Coaches and athletes sometimes use the littlest things, real or perceived, to motivate them. They try to prove that other people cant put limitations on them.

Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook is one of those people who is motivated by things others say cant be done. Years ago a booster said the volleyball team wouldnt be able to go on foreign trips if not for all of the money the football program brings in for the Nebraska athletic department. Now, because of a larger arena and the success of the four-time national champion Huskers, the volleyball program covers its own expenses.

Now Cook has written a book, Dream Like a Champion, that will soon be in bookstores in Lincoln. The books cover says the book is about wins, losses and leadership the Nebraska volleyball way. Cook and Hail Varsity magazine managing editor Brandon Vogel wrote the book together.

Cook says one of his motivations for writing a book goes all the way back to when he was in high school in San Diego.

Cook's mom was in high school when he was born. Nobody in his family had ever gone to college, and it wasnt on his radar, either. He was a pretty good football and basketball player, and some of his coaches said he should think about playing in college.

He took the SAT, a college admission exam, but didnt have a good enough score on the English section. So Cook thought he couldnt go to college.

But a teacher tracked him down, he got enrolled in two English courses that semester, and he worked at it. He took the test again and got the score he needed and received a scholarship to play basketball at Linfield College in Oregon.

That kind of always stuck with me, Cook said during a recent interview. Well, its one of the reasons why I wanted to coach, but it also stuck with me like, OK, some test determined I wasnt smart enough. The English teacher -- her name was Judy Corbin -- I always felt like someday I wanted to prove that all that was worth it, and one way I could do that would be writing a book. So thats just something that planted a seed a long time ago.

Cook said another motivation for the book is for the fans of the program. We met in his office, where he can sit at his desk and look out on the arena at the Devaney Sports Center. When he talks about the fans, Cook sometimes looks out on the arena, where those fans sit during the matches.

This book to me is also a payback to our fans, and the support that weve had, he said.

After Nebraska won the national championship in 2015, Cook decided it might be time to write that book. He got hooked up with Vogel, and they began writing in the summer of 2016.

During the writing process Cook and Vogel had long interviews, and then Vogel would write. But Cook also sat at a computer and wrote a few of the chapters himself. He said ideas for the book would come to him while he was riding his bike on the MoPac trail in Lincoln, near his home.

One of the neat moments since the book was finished was when Cook got a copy of the University of Nebraska Press catalog, listing books that were about to be published.

I opened it up and the book is in there, along with other professors' books, and everything, Cook said. I felt like, Thats pretty big-time right there.

Cook tried to write about what has worked for the volleyball program and what he believes in, and share stories that back that up.

I enjoyed the book. Ive written about the volleyball program for several years, but there were still some stories I hadnt heard before.

The bombshell was Chapter 7, where Cook writes about the day he almost died on a mountain near Lake Tahoe. Cook, admitting he was young and a little obnoxious, fell about 100 feet off a cliff while he was rolling boulders off the cliff, and he landed on some rocks. He writes about his long rehab, and what he learned from it.

You also get insight into how no detail is too small for Cook, including going to Dallas to help find a vitamin for the players to take to strengthen their bones.

Another great story is about Kelsey Fien, once considered by the coaches to be a RM recruiting miss. But she improved a lot, and ended up having the kill to clinch the Huskers national championship in 2015 in front of 17,000 fans in Omaha.

Cook writes about his regrets, one of which details why he says that ever since a high school match he coached in 1983, his approach is that the best players always play, regardless of their age, or the situation.

One thing youll notice is that the names of the players still on the team aren't listed in the book. Cook said there was a concern from the athletic department that players could later take legal action. Most fans will know whom Cook is writing about, though. Some of the answers to those missing names are Mikaela Foecke, Kelly Hunter and Olivia Boender.

Cook also said he made an agreement that he wont be paid for writing the book.

As we talked, I was curious about Judy Corbin, the teacher who helped Cook get into to college. Cook doesnt know if shes alive, but hes sent a copy of the book and a note to a leader at the school, in hopes they can find her.

Writing the book was more of a motivation to prove to myself I could do it, and for that English teacher and coaches that believed in me, and got me to college, Cook said. Because Id hate to think what my path would have taken if I didnt go to college.

