"The Way"

The family and I watched a movie last night called The Way starring Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez. Actually, three of us saw the whole thing. Kaylin was sawing logs on the couch before it even started. Kamryn lasted through half of the film, while Kodie, Estalita, and me watched the whole movie.

The central character is Sheen, (Martin and not Charlie) and it focuses on his journey to overcome the sudden death of his son. The middle aged son is played by Emilio. His character is full of wanderlust, and he aims to see the world. He shrugs off the conventions of American living and the idea of finishing his doctoral degree, instead deciding to follow his heart and travel. His dad is living the conventional life, working as a doctor, and busy as many Americans are. Along the way in life, he sort of loses himself and forgets to smell the roses. Sheen sets off to find himself on the Camino de Santiago, a long 800+ kilometer trail that winds through France and northern Spain. Many walk this trail as a sort of pilgrimmage, or a way to pay tribute to someone or something. Some walk for religious or spiritual purposes, while others walk to get in shape, overcome a particular struggle, or simply to experience a sense of adventure. The plot development is a bit weak in my opinion, but the scenery is spectacular and the actual story line is very interesting. The movie hits pretty hard on "American stereotypes" by classifying most of us as self-absorbed, overly opinionated workaholics who live life in the fast lane, conveniently ignoring the need for self-examination and personal reflection. I only agree with about 90% of this!!!

George Contreras, a coaching friend of mine currently coaching in Switzerland, walked the entire length of the Camino in the fall of 2010. George is in his early sixties, and he is full of energy. He also has a wonderful zest for life, and a contagious spirit of adventure. I have been thinking for the past few years about someday tackling the Camino. It is officially on my "Bucket List." Anybody out there want to go along?

Here are some images I found online that beautifully capture the essence of the Camino de Santiago.

Lights out.

The Peyton Manning Sweepstakes

The competition for Peyton Manning's services are in full swing now that he has been released by the Indianapolis Colts. Manning's career with the Colts was truly remarkable, including his multiple records, several trips to the playoffs, and two Super Bowl appearances. Number 18 helped transform an anemic Colts team when he took over, and he might be the one player in the NFL whose presence has the biggest impact on his team's ability to be successful. In 2009, the Colts finished 14-2 and made it to the Super Bowl. In 2010, they were 10-6 and made it to the playoffs. Playing without Manning in 2011, the Colts stumbled to a 2-14 mark, looking like a team that had desperately lost it's way and identity. Due to Manning's neck problems, his age, and the multi-millions the team would have to pay him, the organization has decided to cut ties and draft Andrew Luck as their QB of the future.

I have always enjoyed watching Peyton play, and marveled at his ability to dissect a defense and consistently move his team down the field. He always made everyone around him better, and he always seemed to be so well prepared for each and every game. His intelligence, outstanding leadership qualities, competitive spirit, and pin point accuracy as a passer are rivaled by very few QB's in the history of the NFL. He is one of the top three QB's I have watched during my lifetime, the other two being Joe Montana and Tom Brady. I think Aaron Rodgers may be in this category too before its all said and done. Personally, I am predicting that Peyton will end up in a warm weather city like Miami or Arizona, where there is a moderate level of talent. If this happens, and he can lead a mediocre team deep into the playoffs, or the Super Bowl, then his legacy will surely grow. I only hope that Peyton stays healthy and does nothing to jeopardize his long term health by taking the risk of playing again.

Manning can read defenses and throw the ball with the best of them.

He literally seemed to be making fun of defenses at times, just daring them to try and stop him.

A sign depicted in the Mile High city. Maybe the NFL should stand for Not For Loyalty. Tim Tebow can lead his team to a division crown, get them into the second round of the playoffs, and then wonder if he will be replaced by Peyton Manning.

Indy bids farewell to # 18.



Lights out.

Sad Day to Be a Steelers Fan

I was both sad and disappointed to learn this past week that the Pittsburgh Steelers had decided to release Wide Receiver Hines Ward after 14 season with the team. Anybody who knows me, knows that I am a lifelong Steelers Fan, a proud member of the Steelers Nation, and a big fan of # 86 Hines Ward. Hines did so much for this team both on and off the field. He made a few mistakes off the field during his career, but for the most part, he has been a true professional and a consistent role model for young people. Hines played the game hard, whether it was running over the middle for a pass, or the physical nature he used as a blocker.

My son Kodie and I took a visit to my hometown in Latrobe, PA in August and had the chance to watch Hines during his last training camp with the team. He was injured during this time, but he still did some pass catching drills, and spent most of his time tutoring the younger receivers. My family and I also had the chance to travel to Cleveland this past January and watch Hines play in his last regular season game vs. the Browns. Hines didn't make any big plays on that day, but we did witness him record the 1,000 catch of his career. It will be hard for me to imagine Ward wearing a uniform other than the Black 'N' Gold, but I also understand that this is a reality of the big corporate business we know as the NFL. Now, I can only hope that # 43 Troy Polamalu will retire as a Steeler when it comes time for him to finish his career.

Here are Ward's final numbers with the Steelers: 1,000 Receptions for 12,083 yards and 85 TDs

Not bad for a 3rd round draft pick who played QB at Georgia!

Hines always seems to be smiling, no matter if he is playing football, doing interviews, or winning dance competitions.

The sure handed receiver is now the all time Steelers team leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. A future trip to Canton as a Hall of Famer surely awaits him.

Hines scores a TD en route to a SuperBowl victory and MVP award vs. the Seahawks



Lights out.