When Habersham County Coach Shane Dover suddenly passed away Tuesday, the community felt shockwaves of pain as they lost a beloved father, husband, teacher and coach.

Shane Dover dedicated his life to helping Habershams youth develop a love for learning and grow their potential as athletes. His dedication to Habersham County students set him apart, making him a beloved member of the Habersham County School System, a great coach and a pillar in the Habersham County Community.

When I think about Shane Dover I think of a teacher and coach that truly loved his job, Habersham County Schools Superintendent Matthew Cooper said. He told me on a number of occasions how much he enjoyed being a teacher. He was always grateful for the opportunity to be in the education profession. He was living his dream job.

Dover leaves behind a school board that admired him, students who adored him and a team of coaches who loved him like family, as well as his wife, Kristie, and three sons, Sawyer, Sutton and Slade.

As Ive thought about Shane over the last few days, the word that keeps coming to my mind is love,' Habersham Central High School Head Baseball Coach Chris Akridge said. Through coaching both football and baseball with him, I saw that Shane loved coaching and truly loved our players. I also witnessed the love that he had for his sons and his wife. It was evident that he loved his family with every fiber of his being.

He was dedicated to Habershams athletics, serving as a coach for the Habersham Central Raiders football team and Wilbanks Middle School girls basketball.

Coach Dover was a total team player, says Habersham County Schools Athletic Director Geep Cunningham. He loved his job and he loved the Raiders.

Cunningham says that Dovers commitment to athletics and coaching of multiple sports is unheard of in todays times.

He did things the right way, Cunningham says. It makes me extremely proud to work with Coach [Dover] and know that we will always be members together in the Raider Family.

Dover is remembered not only as a friend, teacher and coach, but as someone dedicated to his faith and his community.

From the standpoint of being his friend and co-worker, Shane was a guy who was easy to love, Akridge said. He always had a positive attitude and a servants heart which made him lovable to everyone that he came in contact with. As a man of faith, it was noticeable that he loved his Savior. To me, that is the legacy that he left on our community and on the students and athletes that he worked witha legacy of loving life and loving others.

Dovers passion was working with youth, whether it was on the field, in the classroom or at church. His family says that out of everything he did, including a 29-year career with the Georgia Department of Transportation, working with youth was his true calling.

Coach Dover was the kind of teacher that our students just loved, Superintendent Cooper said. His students knew that he cared about them deeply and that he was willing to do whatever was necessary to make class fun.

He taught at Wilbanks Middle School, where his students looked forward to class with him.

Coach Dover was a great teacher, coach, husband and father, and a great friend, said Wilbanks Middle School Assistant Principal Chris Chitwood and Principal MaryBeth Thomas in a statement to Now Habersham. He will be missed by our staff and our students.

WMS says that his impact on students as both a teacher and coach left a mark on the school and its students, building a place where students wanted to be.

In the classroom, he created an environment where students wanted to come to school and be in his class, WMS administration says. On the field, he was more than a coach he was a mentor. For Coach Dover, teaching and coaching was not a job but something he wanted to do, and he enjoyed it. His students absolutely loved him. He was excited about teaching and coaching and was devoted to it.

Habersham County Schools students, faculty, administration and staff all agree that Dover was one-of-a-kind, and will be deeply missed.

He simply cannot be replaced, Cooper said. There is no doubt in my mind that his legacy will live on in his three sons and in the many students that he impacted in the classroom and in athletics.

Services for Dover will be held Saturday, Jan. 8 in the Habersham Central High School auditorium beginning at noon. Rev. Doug Porter, Dr. Brian James and Coach Benji Harrison will officiate. Interment will follow at Yonah Memorial Gardens.

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Remembering the legacy of Coach Shane Dover - Now Habersham

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. -- Bloomfield Hills Marian girls basketball coach Mary Cicerone walked out of her teams postgame debriefing on Friday night holding a bouquet of flowers and a small, round cake inside a protective plastic container. Typically, it is not usually what she carries around after losing a basketball game, but it was her birthday after all.

Although she was hoping to celebrate her 62nd birthday with a win instead of a 35-29 home loss to rival Farmington Hills Mercy, the cake and flowers were a nice consolation prize. Since she does not like holding onto awards and is not a big fan of extravagance, they were good gifts too. She can eat the cake and be done with it. Flowers only last so long.

Over her 39 seasons of coaching girls varsity basketball exclusively at Bloomfield Hills Marian, Cicerone has accumulated many honors for her longstanding success with the program. Cicerone has likely earned enough individual honors to make a shrine to herself at home.

But if you want to see what Cicerone has done with her awards, you might find yourself digging through the trash.

You know what Ive done with all of those awards? Cicerone asked. For 39 years, what are you going to do with all those things? I dont have them anymore. I trashed them. Gave them to a trophy place in hopes they can use them again.

Cicerone became a coach because she loves the sport and she loves the kids. She doesnt want the spotlight now matter how much people think she deserves it.

That is why when Cicerone decided to retire from coaching and teaching at the conclusion of this season and school year, she did not make a deal about it. She told her players. She told her athletic director. If you asked her about it, she would answer. She just did not want to make a big deal about it.

I dont care (who knows), Cicerone said. My team knows. Thats all that matters to me.

The thing is, Cicerones decision to retire is a big deal.

Bloomfield Hills Marian head coach Mary Cicerone directs her players during Bloomfield Hills Marian's girls basketball game against Royal Oak at Marian High School in Bloomfield Hills Friday, March 8 2019.MLive.com

Cicerone is currently the fourth-winningest girls basketball coach in state history, according to records kept by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Her career record of 697-228 puts her one win behind former Detroit Martin Luther King coach William Winfield, who retired in 2018. She is three wins away from becoming just the third coach to ever reach 700 victories.