Go here to read the rest:
Wagner: Motivation for John Cook's book goes back to high school ... - HuskerExtra.com

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- A low pick in the Pioneer Football League preseason coaches' poll is motivating for Morehead State University.

The Eagles (4-7 in 2016) were predicted for an eighth-place finish in the PFL, the nation's only non-scholarship football-only NCAA Football Championship Subdivision conference. San Diego was picked to finish first for the seventh consecutive season. Dayton also picked up first-place votes and was second in the poll followed by Marist and Drake.

San Diego won the 2016 regular season championship and advanced to the second round of the FCS playoffs.

"We are excited about the upcoming season and believe that we can compete for a PFL title, just like we did in 2015," Morehead State head coach Rob Tenyer said in a release (www.msueagles.com). "That season, we were picked near the bottom of the league and used that as motivation throughout the season. We're looking to do the same in 2017."

The Eagles graduated quarterback Austin Gahafer and wideout Jake Raymond, who both left Morehead State with several PFL records.

Redshirt sophomore running back Trevor Jones (5-foot-9, 186 pounds) from Irvine, Ky., returns after rushing for 500 yards and nine touchdowns in a pass-dependent offense last season.

College Sports Madness selected senior cornerback Braylyn Cook, junior cornerback Brandyn Duncan, sophomore safety Juanyea Tarver and senior offensive lineman Kyler Corbett for its Preseason All-PFL team. Cook was on the first team while Corbett and Tarver were part of the second team. Tarver was tabbed as a kick returner and Duncan was a third-team pick.

Cook (6-foot, 183) from College Park, Ga., led the defense with 17 passes defended and 14 pass breakups in 2016. Cook intercepted a team-best three passes and totaled 36 tackles.

Corbett, a 6-2, 281-pound native of Liberty Township, Ohio, blocked for an offensive unit that generated 445.7 yards and 32.4 points per game while ranking among the best teams in the PFL in passing yards at 310 per game.

Tarver, who hails from Kennesaw, Ga., ranked among PFL leaders in kickoff returns, averaging 21.4 yards per return. The 5-10, 162-pounder He totaled 642 yards on 30 returns.

Duncan, a 5-9, 182-pound product of Lexington, Ky., ranked second on the team, only behind Cook, in passes defended (13) and pass breakups (13). He also registered 39 total tackles.

Tanner Duncan (6-4, 260) is a freshman offensive lineman from East Carter High School in Grayson, Ky., Dalton Frasure (6-3, 233) a redshirt freshman tight end from Prestonburg, Ky., and Caleb Montgomery (5-10, 180) a freshman defensive back from Vinton County High School in McArthur, Ohio.

Follow this link:
Morehead State has motivation entering season - Huntington Herald Dispatch

Let others inspire you to improved health.

INSPIRING: A scene from one of the films to be shown at the Womens Adventure Film Tour at Tower Cinemas on September 6. Picture: Supplied

Finding a reason to get moving can be the biggest hurdle for many.

And everyone is motivated by different things.

I always say, find something that works for you. Try new things, sign yourself up for an event or be inspired by the people around you.

With spring upon us, now is the time to find what motivates you and get yourself ready for a spring clean as far as your health is concerned.

There are a few things coming up that could provide motivation.

The first is the Womens Adventure Film Tour, which is travelling around Australia as a celebration of Womens Health Week.

The Womens Adventure Film Tour is a collaboration of Jean Hailes for Womens Health, Aspire Outdoor and She Went Wild.

It will be in Newcastle on September 6, with a screening at Tower Cinemas from 7pm-9pm.

The Tour features a selection of short films of inspirational womens adventure and cultural stories.

According to Janet Michelmore, executive director ofJean Hailes for Womens Health, The films are not only inspirational, but demonstrate how the way you feel physically has a profound effect on your state of mind and emotional well-being.

This balance between our physical and mental health is an important element of overall good health and a focus for this years Womens Health Week, she said.

Watching other people be active or hearing their stories always gets me motivated and may be just the thing that gets you inspired too.

Speaking of Womens Health Week, Wild Women on Top, who are a hiking group famous for their annual Coastrek events around Australia,are hosting a free 5km hike around Sydney Harbour on September 8.

The walk will highlight the health benefits of hiking, including the social element as well the positive impact on physical and mental health. Women can regsiteratwww.wildwomenontop.com.

