Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Weekly High School Sports Report - Expanded

Michael Hoffer, Sports Editor for the Forecaster, will report on high school sports, focusing on the "minor sports." We won't just be reporting scores and game results, but we'll focus on the kids who train hard and participate in those sports that receive less adult and media involvement. That said, Michael will keep us informed of all post season playoffs and tournament results, as well as behind-the-scenes and human interest happenings.

The Main(e) Event

Eleven seconds into his first hockey game as a 20 year old Boston University freshman in 1995, a freak accident left Travis Roy paralyzed from the neck down. From Yarmouth, Maine, Travis grew up playing hockey and realized his dream of playing Division One hockey. His story is about courage, determination, and creating a meaningful and productive life after a devastating and life-changing accident.

The Travis Roy Award was created in 1996 as the highest honor in Maine Class A hockey which recognizes an athlete's contributions to the community, academics, and to hockey.

My guest in the first hour will be the 2007 recipient of the Travis Roy Award, Kit Smith, a senior and three-sport athlete at Brunswick High School. Smith was recognized for his contributions on the ice with 25 goals and 17 assists while leading his team to the Eastern semifinals and a #1 ranking for most of the season.

But there is much more to Kit Smith and the award than being a hockey player. Kit is also an excellent student who likes math, physics, and Latin - his favorite class. But he's most proud of his association with Hanley Denning, another Mainer who recently died in a tragic car crash in Guatemala where she worked among the poor. Kit went to Guatemala last summer with Hanley and a group called Safe Passage to work with kids who are growing up in poverty.

Kit Smith is an outstanding role model for what student athletics are all about, and a most deserving recipient of the 2007 Travis Roy Award.

I'll also be joined by Dr. Ben Grasso for more discussion around parenting youth athletes. That, and commentary on the top stories from the nation's press about sports, health, and education!

Podcast Update

I'm experimenting with Podcasting the weekly show. Since I'm self-taught, the learning curve is steep at this point. Nevertheless, there are three "sample clips" of the show that can be listened to and downloaded at:

 http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/Podcasts.htm

I would appreciate any and all feedback, especially with regards to which player your browser used, i.e. Windows Media Player, Quick Time, etc. Were you able to download and save the file? How long did it take to download/play? What was the quality of the sound?

Once I figure out the best way to do this, anyone, anywhere will be able to listen to the show whenever it is convenient.

The Coaching Tip Of The Week

Remember: 1) These are just kids. Don't treat them like adults.  2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. Not you! It's not your game, so be sure you don't take it away from them. 3) First and foremost, you are a teacher and a role model. The most important lessons you teach will have nothing to do with the game you are coaching.

This week's Tip: Visit the website, use the "Coaching Tips" link or just click on the link below to see my Tips for Coaches. These tips come from my 48 hour Coaching Development Workshop and have nothing to do with X's and O's or game winning strategies. These tips are all about your professional and personal development as a teacher of kids who happen to be organized for playing a sport.

http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/CoachTipsArchives.htm

The Parent Trap

Check out my blog on Mainetoday.com for some interesting articles, and comments from readers.

 http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/blogs/kidsfirst/008162.html Your comments are appreciated and wanted.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.

or email me during the show at:

Regis@thecenterforkidsfirst.org