With at least 14 games left this season -- or more, if Marian makes a deep playoff run -- Cicerone will also be the first female coach in state history to win 700 games. Former Detroit Country Day coach Frank Orlando won a state record 797 games from 1981-2019. Current Sandusky coach Al DeMott has 774 wins since he began coaching there in 1979.

Just like her age, Cicerone treats her win total as if it is just another number.

Who cares about that? Cicerone said. Whats 700? What is that going to be? Five hundred wins, 400 wins -- whats the difference? I mean, 700, Ive been here forever. I should have a lot, right? You know, Im not in it for that. Id like for these kids to go out in their senior year -- Ive done this with all of them for a long time and theyre special.

Its not that Cicerone is ungrateful for her honors and recognition. In fact, she still holds on to plenty of great things. You just wont find them on some dusty shelf.

Ive got tons of memories, Cicerone said. I know everybody from that first year. Those are the things you remember.

Cicerone is 6-1 in state championship games, winning her first three appearances. Her first was in 1988 when she coached Jennifer Shasky, the only Miss Basketball winner in school history. That year, Marian beat Flint Powers in convincing fashion, 71-49. She has since coached four other Miss Basketball finalists. Cicerones most recent state championship was in 2015 when Marian beat DeWitt, 51-37, marking the first time she ever won back-to-back state championships.

Its a good thing those six state championship trophies are being taken care of by the school in the trophy case. Give them enough time in Cicerones hands and they might have been dropped off at a local trophy shop.

I know theyre there (in the trophy case), Cicerone said. I dont have to see them. I really dont look at them. Weve got so many (from other sports). How do I pick out mine from all the others?

Cicerone clarified that she did keep many of her plaques for a long time before she got rid of them. However, she kept them in a closet that became too cumbersome to organize.

Some people are just humble enough to realize the excess of success is clutter. In Cicerones case, it is clutter well earned.

Im going to miss it, dont get me wrong, Cicerone said. But Im just ready to pass the torch. Im not going to stay here for frickin ever. Ive already been here forever. The kids are all OK with it. They know theyre going to be in good hands.

After winning just over 75 percent of the 925 games she has coached, Cicerone is preparing to move on with her life.

No hoopla, please.

This is normal, she said. People move on, someone takes over. Thats the way it is.

Originally posted here:
Three wins away from 700, Marian basketball coach Mary Cicerone is retiring after this season - MLive.com

Darren Carter is home. A lifelong Birmingham City supporter, his playing career at the club included scoring the penalty that first took the club into the Premier League in 2002. Twenty years on, he has returned as the interim coach of Birmingham City Women.

Some of his players were not born when that ball hit the net, but he is remembered around these parts. For his first game in charge against Manchester City last month, the attendance at St Andrew's was swelled by the number of family and friends in the crowd.

"It was a special moment," he tells Sky Sports. "It probably did not sink in first time around how proud they all were. You do appreciate those moments more as you get older. My whole family are Birmingham City supporters. It still feels like home."

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Although Carter, 38, says that he is "loving every minute of it and learning every day" the circumstances of his return are far from ideal. The team are rock-bottom of the Women's Super League with just one point from their opening 10 matches.

Some fight was shown in that first game, only a late Manchester City goal denying them a point. There were even two goals to celebrate - doubling their total for the season. It was encouraging because it provided a bit of belief that the team can compete.

"The first job was to lift the spirits," says Carter, "because we should be competing. The players deserve to be at this level." But how do you restore confidence? "You just remind them of their qualities. I have been there. That is how you build momentum.

"I have seen a change of mindset. Players are starting to enjoy it again. That is big for me. In any industry, if you are not enjoying it, if it becomes a grind, you aren't going to get the best out of people. It is about creating that environment and putting smiles on faces."

His own playing career only came to an end last season. He acknowledges that the opportunity has come sooner than he has anticipated in his coaching career following a conversation with former team-mate Craig Gardner, now the club's technical director.

Carter played under Steve Bruce and Mick McCarthy, vastly experienced coaches, but he describes Solihull Moors boss Jimmy Shan, under whom he began his coaching journey, as his mentor. "I am a bit of a disciple of his. He is on speed-dial."

The influences are eclectic. Carter is a big basketball fan and so Phil Jackson, the former Chicago Bulls coach, is an inspiration. "He is one of the greatest. I have read all his books. When the pandemic first hit I did so much studying of him and his ways of coaching.

"I love the intricacies of basketball, the psychology of it. They are way more advanced on how to create an environment for players, how to engage them. Even though it is a different sport, a different dynamic, the challenge of managing people is still the same."

Tactically, he has changed things, trying a new formation. "What is the system that suits the players? We have looked at that. Changing the way they play, being more on the front foot and being brave even against the top teams." But mentality is going to be key.

"Adversity separates the winners from the rest and we know we have good leaders here. Even the younger ones have a great attitude. They won't shirk it. There are players here with high ceilings. The challenge for me is to get them to their best."

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Defeat to Leicester in his second game in charge was difficult to take. "It was a real gut-check, I cannot lie. We felt that we had enough in the game to score. We got into good areas. It was just that final bit of quality. We shot ourselves in the foot."

But they are creating chances now at least. "That has come from a change of style. We want to be in the final third a lot more, have those entries, those shots and create those chances, because we have talented players at the top end of the pitch."

They need to take them soon but there is still hope. With a dozen games to play, his team are only two points from safety. "We are positive," he says. "Ultimately, you need results at the weekend but I know these players have more to give. The time is now."