I am motivating our whole family to move through September by signing them up to Steptember, whereyou take 10,000 steps per day for 28 days straight to raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Funds raised through the campaign go towards providingvital equipment, therapy and services to children and adults living with cerebral palsy, as well as for groundbreaking research into the prevention and hopefully one day a cure for CP.

The cause has particular resonance for us as we know a beautiful young boy by the name ofJoe Bankswith cerebral palsy.

Seven-year-old Joe developed CP during birth and cannot walk unassisted.

Joes mum, Rachael Laing, told me kids like Joe would love to be able to walk even a couple of steps.

So, that is why we are doing it. Because we can, and in the process of being active ourselves and improving our own health, we can help others, which I think is a strong message to give our own kids.

Hopefully a few of you out there will sign up to. For more information, go towww.steptember.org.au.

GOOD CAUSE: Taking part in Steptember will help kids with Cerebral Palsy like Newcastle's Joe Banks, pictured with his sisters Audrey, left, and Millie, right.

This is it, we have just four days left of winter. So get ready to launch into your spring campaign on Friday.

Here is a session to get you started. Itis a combination of strength and fitness and takes on a pyramid format. That means, for each exercisedrop by one or two repetitions as you move through the set. For example, start with 10 squats, run, eight or nine squats, run, all the way down to two or one squats. Run, walk or skip for 20-30 seconds between each.

Exercises: Squats, dead lifts, push-ups (or shoulder punches), rows, lunges, bicep-shoulder press, triceps extension. Finish with core work.

Walk With Us for World Suicide Prevention, September 8, Dixon Park:Lifeline Hunter Central Coast is holding a walk to Merewether Baths and back in support of suicide prevention in the community. There will be a breakfast and yoga in the park to follow. Register atwww.lifelinehunter.org.au.

Walk 4 Hope, September 16, Croudace Bay:A 4km walk raising funds and awareness forHuntingtons Disease.www.huntingtonsnsw.org.au.

Fernleigh 15, October 22, Fernleigh Track:This 15-kilometre course can be done as an individual or in a five-person relay.www.runnsw.com.au.

Renee Valentine is a writer, qualified personal trainer and mother. r.valentine@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

Read more from the original source:
Find your motivation to get active this spring. - Newcastle Herald

Kenny Britt doesnt sugarcoat it: Training camp and everything that comes with being an NFL player in the month of August is the toughest part of life as a professional football player

The ninth of Britts career wasnt any easier than the previous eight. Even with a modified practice schedule that limited his usage, Britt joked he can no longer just show up for the day ready to go, instead needing a warm-up before warm-ups to get his body right for the grind that awaits him.

Every ounce of motivation counts, and Britts family ensured he had more than enough to power through the dog days and come out as fresh as possible as he embarks on his first season with the Browns.

Britts wife, Sabrina, sent her husband off to training camp with a detailed care package. Along with various candies and snacks, Britt had an envelope to open each week. Themed for each chapter of training camp, the notes reminded Britt just how capable he was to make it to the end and reap the ultimate award of more time with his tight-knit family.

Training camp is the hardest part of playing this game, especially going year after year, Britt said. As your body tires down, it's a little motivation and stuff, little tips and reminders to get my mind right and go play.

She understands how training camp is and what my mindset is. She tries to plans everything out with my schedule so I can just focus on football and mainly football. She does a great job with the kids. Even the off-the-field stuff, family back home and taking care of the house.

The first note this year was titled Nervous, but the contents didnt match its title. Britt had nothing to fret.

Hey lets be honest. Are you ever really nervous? LOL no, Sabrina wrote. Thats because you are so sure of yourself and your capabilities as you should be. You have been cooking ... from Bayonne High to (Rutgers) and now here at the Browns.

On the final day, Britt opened an envelope titled The Ender.

You did it! You made it through training camp for the 9th time! Sheeeesh! We are all so proud of you and who you have become on and off the field.

Sabrina has been by Britts side for 11 years and the couple has been married for the past five. Their daughter, Ava, arrived when Britt was in the first stage of his career with the Tennessee Titans and is now old enough to make her own contributions to the care package.

Before a recent preseason game, Ava delivered Britt a box of cookies that came with a heart that said Love u Dad and a note of her own.

