Season of Life: Football as a lesson of life

Jeffrey Marx’s Season of Life goes far beyond the typical sports story. While it follows the Gilman School football program, the book isn’t about wins and losses on the field. Instead, it’s about the way coaches Joe Ehrmann and Biff Poggi use football as a vehicle to teach their players what it truly means to be a man. Their program becomes less about championships and more about character, empathy, and responsibility to others. 

At the heart of the Gilman philosophy is the idea that being a man isn’t about strength, status, or material success. Ehrmann and Poggi reject the narrow definition of masculinity often found in sports culture. Instead, they challenge their players to focus on relationships and compassion. Each practice and team meeting emphasizes that life is ultimately measured not by what you achieve for yourself, but by the impact you make on others. 

Empathy is a central lesson the coaches drive home. Players are reminded that real strength comes from understanding and caring about those around you. This is unusual in the world of high school athletics, where toughness and competitiveness are often prized above all else. At Gilman, however, vulnerability is not seen as weakness—it is embraced as an essential part of human connection. The team is encouraged to talk openly about their lives, their fears, and their hopes. 

Another major theme is the importance of relationships. Ehrmann teaches that success in life is determined by how well you love and how well you are loved. The bonds among teammates extend beyond the field, with players supporting one another through both victories and struggles. The message is clear: the ability to build meaningful relationships is a truer measure of manhood than any scoreboard could provide. 

Ultimately, Season of Life shows that football can be a powerful tool for shaping character. Ehrmann and Poggi use sports to instill values that extend far beyond high school. Their players learn that real manhood is about empathy, nurturing relationships, and helping others. In a society that often sends young men conflicting messages about masculinity, the Gilman program stands as a model of how sports can guide boys toward becoming men who make the world better. 

The challenge for all of us is to turn our subjects, activities, or teams into a tool that helps shape the character of the people we work with. 

 

When the right thing is the hard thing

 

In a couple of my classes, .   we talked about character this week.  With that in mind I wanted to post a couple of old posts in which two hall of fame coaches taught me character.  WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR FEEDBACK

I remember coaching our basketball team during a tight game when a critical moment unfolded. The referee blew the whistle and signaled a foul on the opposing team’s best player. Immediately, I jumped off the bench to inform the ref that it was the player’s fifth foul, meaning he should be disqualified. However, when the ref checked the official scorebook, our home team’s book—it showed the player only had four fouls.

As I sat back down, I suddenly heard the opposing coach call out to the ref, “Coach Bressler is correct—that was number 24’s fifth foul. You either disqualify him, or I’ll take him out myself.” The referees conferred and ultimately ruled that the player had indeed fouled out.

In that moment, I realized something profound—I wasn’t sure I would have done the same if the roles were reversed. I probably would have rationalized keeping my player in the game, convincing myself that the book was the final word. But that day, I learned an important lesson about integrity. From that point on, whenever I faced similar situations, I thought back to that coach’s example, and it helped me make the right decision.

Every year, I find myself reflecting on the topic of cheating. Most people justify it in one way or another, everyone does it, the homework is pointless, or it's not really hurting anyone. The real danger is that when we want something badly enough, like winning a game, our reasoning becomes biased, and we convince ourselves that bending the rules is acceptable.

Many believe that the best way to prevent cheating is through punishment. While consequences may deter behavior in the moment, they often fail to change how people act when no one is watching. So, what’s the solution?

Gratitude. Studies show that when people take time to reflect on what they are grateful for, they not only treat those who have helped them with kindness but also extend that goodwill to complete strangers. In one study, participants who recalled a moment of gratitude were significantly less likely to cheat. The deeper their gratitude, the less they felt compelled to cut corners.

So, the next time you feel tempted to cheat—whether in sports, school, or life—pause and think of something you’re grateful for. That simple act can give you the inner strength to do the right thing, even when it is the hard thing.

Let Chat GPT enhance your learning

 As a teacher, I often hear people talk like Chat GPT is the enemy. In this blog, I want to propose how it might help my students learn AP Economics. ChatGPT can be an incredibly useful tool for students, not as a shortcut to answers, but as a companion for deeper understanding. Rather than simply providing solutions, it can help students grasp complex concepts, practice critical thinking, and refine their knowledge through explanation and interaction. Using ChatGPT effectively can enhance learning by encouraging students to engage with material in dynamic and personalized ways. 

Students can use ChatGPT to break down complicated economic concepts. When struggling to understand topics like supply and demand, elasticity, or monetary policy, students can ask ChatGPT to explain them in simpler terms or through real-life examples. This process allows students to refine their understanding by asking follow-up questions. 