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Darren Carter interview: Birmingham City Women boss faces an uphill task but a basketball coach is his inspiration - Sky Sports

The car service driver guides his vehicle slow enough through the outer edges of downtown Cleveland so Barbara Turner can inhale many of her childhood memories. She points out her former house and wonders aloud where the milk crate might be that she and her older brother Cameron used for a basketball goal.

The neighborhood gym appears after a measured turn around the block. This is where Turner crafted her basketball skills playing against many of the better boys in the area.

About 4 miles west, directly across the street from a group of public housing apartments run by the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, is East Technical High School. Its the same East Tech that produced Olympic gold medalists Jesse Owens and Harrison Dillard, and Jack Trice, the only Black man whose name graces a Division I football stadium.

One of the most decorated and celebrated female athletes in Clevelands history is in town on a business trip with the Houston Rockets. She enters the building of her alma mater for the first time in 10 years because of her engaging schedule.

The wait was way too long.

The last time I was here, I remember being excited about what I accomplished but also having some anxiety entering the next chapter of my life, Turner said.

Turner helped galvanize a community as she led an unlikely girls basketball team to an unprecedented Ohio state title. She then became a two-time NCAA champion at the University of Connecticut, played in the WNBA and in Turkey. Turner is currently one of the few women player development coaches in the NBA, and is one of seven women listed as an assistant coach. She was also inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

All from someone who grew up in Cleveland, the poorest big city in the country (30% of residents and 46% of children live below the poverty line), where the degree of violent crime has escalated to historic levels.

Although now a resident of Houston, Cleveland remains home for Turner.

Its home because thats where Im loved after bringing the inner city of Cleveland to a better light, and showing people that you can make it out of any condition or circumstances, Turner said. Im forever grateful and indebted to the city of Cleveland.

Branson Wright

East Tech plays in one of the oldest city public school conferences in the state, but has never had a reputation for girls basketball success. Budget cuts have limited schools to only a varsity roster, omitting junior varsity and freshmen, and many of the better players enroll in private school programs.

For Turner, it was important for her to remain in the community and achieve what no other school in her conference had before. She also found plenty of motivation when she rejected an offer from a coach to play for a private school.

He said that he was offering me a chance of a lifetime, and if I remained at East Tech that Id just become another statistic, Turner said. I never forgot those words. So every time we played them, I wanted to destroy him. Every time I wanted to achieve something, I kept those words in my mind.

Those words werent enough to help East Tech advance beyond the state semifinals Turners sophomore and junior years. Heading into her senior year, a stress fracture in her right tibia threatened to wipe out her final high school season and a chance at a state championship.

I was boo-hoo crying, Turner said. But my driving force was that I wanted to bring something positive to East Tech and to the area we call Down the Way. I wasnt going to allow that to stop me.

It didnt.

To take the strain off her leg, Turner didnt practice all season and only played in games. Despite her limitations, East Tech went on an unbelievable run, and the community supported the success with packed gyms not even seen at boys games.

Wed leave work early to see their games, said local barber Ted Lighting. Id compare the atmosphere here to how Chicago reacted during the Bulls [championship] era.

The neighborhood gravitated toward us, said Mel Burke, who was then an East Tech assistant coach. It was inner-city projects heaven. Fans were feeding us, raising money to buy the players socks, and fans raised money for T-shirts to wear in the state game. The support was off the charts.

And the East Tech Mighty Scarabs didnt disappoint in the 2002 state final. Turner led her school to the Division II championship with 30 points and nine rebounds. Shortly after her state title victory, Turner was named Ms. Ohio Basketball and to the McDonalds All American team.

We had some type of celebration at our gym with the students and with most of the people that would travel to see us play, Turner said. I remember feeling so happy and satisfied that we achieved everything we set out to do by winning a championship and bringing some positivity to the community.

Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Turners basketball career continued at UConn, where she was a member of two NCAA title teams and ranks among the Huskies all-time scoring and rebounding leaders. During her career, she was named most outstanding player of the Big East tournament and was a member of the Big East all-tournament team.

There was an adjustment period despite Turners on-court success. The added competition pushed her.

There was a lot of pressure at UConn because of what was expected, Turner said. They were superduper good and on a great run when I got there. And it was the first time I was in an environment where all 11 players were stars in high school.

Ive always had a fear of failure, and what helps me overcome my fear of failure is my will to want success. Success is my only result.

Success continued as she became the 11th overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm. Turner had an average WNBA career from 2006 to 2009, but she was more consistent in Turkey, one of the top overseas leagues. She recently completed her 15th pro season and is a naturalized Turkish citizen. Once she became a citizen, Turner chose the name Bahar Ozturk (Bahar means spring in English; Ozturk is the last name of the team owner who helped her get a passport), which she did to show respect for the country and culture.

I benefited from playing overseas because I was able to have a longer career, Turner said. I made a hell of a lot of money. I embraced the country and got to learn the culture of a country that Ive come to love.

The time in Turkey is when the coaching bug began to bite Turner. She started closely watching Europes male stars such as Luka Doni, Cedi Osman and Furkan Korkmaz.

It gave me a feel of what I need to look for and how I can help guys improve, Turner said. It started my passion to work in the player development field.

David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Turner worked as an intern with the Rockets last summer under the direction of her mentor John Lucas, a former NBA coach who has been a Rockets assistant since 2016. Turner has known Lucas since he helped train her while he was the coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2001 to 2003.

At the end of 2020, Turner came to a turning point and sought her mentor for help.

I dont know if Id call it depression, but there was a moment I was really lost because I didnt know what was next, Turner said. Lucas asked me what I wanted to do and I said player development. He brought me in.