The game has become even more fun for Britt ever since Ava started understanding what he did for a living. She was at the center of a moment Britt describes as one of the best of his career in 2015, when he hand-delivered a ball to her after catching a 60-yard touchdown pass.

Before each game, Britt finds Ava in the crowd and gives her a kiss.

I go up and give her a kiss and motivate her and she motivates me, Britt said. She doesn't like the big rockets and explosions so she's always crying, so I go calm her down.

Kenny Jr. is still too young to grasp what his father does for a living. His sad reactions whenever Britt has to retreat to the hotel to beat curfew are some of the toughest moments Britt experiences throughout training camp.

Soon, though, hell be just like Ava, who is already starring as the only girl on her flag football team.

I told my wife as I'm getting older, I'm starting to feel my body and I don't know if I've got another two-three years in me, Britt said with a laugh. (Sabrina) told me you can't retire until he understands you played in the NFL. It's pretty cool.

More:
Kenny Britt's family ensures he's always close to home with constant motivation - ClevelandBrowns.com

Flyers rookie defenseman Sam Morin has words, strongly based on a classic Disney movie from years ago, tattooed high onto his left arm:

The past can hurt, but you can either run from it or learn from it.

The words motivate him.

It was my favorite movie; I watched it so much when I was younger, the good-natured Morin, 22, said last week at the Flyers training facility in Voorhees, where he was getting a head start on things. Its like hockey. You always learn from your mistakes, and you need to be in the present.

He got the tattoo four years ago, using the inspiring words that Robert Guillaume, the voice of Rafiki the wise baboon, delivered to Simba the lion, in The Lion King.

I wanted a tattoo pretty bad, he said with a laugh. I like it. My mom didnt really like it, but its all fine.

All is fine with Morin, too. Unlike other training camps he attended, Morin an imposing figure who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 227 pounds appears to have a great chance to start the season with the Flyers. And perhaps stay there for, oh, the next decade or so.

A young, up-and-coming defense is about to become the Flyers calling card, and Morin will be a big part of that identity. It may take a few years before the defense blossoms, but it has a chance to be among the NHLs best in the near future.

Rookies dont have to report until Sept. 9, but Morin has been on the ice in Voorhees since last week. He actually began working out in Voorhees in July before going back home to Quebec for about a week and then returning.

I want to make the team. Ive worked very hard over the summer, said Morin, one of several rookies who have arrived early. I spent almost all of my summer here to get better.

With Michael Del Zotto and Nick Schultz no longer on the team, the Flyers have two openings on defense. Morin and fellow rookies Robert Hagg, Travis Sanheim, and Phil Myers will be battling for those spots.

Morin, the Flyers first-round selection (11th overall) in the 2013 draft, and Hagg are the favorites because it is believed Sanheim and Myers need some more seasoning.

For sure, its a different feeling this year, said Morin, who has recovered from offseason surgery on both wrists. Last year, even if I had a really good camp, there were a lot of veterans that were coming back. This year, you can see theres a lot more room for young guys. There are so many [young] guys that are good players, and in order to get a spot Im going to have to deserve it. Im going to need to battle.

It should be an interesting camp.

Morin, a stay-at-home defender who will supply a much-needed physical presence in front of the net, played well in his only NHL game last season while paired with the speedy and creative Shayne Gostisbehere. At Lehigh Valley, he was paired with Sanheim, another puck-mover.

We had a real good chemistry, Morin said of being alongside Sanheim. With Ghost, I remember playing together at most of our camps. We played a lot of preseason together and played pretty well, so were going to see how it goes. Were good friends, too. Ive spent all my summers here since I was drafted, and hes done the same, so weve spent a lot of time together and know each other and that makes it pretty easy.

To earn a spot with the Flyers, I just need to play my game, Morin said in his thick French Canadian accent. The only [NHL] game I played, I think I did that. Im just really physical. I can fight and do all that stuff. I have to concentrate on what I can do well. When I play the simple way, thats when Im at my best. Keep things simple. Make a good first pass and things like that. I know Im not going to be like Ghost and make a smooth [move] at the blue line. I just have to be myself.

When the Flyers drafted Morin in 2013, his size and snarling style of play triggered immediate comparisons to the great Chris Pronger.

That, of course, wasnt fair.

