD and FDNY personnel, our country began to heal.

Political views, religious beliefs, and the color of our skin did not matter on September 11, 2001.  Nothing divided us.  We were all knocked down and we came together to rise up.  The leaders of the United States of America were strong and the people looked up to them for guidance.  I am thankful for their ability to lead through chaos by putting into action their leadership ability. Take a few minutes to watch this video - First Pitch: George Bush's pitch that lifted the nation after 9/11.

#NEVERFORGET

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Why Do I Coach?

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WHY DO I COACH?

That should be a question that every coach asks himself consistently.  There are a variety of answers that will come back, but it's important to understand your true purpose as a coach.

Do you coach to win?

Do you coach for the money?

Do you coach for the notoriety?

Do you coach for the kids?

Do you coach because you can't do anything else?

All of these reasons are realistic and are each answers that I have heard from coaches at various levels.  Most will gravitate to the safe answers such as doing it for the kids and because they love to win, but if we accurately evaluate our motives we can surprise ourselves.

Personally, I want to serve people and make a positive impact by helping them achieve the dreams that God created in their hearts.  I will work my butt off because I love to win and I need to make money, but my purpose is greater than all of that.  My purpose is to help our players see their potential and teach them how to reach their goals.  I'm called to glorify Jesus Christ and lead by example though my actions and attitude.  My desire is to develop men of high character and integrity who will graduate and become amazing husbands, fathers, employees, and CEO's.  

Now that July live period is complete and things are going to slow down for a month or so, I challenge and encourage every coach to ask themselves that question and answer honestly.  Think deeply about why you coach and make the necessary changes before the season begins.  The more clearly you can define your purpose, the more effective and successful you will become as a coach!

Thanks for reading!

Coach Wingreen

Day 5 - Dominica Updates

Day 5 - Taking in Dominica's Beauty

Today was our last full day in Dominica. We began the morning with several meetings to discuss the next steps in building the basketball leagues here. We met with the President of the Olympic Committee and the Minister of Tourism and felt that much was accomplished in those meetings. The people here have been so appreciative of our help, so it's been very encouraging. After our meetings, we headed to another TV station to do one more interview about our work on the island. With only two radio stations and two TV stations, everyone on the island recognizes us and talks to us when we come around! We then took a journey to Trafalgar Falls, which was a stunning sight. Aside from my wipeout on the rocks, we had a great time adventuring around the falls. Lunch was a homemade meal from Rhoda's mother (she's a great cook) which we took up to the Fresh Water Lake, 2,789 feet above sea level. We were above the clouds and ate our meal! They had a few kayaks there, so I was able to experience my first time on a kayak and it was definitely memorable. I wish I could describe to you what the experience was like, but I'm not sure it's possible. I'll just say that it was one of the coolest things I've done and I was able to see one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen in this cove on the lake. It's something that you need to see for yourself. We are now staying overnight near the airport in the Atlantique resort, which is owned by he president of DABA. It's high up on a mountain on the Northeast side of the island, so I'm excited to get up to watch the sunrise tomorrow! This has been an unforgettable trip, but I'm ready to get home to my girls! God is good and He is faithful. I hope to come back to this island more often as we built great relationships with the people here! Thank you for your prayers and support. I hope you enjoyed reading updates, but this is the last one for now. Until next time. 

Trafalgar Falls

Trafalgar Falls

Fresh Water Lake kayaking

Fresh Water Lake kayaking

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Day 4 - Worship & More Basketball

Supposedly, Sunday's begin in Dominica with a breakfast that consists of pig feet & cow skin.  Or at least that's what our host said when she brought it to us this morning...um no thanks! We headed to town to worship with Salt Ministry Church and it was fantastic! We walked in to Carribean worship music and passionate believers (to see more of the worship, check my Snapchat: coachwingreen). The church consisted mostly of women, which we found interesting. When we asked about it we were told that the men on the island aren't interested in coming to church. I wonder if they know how awesome the worship music is? After church we headed about an hour North to Portsmouth to train the U16 National team again and also watch a college prospect game. On our way there we had to drive along very hilly/curvy roads with Speed Racer, A.K.A. our host, Rhoda. The road conditions were not great, but we made it there alive.  All of us were feeling a little queezy when we arrived. There were a lot of good players actually, which surprised me. No doubt that 5 or 6 guys that were at the game could play at a high level collegiately in the states. After our training, two of our team members shared their testimonies and preached the gospel. Several of the kids in attendance raised their hand that they wanted to know Jesus as their Savior. Praise the Lord! We finished the night with some dinner and are now resting up for our last full day on the island. Tomorrow we are going to do some sight seeing, which I'm very excited about. Thanks again for praying for our trip! God is at work in Dominica.

Road conditions in Dominica. There were several roads that were destroyed...many along the cliffs

Road conditions in Dominica. There were several roads that were destroyed...many along the cliffs

Sharing the gospel with the players

Sharing the gospel with the players

Day 3 - Coaching the Coaches

Today, we woke up to a hard downpour which continued the entire day. We instructed at a coaches clinic all day and gave them a crash course in anything and everything. Basketball is still in its infancy here on the island, so the coaches are in need of all the basics. From teaching players how to pass all the way to building and sustaining a culture, the coaches were hungry to learn. We mostly taught in the classroom using an old-school chalkboard, but we also braved the weather and did some drills on the court in the rain & puddles. Nonetheless, it was a great time and laid a solid groundwork for these coaches. Both myself and another one of our team members, Roosevelt, shared our testimonies and gave the gospel to the coaches. They were very receptive to what we had to say, so we will continue to pray for God to do a work in their hearts! The highlight of the day though, was definitely the passion fruit juice...it's by far the best thing I've ever tasted in my entire life. As I write this blog, we are currently sitting in a local barbershop watching the Warriors vs. Thunder game. It's a fun and unique experience! Thank you for your continued prayers - they are greatly appreciated. 