With the Rockets, Turner worked offseason practices, pre-draft workouts and camps with NBA prospects, and assisted Lucas at his personal camps. Once the Rockets drafted Turkish center Alperen engn in July, a door of opportunity opened. She was hired to translate for engn and assist the team during summer league in Las Vegas.

I had a conversation with Coach [Stephen] Silas and he told me what my role would be, and the rest is history, Turner said.

In her position, Turners not only responsible for translating for engn, but also working out the younger players and breaking down videos for the coaching staff with an emphasis on the teams offensive playbook.

Barbara has all the four components of coaching, Lucas said. Shes been a counselor, shes been a mentor, she teaches the game and one of her greatest assets is positive confrontation. She knows how to challenge young men without offending them.

Branson Wright

Turners latest trip home had some challenges once she walked the empty halls of East Tech. Her tour guide, athletic director Leroy Carter, impatiently waited for her return to show Turner that shes never been forgotten.

It started with a tour of the gym. The state championship banner is on the wall behind one basket, and a poster of Turner is behind the basket on the opposite end. From there, a walk to a trophy case reveals relics from two of the greats Owens and Dillard along with a banner of Turner.

Finally, theres a trip to the schools indoor track. A painting of Turner, along with her quote following the state title, causes her to pause.

She probably thought we forgot about her and she almost got emotional, Carter said. We always talk about her around here and use her life as an example for our students to strive for excellence.

Turner managed to hold back the tears, but she couldnt control the rush of emotions.

I felt extremely proud, she said. Probably even more than when I won the national championship in college, because winning here was like a national championship.

I cant put into words how proud I am of myself and being able to do what Ive accomplished coming out of East Tech. This will always be something thats a part of my legacy.

Branson Wright is a filmmaker and freelance multimedia sports reporter.

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Rockets Barbara Turner returns home to Cleveland with a proud legacy - The Undefeated

BERLIN - With the retirement of longtime Hiland girls basketball coach Dave Schlabach and the passing of Tom Jenkins last year, the future of the Classic in the Country, an event developed by Schlabach and Jenkins 20 years earlier, seemed uncertain.

More: GIRLS BASKETBALL | Jason Mishler focused on keeping Hiland on top

Schlabach, however, committed his time and resources to ensure that the Classic in the Country, a 25-game showcase of high school girls basketball continued as a tribute to Jenkins, along with the remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Perry Reese Jr.

"As I was getting ready to retire from coaching, we were pretty much resigned to no longer doing the Classic in the Country after last year," Schlabach said. "But with Tom's passing, and all that stuff coming out about how important this event was to him, Cousy (former assistant coach Dave Borter) said he would do this as long as he was needed since it was that important to Tom."

Borter said his primary duties were to organize team hosts, assign team locker rooms and assure that all players, coaches and team personnel experienced a first class event. There are 37 teams scheduled to play over the weekend this year.

It was my duty to see that everything from making sure that they knew exactly where to go for anything they were looking for and knowing they had a team host available to answer any questions, Borter said.

In "retirement," Borter adds with a laugh, he will still have many of the same responsibilities, but is transitioning some of those duties to the new coaching staff.

Jenkins always used to joke that they "had to make it to X," or 10, as the Classic in the Country uses Roman numerals (like the Super Bowl) to emphasize the impact the event has locally. Anything after 10 was considered a bonus.

"This event is so important to our community, financially, for tourism, and for the benefit of our players," Schlabach said. "It's amazing how I can be in an airport in Texas, or somewhere like that and run into somebody who was an assistant coach for this college or that who was at the Classic. You just don't know what you have until it's gone. But it's time to get new blood involved. The people who have been doing this event for the past 15-20 years are tired.

"Tom loved the idea that we pulled this thing off. When talking about the Classic, he always used to say this was a magical event. We were able to do so many good things," Schlabach said. "We were extremely different, but we had the same goals in mind, so it worked out."

Schlabach talked about Jenkins' relationship with college coaches, and just Ohio basketball, as being a big part of the continued success of the Classic in the Country. Hundreds of college coaches come to Berlin every year for the Classic to see a collection of talent all in one stop.

"His impact is very long-lasting in our state," Schlabach said. "There are kids playing in college, overseas, and in the WNBA that probably wouldn't have been there if it hadn't been for Tom's help and guidance.

Jenkins: Hiland bids farewell to Tom Jenkins in a celebration of his life

East Holmes Superintendent Erik Beun points out how the Classic in the Country has helped put Hiland on the map, earning national recognition for the quality event it has become.

The Classic in the Country is an event held during the time of year when tourist traffic is lower, and this brings a lot of people into our community, he said. Those people are eating at restaurants and staying at hotels and doing other things that really helps the local economy.

"It also gives us a chance to host the visiting schools and communities that gives them an excellent environment to showcase their skills, and have an opportunity to experience playing in the Classic, Beun continued.

Having an event in the middle of January, when the tourism industry generally takes a hiatus, seeing the hotels fill up with visitors from out of town for a weekend of basketball is a big bonus for the Holmes County community.

Through the first 18 years the Classic in the Country has been held, it generated an estimated $20 million for the Holmes County economy, according to the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce. Hotels prosper, restaurants fill up and visitors are treated to some top-quality girls basketball.

Beun adds that the Classic in the Country has almost taken on a life if its own, thanks to the army of volunteers who have made it happen every year for the past 18 years.

volunteers: Cooper volunteers in many ways at the annual Classic in the Country girls hoops tourney

There is a long list of volunteers who help year in, year out, he said. Daves commitment, and Tom Jenkins previously, and so many others along the way have made this event what it is. There has been such an effort by so many volunteers, from the entertainment committee, to the snack stands, it has created a memorable experience for people.