Pronger was a Hall of Famer and someone who was much more refined at a young age, reaching the NHL just before his 19thbirthday. Morin will be a valuable piece, but scouts say Sanheim and the righthanded-shooting Myers will have much higher upsides when they get to Philadelphia.

That said, each defenseman brings a different type of skill and talent, and they could make the Flyers blue line the envy of the league down the road. It will be intriguing to watch the young guns get acclimated to the NHL over the next few seasons.

Morin has improved immensely since his draft year. Same goes for his English, which, in his words, was terrible when the Flyers chose him in 2013.

The guys are great with me, he said. With the Phantoms, my number was three, and I always struggled to say it. I would say, tree. I was missing the t-h.

Lehigh Valley teammate Cole Bardreau gave him some tutoring, showing him how to position his tongue to make the right sounds come out.

He would help me spell stuff and pronounce it correctly, Morin said. He helped me a lot.

Let it be known that, like his English, Morin is about to start blooming in Philadelphia.

Rafiki has his back.

Published: August 25, 2017 3:01 AM EDT | Updated: August 25, 2017 4:03 PM EDT

We recently asked you to support our journalism. The response, in a word, is heartening. You have encouraged us in our mission to provide quality news and watchdog journalism. Some of you have even followed through with subscriptions, which is especially gratifying. Our role as an independent, fact-based news organization has never been clearer. And our promise to you is that we will always strive to provide indispensable journalism to our community. Subscriptions are available for home delivery of the print edition and for a digital replica viewable on your mobile device or computer. Subscriptions start as low as 25 per day.We're thankful for your support in every way.

Go here to read the rest:
Sam Morin using Disney words as motivation as he tries to earn spot with Flyers - Philly.com

There is some extra motivation for Rochester to push deep during this years finals series.

Club legends Elliot Bowen, Sam Brennan and Heath Aitken have all announced this season will be their last.

Aitken celebrated his 200th game during Saturdays win against Shepparton Swans, with Bowen reaching the same milestone in round eight this season.

Brennan notched up the same games tally in 2015 and claimed the clubs best-and-fairest award last season.

Rochester playing coach James Flaherty said the club made sure to announce their retirements before the end of the regular season for added incentive in the lead in to the Tigers elimination final against Euroa.

That was the reasoning behind it and not just the only reason, but we wanted to do it properly and celebrate their careers, not just for them to put their hand up after our last game this season and say by the way, were retiring, he said.

We wanted to do it properly and now I suppose its up to the playing group and what they can do (during finals).

Aitken and Bowen came to their decision in the past month, with Brennan coming to the same conclusion earlier in the year.

Flaherty said Aitkens issues with concussion this season played a part in his call, with the forward suffering a host of injuries during his 15 years at Rochester.

At a club function on Saturday night supporters had a chance to acknowledge the trios contribution.

Some might have seen it coming, for others it was a bit of a shock, but it seemed like the right thing to do, a lot of people were going up to them and shaking their hand to congratulate them and were understanding of their call, Flaherty said.

A hole of more than 600 games from the senior team will be left next season.

Its going to be hard to replace three quality players and quality people, but I suppose you look at this year and weve had the opportunity to play some of the younger kids and play five or six from the thirds, Flaherty said.

Visit link:
Retiring champs motivation for finals - Shepparton News

The Delores Huerta Foundation's lawsuit against the Kern High School District was successful because the district caved in to the pressure and in a sense admitted it targeted minority students for suspensions and expulsions. I'm a substitute teacher with a California teaching credential who has worked on every campus in the district for the last eight years. One of my assignments was teaching students serving in-school suspensions. I've done this at six different high schools.

Attorneys for the Foundation drew their conclusions from statistical information and interviews from "targeted students" and their families. Let me give you a perspective from somebody who is in the game. I, along with seven different deans, dealt with defiant students about 2 percent of the overall population.

Students at some schools come to my class with schoolwork knowing they will sit for six periods, have three supervised restroom breaks and eat lunch together. One girl referred to ISS as being on "lockdown." That's the feeling the dean wants them to have.

Students at other schools, under the same restrictions, show up with no schoolwork. One dean gave me educational packets with essays, questions and word puzzles. I would give one to each student and 98 percent of the time I got this reaction: "I'm on lockdown, you can keep your packet." I don't believe we have an administrative problem, Ms. Huerta. I see a motivational issue with how some students view their education.