Our team with the coaches of Dominica

Our team with the coaches of Dominica

The Barbershop where I'm currently sitting

The Barbershop where I'm currently sitting

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Day 2 - Arriving in Dominica

Last night we spent the night in Guadeloupe to prepare for our trip to Dominica. We woke up this morning and took a 3 hour ferry ride - it was not fun! The sea was pretty rough and I was thankful when it was over. We arrived in Dominica and breezed through customs as our host, Rhoda, has all the connections! The first thing we did after dropping our stuff off at the guest house was go do multiple interviews with TV and radio stations about our visit. Dominica is really interested in developing their basketball players, so it was cool seeing the influence we instantly had with the people here. After eating a solid lunch (the passion fruit pineapple juice is the best), we headed to an outdoor court to train the U16 National Team. This is their first year competing, so we will enjoy the opportunity we have to teach them the game! Rain began to fall as we left the courts to head to dinner. On our way to dinner the river was fierce as the rain was very heavy in the mountains and was draining down. It was neat to see God's creation in action. The sights are gorgeous and I've really enjoyed soaking in the views as we drive around town. We watched one of their DABA (Dominica Amateur Basketball Association) games before heading back to our house. It's been a long and tiring day, but it's been cool to see God working through the game of basketball! Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for a long day of coaching clinics tomorrow. Here are some pics:

Arrival in Dominica

Arrival in Dominica

View of Roseau from our guest house

View of Roseau from our guest house

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Day 1 - Still Not There Yet

We are still traveling to Dominica...and won't get there until tomorrow.  This morning we left Ft. Lauderdale at 7:00am and flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico.  We then got on another flight and just landed in Antigua about 30 minutes ago.  I'm taking advantage of the free WiFi while I can!  We have one more flight tonight to Guadeloupe where we will spend the night.  The guy leading our trip told us it will be a "cultural experience."  Not sure if that's good or bad lol.  

Athletes In Action Coaches Tour - Dominica

I am leaving today & will be traveling with Athletes in Action on a coaches tour to Dominica through May 31st.  While we are there, we will be training their U16 National Team, conducting a coaching clinic, observing college prospects, and ministering with a local church.  Throughout all of these opportunities, we will be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through our testimonies and devotionals.  Depending on the WiFi situation, I will try to post daily updates, otherwise I will post a recap after I return to Greenville.   I appreciate your prayers for us going on the trip and also for our families staying home!  If you would like to support our trip you can give online at www.give.ccci.org and enter #0763533 in the "Give" box.  Please follow me on social media @CoachWingreen, subscribe to the RSS feed, and sign up for the newsletter (below) to get updates!  Thank you for your prayers and support!

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Social Media: The New Age Of Recruiting

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Social media has not only changed the way we communicate, but for many, it’s changed the way we do our jobs. No one is immune from its effects, not even coaches. 

As a college coach, I’m interested primarily in three groups – our players, our fans and our recruits. Our players constantly use social media (including during post-game speeches by the head coach). Our fans use social media (even during our games). And our recruits use social media (often in the middle of their school day when they should be paying attention to someone like their government teacher).

See, social media is all about storytelling. As a coach, I want my players, fans and recruits not only to know our program’s story, but also to be excited about sharing our story with others. Why wouldn’t I take advantage of this powerful tool to tell my program’s story?

Less than a year ago, our basketball program decided to start consistently employing social media to tell our story, focusing primarily on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. Over the course of the season, we found success with our followers not only viewing our content but also sharing our content.

Here are just a few examples of the ways we tell our story through our social media platforms:

ROAD TRIP ANYONE?

As a small program, not a lot of our fans always travel with us. However, we still value their support and want people to feel like they’re a part of our team. Whether it’s a photo from the plane, a video on the bus, or a picture from a morning shoot around, we attempt to bring our fans with us on every road trip.

We'll be playing two games is week in Puerto Rico. #BruinsInPR🇵🇷

A photo posted by BJU Bruins Basketball (@bjubruinsmbb) on

Team shoot around at the University of Cincinnati. #ChampionsToday

A photo posted by BJU Bruins Basketball (@bjubruinsmbb) on

PUERTO RICO

During our trip to Puerto Rico in December, we also put together vlogs each day.  We recorded short clips of everything we did that day and conducted short interviews with players to recap.  You can check out each vlog from our trip below!

REMOTE CAMPUS VISITS

Long before a recruit ever steps foot on campus, he has the opportunity to get a glimpse into every aspect of our program. Facility tours, player workouts, practice, film sessions – they’re all chronicled through our team’s and coaches’ Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat accounts.

4 more days until the #BruinsInvitational matchup against Barber-Scotia College. #ChampionsToday

A photo posted by BJU Bruins Basketball (@bjubruinsmbb) on

ALWAYS COACHING & TEACHING

Social media has allowed our coaches to continue coaching and teaching even after practice has ended. In addition, we understand that coaches and high school players from around the country are reading what we post. It is important to give each follower value, whether it’s through a motivational quote, a quick hitter, or a suggestion for practice.

MORE THAN SPORTS

Our goal as a program is to use basketball as a platform for spreading the love of Christ. Really, it’s the most important part of our story. So whether it’s ministering in a church, helping in the community, or reffing a Special Olympics basketball tournament, we want those following our social media accounts to know what we value and who we really are outside of basketball.

🙏🏽 #LiveChrist

A photo posted by BJU Bruins Basketball (@bjubruinsmbb) on

FOLLOW US!

Make sure to follow our coaches & players on social media to stay connected to everything that is going on in our program.  You can also get more content from Coach Miller by clicking the link below!