Brady Schlabach, the son of Coach Schlabach, has taken on an increased role in helping move the event forward. He started out as part of the entertainment crew as a child and will lend his talents to continue the event that his father developed.

The younger Schlabach has worked with his father and others to put together a schedule of competitive games, matching up teams with similarly skilled opponents who they normally wouldnt face, like teams from Columbus and Cincinnati taking on teams from Northeast Ohio to Toledo.

We are trying to create the best atmosphere we can for these girls to compete in, he said. Thats what it has always been what Classic in the Country is about. It gives teams a chance to play against other great schools in Ohio, but also nationally, and international. Weve even got a team out of Canada this year.

I was very fortunate to grow up in the basketball community, but also the Hiland community as a whole, Schlabach said. Its been really cool to see behind the scenes of this success, and all the hard work that goes into it. I never realized what all goes into it until this year, and how important the community is to making the event happen. Every year we have to ask for volunteers, and the community always steps up.

Whenever I talk to high school coaches about the Classic, they mention the hospitality, and our volunteers are the best you can find, he continued. They are the most caring people anywhere. Especially Cousy. Even though he and my dad are no longer coaching, Cousy has been the biggest help behind the scenes in getting things ready to go.

The Classic in the Country is going big this year, adding five games over the Martin Luther King weekend to make it 25 games over Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Jan. 15, 16 and 17.

"We used to play seven games on Saturday and Monday, but now we're going to have nine games," Schlabach said. "And weve gone from five to seven games on Sunday. We've got a lot of teams that want to be here, including a couple teams from out of state (Colorado and Indiana) and a loaded team from Ontario, Canada (Southwest Academy)."

A schedule of the games and ticket information is available online at Classicinthecountry.org.

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Schlabach continuing Classic in the Country after retiring as Hiland girls hoops coach - Wooster Daily Record

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Video: Justin Rogers, John Niyo analyze Lions' win over the Packers

Detroit News beat writer Justin Rogers and columnist John Niyo discuss the Lions' season-ending victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Justin Rogers, The Detroit News

Detroit Tracy Walker had it rough.

A leader of Detroits secondary, the fourth-year safety was stuck with a nickname that no defensive back would find appealing: "Butters" Walker.

He dropped that nickname on Sunday when he picked off Jordan Love with under 30 seconds left in the Lions 37-30 season-finale win over the Green Bay Packers for his first interception since Week 1, 2019 an 853-day gap.

Today we cant call him Butters, said defensive back C.J. Moore, who intercepted Love a drive prior to put Detroit in the drivers seat. He actually got one.

It was an up-and-down game that closed a stellar season for Walker, an impending free agent who'sdue for a raise after what his nose for bringing down the ballcarrier gave the Lions this season. He even tied a career-high in tackles Sunday, coming up with 13.

Honestly, Im just happy we got the win, Walker said. That goes to the foundation weve been trying to establish all year. Weve been having all types of ups and downs, but today we were able to go out there and play as one. We played as a team today, and we were able to be successful today.

Still, Walkers season and the Lions win almost ended after a tackle he didnt make.

With the Lions leading 27-22 in the fourth, Walker whiffed on a tackle during a tight end screen to Green Bays Josiah Deguara that wound up going for a 62-yard touchdown to put the Packers up, 30-27.

I know I gotta make the tackle, but Im human, too, Walker said. He gets paid on the other side of the ball as well, so shoutout to him for making me miss. … I made up for it in the long run.

That he did, and hes got those two late interceptions plus a rushing touchdown from DAndre Swift that regained the lead to thank for why Detroit closed the last six weeks of its season on a 3-3 run.

For Walker, that final stretch of the season represented growth of a team that asked him to do a lot of heavy lifting, and didnt always have top-flight talent alongside him in the secondary. The former third-round pick out of Louisianaled the team in tackles and set a single-season career high with 107.

Thats quite a bounce-back season after the Matt Patricia-led Lions took him away from free safety in 2020, the place on the field where hes most impactful. Now comes the wait, as its still unclear whether exactly what Walkers future holds.

More:Ranking the Lions' impending unrestricted free agents

But given his postgame comments, one would have a hard time believing that he wants to play anywhere else. He certainly doesnt talk like someone who plans on starting all over again in someplace new.

Weve had so many ups and downs this year, that I dont think we give enough credit to Dan Campbell. Hes a hell of a coach, Walker said.

Hes always preparing us, each and every week, to go out and compete against the best of the best. At the end of the day, I feel like things are coming together, and we see that. … Sometimes life doesnt go your way, but hey, life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond. And we responded the right way today, so thats how we look at it.

And he definitely doesnt sound like someone whos interested in trying to jibe with a third coaching staff in three years.

I feel like with these coaches, they believe in the players, Walker said. They understand what its like to be a player, first off, so theyre open ears. Sometimes we might not be right as players, but theyre still open to hear it. Thats the biggest thing for me. That was the biggest difference, honestly. I respect these coaches for that, giving me a voice, and allowing me to voice my opinions, and hearing me out, regardless if Im right or wrong.

Thats the difference between these coaches. Thats why I respect them the way I do.

Nolan Bianchi is a freelance writer.

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Buddhism is one of the worlds major religions. It originated in India in 563483 B.C.E. with Siddhartha Gautama, and over the next millennia it spread across Asia and the rest of the world. Buddhists believe that human life is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, but that if one achieves a state of enlightenment (nirvana), it is possible to escape this cycle forever. Siddhartha Gautama was the first person to reach this state of enlightenment and was, and is still today, known as the Buddha. Buddhists do not believe in any kind of deity or god, although there are supernatural figures who can help or hinder people on the path towards enlightenment.