View original post here:
Letter to the editor: It's motivation, not administration - The Bakersfield Californian

Holly Moore, working mom of two girls, shares how she motivates herself to go to the gym each morning.

Holly Moore, manager of network engagement at USA TODAY and mom to 2-year-old Penny (center) and 4-year-old Lucy (right), has three excuses why she goes to the gym.(Photo: USA TODAY)

Complicated equipment. Fit, confident people. And, sweat. A lot of sweat.

Gyms can be intimating. Holly Moore, working mom of two girls, knows that all too well. She's talked herself out of going to the gym in the past. But, after her second daughter Penny was born, she wanted to face her fears for fitness' sake.

Moore, USA TODAY's manager of network engagement, said she hates the way running leaves her gasping for breath, the feeling that everyone at the gym might be judging her and the way her sweat instantly turns her hair frizzy.

Plus, who has the time between work deadlines, swim lessons and doctor's appointments to even get to the gym?

"I can probably come up with literally a million excusesto not go to the gym," Moore said. "Which is why I've come up with excuseswhy I have to goto the gym."

More: Mom says babywearing helped her lose added weight

More: Mom shares 3 tips for becoming more confident

Here are Moore's "excuses":

1. Quiet time. Gym time is the only time that Moore is alone, away from kids, coworkers and chaos. It's her time to focus on herself.

2. Music. She can blast her Britney Spears soundtrack instead of Moana.

3. Wine. "The longer I spend on that elliptical,the larger my pour gets to be," Moore said.

Bonus: She can wear her comfy yoga pants at the gym. Who knew they could be used for more than Netflix-watching attire?

More: To-do list hack helps this working mom stay focused, organized

More: Mom of twin boys says this keeps her stress, anxiety under control

Mom Bod is a USA TODAY video series featuring tips from moms on fitness, nutrition and mental health. The goal? Let's be real about the struggle to "healthy" and learn to love our mom bods.

Read or Share this story: https://usat.ly/2wE3Ibh

Go here to see the original:
Need motivation to go to the gym? Here's what a working mom has ... - USA TODAY

ALLENTOWN J.P. Crawford was starting to figure out his life as an 18-year-old graduate of Lakewood (Calif.) High School.

His first tattoo came on his right bicep in memory of a close friend.

He took ownership of his first dog, a white Husky.

And, he was drafted by the Phillies in the first round of Major League Baseballs amateur draft.

Crawford was transitioning into adulthood like he had dreamed. He spent his first summer as a professional baseball player leading the Gulf Coast League in hitting with a .345 average, then spent the next three years universally rated as the Phillies No. 1 prospect.

Then came another first: a slump.

It started during the final month of his first season (2016) in Triple-A.

Things got worse in the first two-plus months of the 2017 season with the IronPigs, when the 180-pounder struggled to hit above his playing weight.

Several dogs and several tattoos later, Crawford took the next step in his maturation process. He rediscovered his hitting stroke one day in the batting cage in late June, and has hit like a future MLB shortstop since July 1.

Crawford has a .291 batting average with a .938 OPS and 11 home runs which equals his career high for a season in that stretch. He also is learning to play second and third base in the last week or so while maintaining his impressive streak at the plate.

It all comes on the heels of his most difficult stretch as a baseball player.

Oh, yeah, he said, By far the [biggest slump]. Ive learned a lot about myself, that I can overcome.

Im glad to be able to do what Ive done.

What Crawford has done lately is restore the faith Phillies fans have had in him since the club took him with the 16th overall pick on draft day 2013.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder rarely struggled as he climbed his way through Class-A ball, pushing his way to Double-A Reading after batting .392 in his first 21 games of 2015 at high-A Clearwater.

After playing 122 games in 2015-16 in Reading, he was promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on May 20.

He hit .260 in his first 64 games with the IronPigs through Aug. 1.

Then came the wall.

The California native hit only .200 with three extra-base hits in his final 21 games of 2016, then opened this season with a .189 average and seven extra-base hits in 55 games through June 9.

Everybody hates sucking, he said, but you know its going to come sooner or later. You just keep putting in the work, putting the effort.

Youre going to get knocked down. You have to keep getting back up. That shows the man you are.

Through all the hot streaks and promotions, Crawford continued to collect dogs and tattoos.