Siddhartha Gautama was an Indian prince in the fifth century B.C.E. who, upon seeing people poor and dying, realized that human life is suffering. He renounced his wealth and spent time as a poor beggar, meditating and travelling but ultimately, remaining unsatisfied, settling on something called the Middle Way. This idea meant that neither extreme asceticism or extreme wealth were the path to enlightenment, but rather, a way of life between the two extremes. Eventually, in a state of deep meditation, he achieved enlightenment, or nirvana underneath the Bodhi tree (the tree of awakening). The Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, Indiathe site of his enlightenmentis now a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.

The Buddha taught about Four Noble Truths. The first truth is called Suffering (dukkha), which teaches that everyone in life is suffering in some way. The second truth is Origin of suffering (samudya). This states that all suffering comes from desire (tanh). The third truth is Cessation of suffering (nirodha), and it says that it is possible to stop suffering and achieve enlightenment. The fourth truth, Path to the cessation of suffering (magga) is about the Middle Way, which are the steps to achieve enlightenment.

Buddhists believe in a wheel of rebirth, where souls are born again into different bodies depending on how they conducted themselves in their previous lives. This is connected to karma, which refers to how a persons good or bad actions in the past or in their past lives can impact them in the future.

There are two main groups of Buddhism: Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism is common in Tibet, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. It emphasizes the role models of bodhisattvas (beings that have achieved enlightenment but return to teach humans). Theravada Buddhism is common in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Burma (Myanmar). It emphasizes a monastic lifestyle and meditation as the way to enlightenment.

Buddhism has been a controversial religion. The head of the Tibetan school of Buddhism and traditional leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, fled from China-controlled Tibet in 1959 to India in fear of his life. Many Tibetan Buddhists actively resist Chinese control of the region. Recently, the current Dalai Lama, who is understood to be the fourteenth reincarnation of the first Dalai Lama, has raised questions over whether and where he will choose to reincarnate.

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Buddhism | National Geographic Society

Buddhism is variously understood as a religion, a philosophy, or a set of beliefs and practices based on the teachings of the Buddha, or Awakened Onethe title given to the Indian spiritual seeker Siddhartha Gautama after he attained enlightenment more than 2,600 years ago. The Buddhas best-known teachings, the four noble truths and the eightfold path, describe the nature of human suffering and a way to liberate oneself from the existential pain of living and achieve nirvana.

These teachings spread from India throughout Asia and eventually the rest of the world. While the broader Buddhist family includes many different schools with their own beliefs and practices, these various traditions share a conviction that one can come to understand the truth of existence by living an ethical life dedicated to spiritual development.

Thats the short answer, but there is a lot more to say about it. Click on the questions below to dive deeper into Buddhist teachings, history, and practices.

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What is Buddhism? | Learn More About Buddhism | Buddhism ...

Do you practice Buddhism? Have you been following the footsteps of a Buddhist but lack the fundamental principles to exercise fully? Then, this article is a detailed guide to see you through.

Buddhism is a non-theistic system. That is to say, they do not believe in the existence of a supreme being. However, it is a way of life. And, Buddhism is beyond religion. In addition, about an estimated 488 million in the world practice Buddhism. Hence, it represents up to 9% to 10% of the worlds total population.

Buddhism as a philosophy exists across many cultures and periods. Also, it goes with variable teachings and practices. Despite the differences among Buddhist traditions, they still share a standard set of core beliefs.

Thus, in Buddhism, the primary purpose of life is to end suffering. The Buddha teachings emphasize that humans suffer because of earthly pleasures. In the same manner, he taught that these pleasures mask the rate of human suffering. Therefore, Buddhism teaches us the importance of recognizing the impermanence of all things. And, above all, how to free oneself from such attachments.

This is one of the core beliefs of Buddhism. Hence, Reincarnation is the concept that people are reborn after dying. In general sense, it is merely understood as living a multiple life. But, the idea of reincarnation is quite broad in Buddhism. In other words, reincarnation can also be referred to as rebirth. However, the idea behind the two might differ to a certain extent.

To clarify, in reincarnation, the individual may recur repeatedly. But for rebirth, a person does not necessarily return to earth as the same entity ever again.

From Buddhism, it generally takes between 49 days and two years after death.

Buddhism teaches the belief in karma. Certainly, Karma means that all actions have consequential effects. Furthermore, the consequences of acts undertaken in earlier lifetimes will be felt immediately, or years later.

The laws of karma are all about the positive and negative implications of our words, thoughts, and deeds. In essence, everything we do links to our karma. Thus:

Indeed, it is a Buddhist aim to educate oneself through how karma works to escape the adverse effects.

Meditation is an essential practice of a Buddhist. Most of all, meditation means focusing the mind on achieving an inner stillness that leads to a state of enlightenment. More so, it is a devotional exercise. Meditation is merely the practice of focusing your attention on a particular object of practice. Or, generally something simple, like a word or phrase. Also, it is another core belief of Buddhism. Meditation is the key. That is to say, the practice of meditation helps you attend a heightened state of awareness and focused attention.

With meditation, you can achieve a tremendous calming effect. Surprisingly, it can make your brain age slower. Also, meditation removes your mind from unnecessary worries. And, it increases the life span.

One can practice meditation in various forms. It can be:

Meditation can also help those affected by:

Its importance can never be overemphasized. Most importantly, except by calming our mind, and examining our minds nature, we will never reach enlightenment.

Other teachings of the Buddha are ideas expressed most briefly in the Four Noble Truths, The Noble Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts. Similarly, they form together a foundation of belief for all branches of Buddhism.

Suffering can come in many forms. However, there are three distinct kinds of pain corresponding to the first three sights the Buddha. More so, these are what the Buddha saw on his first journey outside his palace. Thus, they include:

Even more, according to the Buddha, the problem of suffering goes much deeper. As a result, Life is not ideal. Hence, it frequently fails to come up to our expectations.

Human beings are subject to desires and cravings. But, even when we can satisfy these desires, the satisfaction is only temporary. That is to say, pleasure does not last. Or, even if it does, it becomes boring.

However, when we are not suffering from outward causes like illness or grief, we are unfulfilled and unsatisfied. This is the truth of suffering. Although, some people who encounter this teaching may find it doubtful. Either way, Buddhists find it neither optimistic nor pessimistic, but realistic.

Fortunately, the Buddhas teachings do not end with suffering. Instead, they go on to tell us what we can do about it. And, also, how to stop it.

Our day-to-day troubles may come from the following causes: thirst, failure, pain from an injury, sadness from the loss of a loved one. Certainly, in the second of his Noble Truths, the Buddha taught about the cause of all suffering. And, most noteworthy, it is much more deeply rooted than our immediate worries.

The Buddha taught that the root of all suffering is desire, tanh. Further, this comes in three forms. And, can come in any of the listed names as the Buddha described:

Greed and desire and envy are the three ultimate roots of evil.

The Three Fires are hate, greed and ignorance exhibited simultaneously.

Ignorance or delusion, represented by a pig. Then, hatred and destructive urges, represented by a snake.

The Buddha taught that the way to extinguish desire, which causes suffering, is to liberate oneself from attachment.

By extinguishing the three fires of greed, delusion, and hatred. Above all, the Buddha himself showed the possibility of such virtue during his lifetime.

The final Noble Truth is the Buddhas prescription for the end of suffering. This is a set of principles called the Eightfold Path.

According to the fourth Noble Truth, one can permanently escape suffering by following the Noble Eightfold Path.

You need to know things as they indeed are without misunderstandings for all things change. Hence, the need to develop the wisdom of how things work. On the same note, identify yourself and respect others.

Always set your life on the correct path. Similarly, make a full resolution and dedication to overcoming the urge for self-centered craving. Certainly, one can achieve this by developing love, kindness, empathy, and compassion for others.

Abstain from lies and deceptions, backbiting, idle, and abusive speech. Instead, cultivate honesty and truthfulness. Also, practice speech that is kind and benevolent. Let your words reflect your desire to help, not harm others.

Practice selfless conduct that reflects the highest state of the life you want to live. That is to say, express the manner that is peaceful, honest and pure showing compassion for all beings.

Earn a living that does not harm other living beings. Thus, avoid work that causes suffering to others. Or, that makes a decent, virtuous life impossible. Therefore, do not engage in any occupation that opposes or distracts one from the path of love. Most of all, serve the world through your work.

Seek to make a balance in the exertion of your spiritual path. Hence, Moderate your life, not to over-zealously do things. Work to develop more wholesome mind states, while gently striving to go deeper and live more fully.

Become intensely aware of all the states in the body, feeling, and mind. Through meditation always examine your thoughts, speech, and action. Moreover, do not set your mind on self-centered thoughts. Instead, be aware of your thoughts, emotions, body, and world as they exist in the present moment. Note also, your thoughts create your reality!

Deep meditation leads to a higher state of consciousness (enlightenment). Therefore, through the application of meditation and mental discipline, always seek to extinguish the last flame of consciousness. Therein, develop an emptiness that has room to embrace and love all things.

The Five Precepts are basic ethical guidelines for the followers of Buddhism. As a result, they are to be undertaken voluntarily. In contrast to the idea of commandments from a god.

According to Patimokkha, there exist over 227 rules of conduct that all Buddhist are supposed to observe. However, the five Buddhist precepts summarize all.

The above five principles are closely related. But, they are the core five ethical rules of Buddhism. One can refer to them as Buddhist commandments.

The five precepts are like candle lights which cannot burn without fire. Hence, it is the spiritual life of every Buddhist.

To clarify,

A Buddhist is such a person who cares more about existence, both living and non- living things. Lying in the conscience of any practicing Buddhist is such a kind heart to associate with all and sundry. Hereafter, contributing mainly towards the growth of humanity and its environs.

The Buddha encouraged his followers to refrain from consuming intoxicating drinks and drugs. Because this will lead to carelessness. Examples of intoxicants include alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. These substances are inconsistent with Buddhist beliefs as they distort the mind. Therefore, it is unreliable with a Buddhists quest to understand and develop the mind.

According to our belief, by practicing meditation, wisdom, and morality, every individual has the ability to experience eternal happiness. Hence, as we regard the mind as precious, we work earnestly by mastering it through mediation.

Ideally, this means avoidance of fornication, rape, adultery or any form of satisfying ones libidinal inclination. Most noteworthy, this precept can best be achieved by avoiding sexual activity. And, however, practicing celibacy at all cost.

Thus, having different building positions for the monks and nun serves as the best policy to breaching temptation that may arise due to proximity issues.

This is merely avoiding an act of theft. A Buddhist fails this precept when he, with the intention of robbery, takes away others possessions. Consequently, he outrightly loses his status as a bonafide member.

Supposedly, a Buddhist directly supports someone to steal for him or pays a token for a prohibited product by the custom to be smuggled in for him; such persons status is questionable. Also, traveling with an invalid ticket is also a theft case in the Buddhist community.