He had as many as four Huskies before his mother took one. The two males, who came from the litter of his girlfriends Husky, now weigh 70 pounds each at age 3.

They are all calm together and so much fun, Crawford said. They are playful and cuddly all at the same time.

His right arm is now fully covered with ink. He and one of his sisters got matching tattoos. He had his two sisters names inked on, then some tribal stuff and a wolf that stretches to his chest.

Hes not sure whether hell continue with the tattoos, but hes certain he's eager to take the next step.

Crawfords performance the last two months has given his desire credence.

He was trying to do too much at the plate at times," said IronPigs manager Dusty Wathan, who also saw him for parts of 2015-16 when he was Readings boss.

He was a little too passive when he was ahead in the count. Now he is confident in his swing and being aggressive when he gets ahead. Hes not just hitting the ball, but driving it. Trying to do some damage.

There was some desperation before breaking out.

Crawford looked at video prior to a road trip to Buffalo, something he does little of. He adjusted his hand position after that, but saw little results.

He also had a nagging groin injury, which gave him the perfect opportunity to rest physically and mentally.

That time off helped big time, he said. It cleared my head, took the stress off my shoulders. I took a nice, deep breath.

Once I got back from that, I worked on my swing and something just clicked in the cage. It started to work and here I am now.

Shortly after Crawford returned to Lehigh Valleys lineup, Baseball America's midseason prospect rankings came out. He plummeted from 19th to 92nd and deemed no longer an impact player.

That fueled Crawford further.

Seeing all the social media stuff, its sad to say but I had a reality check, he said. I dont really care about the rankings. All I care about is getting out of here.

But seeing them say that Im not an impact player, it kind of lit a fire. I was like, All right, lets go.

Crawford has taken his hot bat to places it has not gone since turning pro, displaying a knack for extra-base hits a career-best 36 through Friday. He has sacrificed a few strikeouts for the opportunity to consistently drive the ball while maintaining is strong eye at the plate.

It feels comfortable knowing what I can do is finally showing on the field, he said.

Come September, Crawfords girlfriend and three dogs now back in California will be watching the 22-year-old make his major league debut.

thousenick@mcall.com

Twitter @TomHousenick

610-820-6651

Go here to see the original:
Crawford talks tattoos, dogs, slumps and motivation during breakout ... - Allentown Morning Call

Aaron Ramsey gives a candid, and dejected, account of Arsenal's showing vs. Liverpool, and their need for vast improvement. Craig Burley lambastes Arsenal's display against Liverpool in his player ratings. ESPN FC's Craig Burley recaps the Premier League table after Week 3 closes out, with Arsenal sitting way down in sixteenth.

Petr Cech said Arsenal's lack of fight against Liverpool was "quite simply unacceptable," but insisted they could still compete for the Premier League title.

Arsenal were demolished 4-0 at Anfield after a lacklustre performance saw them dominated by Liverpool throughout, failing to muster a shot on target.

The Gunners could not cope with Liverpool's energy and were repeatedly beaten in duels and challenges, which Cech said was the most disappointing aspect of their display.

"It was quite simply unacceptable for the size of the club we are and for the team we have," the goalkeeper told Sky Sports.

"Obviously you can come here and lose 4-0. OK, it can happen on a bad day when you fight but you are unlucky and your opponent is playing well and scores with every shot they have. Then it can happen.

"But not like it happened today. The way it happened today is unacceptable.

"We were not fighting, we were not running enough, we were not winning any individual battles and as a team we completely failed to respond to their way of playing, and that is the most disappointing thing.

"But we have only ourselves to blame."

The loss leaves Arsenal in 16th place in the Premier League table with three points from three games, having also lost at Stoke last weekend.

But while many fans and critics are already writing off their title chances, Cech said: "I would say the only positive out of the game is that we have to respond, and we have time to respond.

"It's very early doors in the season, and with two defeats you can still win the league.

"If I didn't believe that we could do that I would probably retire and not play football any more. But I believe that this team has everything to compete and to win the title.

"I think we have shown that in many games and we need to make sure we are consistent and that, when the games come, we are always on top."

Mattias is ESPN FC's Arsenal correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @MattiasKaren.

More:
Petr Cech slams 'unacceptable' Arsenal performance in Liverpool loss - ESPN FC