A Buddhist, may either out of insanity or owing to complete absentmindedness, or under the influence of a painful disease, takes someone elses possession. He does not commit any crime. That is to say, such will be condoned regarding the situation at the moment. But, urgent attention is giving afterward to prevent a repetition of such actions.

Evil is a word many people use without thinking deeply about what it signifies. Although, human history documents a lot of atrocities committed by humanity against themselves due to personal beliefs. However, relating this to Buddhist teachings, no member has an entitlement to such an act.

Any Buddhist intoxicated by self-righteousness. And, as such does terrible things to those he hates or fear does not qualify as a member.

A later discovery will warrant a severe punishment for such a fellow.

No, usually people have two different thinking about Buddhismthat Buddhists believe in reincarnation and that all Buddhists are vegetarian.

These two beliefs are false. However, Buddhist teachings on rebirth are considerably different from what most people call reincarnation. And, although Buddhism encourages vegetarianism in many sects it is a personal choice, not a requirement.

To say that doctrines and teachings shouldnt be accepted on blind faith does not mean they are not important. As a result, the many lessons of Buddhism are like maps to follow on a spiritual journey. In addition, it is like a boat to carry you across a river. Daily meditation or chanting may seem pointless. But, when practiced with sincerity they have a real impact on your life and outlook.

Over the centuries Buddhism has developed diverse schools with distinctive, and sometimes contradictory, doctrines. As such, you might often read that Buddhists believe in an idea. But, it applies to only one school of thought.

Throughout Asia, one can find a kind of folk Buddhism. Here, the Buddha and other iconic characters from Buddhist literature appear to be divine beings who can hear prayers and grant wishes. There are Buddhists with such beliefs. However, focusing on those beliefs will teach you little about Buddhism. Hence, remember the Zen saying The hand pointing to the moon is not the moon.

In most religions, their belief defines them. But, in Buddhism, merely believing in doctrines is beside the point. Rather, the Buddha said that one should not accept doctrines just because they are in scripture or taught by priests.

Therefore, instead of teaching doctrines that one can memorize and believe, the Buddha taught how to realize the truth for yourself. Conclusively, the focus of Buddhism is on practice rather than belief.

If you want to learn about Buddhism, put aside all assumptions. This includes assumptions about Buddhism, and then assumptions about religion. Also, put aside assumptions about the nature of the self, of reality, of existence. Keep yourself open to new understanding. Thereby, whatever beliefs you hold, hold it in a free hand and not a tight fist. Just practice, and see where it takes you. Hence, practice what you teach and teach what you practice

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THE CORE BELIEFS OF BUDDHISM - Buddhism Zone

ZENTSUJI, Kagawa Prefecture--Buddhist pilgrims now have two reassuring companions making their difficult journey easier: the spirit of an ancient Buddhist saint and a high-tech robotic exoskeleton.

In mid-December, a man ascended a slope with ease while generating a smooth mechanical hum. The sight of his robotic exoskeleton drew praise and astonishment from the TV crew filming him.

The scene was cool and looked like something out of 'RoboCop,' a cameraman said.

The trekker was outfitted with a control device on his back and motors on his shoulders and waist. He wore a conical straw hat, although the traditional headpiece clashed with the futuristic robotic suit.

It was part of an experiment to see how the machine would fare in supporting the religious pilgrims on the tough terrain. They were walking the henro pilgrimage in the Shikoku region to trace the footsteps of Kukai (774-835), a Buddhist priest, also known as Daishi or Kobo Daishi.

After the test was over, a woman in her 50s who climbed a 500-meter slope between two temples with her husband called the technology marvelous.

I was worried about my weak right knee, but I could walk just like healthy people do, she said.

A man in his 60s also expressed surprise and admiration.

I could step smoothly without wheezing thanks to the power of this machinery.

The robotic gear, called Walk Mate, was developed by the Tokyo Institute of Technology.

According to Yoshihiro Miyake, a biophysics professor at the institute who created the mechanical exoskeleton, Walk Mate can add power to a persons limbs in synch with their pace and gait.

When people walk with others, they unconsciously try to walk at the same pace as their companions, Miyake said. The same idea was incorporated into the robotic suit.

While Walk Mate has been used in medical centers and elsewhere for physical therapy since 2018, it was only tested for outdoor use for the first time in this recent verification trial.

The experiment took place in Zentsuji, where Kukai hails from. The test used a sloped road that connects the Mandaraji and Shusshakaji temples, which are the 72nd and 73rd destinations along the pilgrimage route.

Asked why the Shikoku henro route was chosen as the first test site, Miyake referred to the notion of dogyo ninin (two travel together), in which Kukai is said to accompany pilgrims on their journey regardless of what temple they visit.

The robot helps users move forward at their own pace, said Miyake. I would like users to feel like they are taking trips with Daishi.

Some devout followers of Buddhism may worry about whether temples would frown on substituting a robotic suit for Kukai. But it has already been recognized by Zentsuji temple, the birthplace of Kukai, as an official dogyo ninin robot.

Daishi is said to dwell inside the walking sticks of pilgrims on henro, said Chijun Suga, chief priest of Zentsuji temple. This robot is just a modern technological version of the walking stick.

After the experiment ended, Suga applied a sticker to the robot that reads dogyo ninin, in line with the traditional practice of writing that phrase on pilgrims headpieces or other garments.

All Nippon Airways Co. provided support for designing and publicizing the test. The company is considering pitching travel tours in the future so people with weak legs can easily travel this path, thanks to the help of a robotic suit just like Walk Mate.

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