  An example of this is if students were struggling with monetary policy. Chat GPT might explain how to fix a recession using monetary policy. The Federal Reserve can implement expansionary policies to stimulate economic growth. They might lower the federal funds rate by buying government securities in a limited reserve system, which increases the money supply and lowers interest rates. Cheaper borrowing encourages businesses to invest and consumers to spend, shifting aggregate demand.  

Students can also use ChatGPT to practice applying economic theories. By presenting hypothetical scenarios or asking for practice problems, they can test their knowledge and reasoning. For instance, students might describe a situation and ask how various economic principles apply, then analyze ChatGPT’s response to see if it aligns with what they have learned in class. This kind of practice reinforces theoretical knowledge through active applications. 

Lastly, ChatGPT can serve as a tool for reviewing and summarizing material. This can be especially helpful for exam preparation, as it enables students to consolidate information and identify areas where they may need more focused study. 

By using ChatGPT as a learning aid rather than a shortcut, students can deepen their understanding of AP Economics, strengthen their analytical skills, and become more confident thinkers. The key is to approach the tool as a resource for exploration and growth, leveraging its capabilities to enhance their educational journey rather than bypass it. In doing so, students will be better equipped to tackle the complexities of economics, both in the classroom and beyond. 

The challenge for all of us is to maximize the use of AI to increase student learning. Please leave an AI tool or a method you use AI for in the comments below. The only way to keep up with AI is to share our knowledge of it. 

Community: Key to happiness

 In today’s fast-paced world, many people equate happiness with financial success. While money can provide comfort and security, true happiness is found in the strength of our relationships and the sense of belonging within a community. A strong community provides support in times of struggle, celebration in times of joy, and a deep sense of purpose. Studies have shown that people with strong social connections tend to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives than those who focus solely on accumulating wealth. 

Now more than ever, we need to pull together rather than push apart. Society often highlights our differences, whether they be political, cultural, or personal, but we are stronger when we work together. In difficult times, communities that unite can overcome challenges more effectively than individuals working alone. Whether it’s helping a student in need academically, supporting a student emotionally, or simply fostering kindness, small acts of unity create ripples that strengthen the fabric of schools. The more we focus on connection rather than division, the happier and more resilient we become. 

At our core, most of us want the same things in life: security, love, purpose, and the ability to provide for ourselves. However, people have different ideas about how to achieve these goals, which can lead to conflict and misunderstanding. Instead of letting differences drive us apart, we should recognize them as opportunities for learning and growth. By listening to and respecting different perspectives, we can find common ground and work together toward solutions that benefit everyone. 

Money may buy comfort, but it cannot buy the deep fulfillment that comes from being part of something greater than oneself. A supportive community brings joy in everyday moments, reassurance in difficult times, and a sense of belonging that wealth alone cannot provide. If we focus on strengthening our connections, we will find ourselves living richer lives in ways that truly matter. 

In the end, happiness is not about how much we have but about who we have. When we prioritize relationships, we create a world where people lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. By choosing to pull together rather than push apart, we build communities that foster understanding, cooperation, and lasting happiness. 

Teenage mental health

 Mental health is often misunderstood as simply being happy all the time, but it is about having the appropriate emotions for different situations and knowing how to regulate them. Teenagers experience a wide range of emotions, from excitement and joy to frustration and sadness. Instead of avoiding negative emotions, mental well-being means recognizing them, understanding why they occur, and responding in a healthy way. Learning to manage emotions helps teenagers navigate the ups and downs of life without becoming overwhelmed. 

One key aspect of mental health is emotional regulation—the ability to control and adjust emotional responses in different situations. For example, feeling nervous before a big test is normal, but letting that anxiety take over and cause panic can be harmful. Healthy mental regulation involves acknowledging emotions, processing them, and responding appropriately.  

Another essential factor in teenage mental health is having a strong relationship with at least one trusted adult. Whether it is a parent, teacher, coach, or mentor, having someone to talk to can provide stability and guidance. A supportive adult can help teenagers make sense of their emotions, offer advice, and create a sense of security. Research shows that teenagers who have at least one strong adult connection are more likely to succeed academically, avoid risky behaviors, and develop higher self-esteem. 

Sleep also plays a crucial role in mental health. Many teenagers do not get enough sleep due to school, extracurricular activities, and screen time. However, lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and increased stress. During sleep, the brain processes emotions and strengthens memory, making it essential for emotional regulation and overall well-being. Prioritizing a healthy sleep schedule (on average nine hours) helps teenagers manage their emotions more effectively and improve their mental resilience. 

Ultimately, mental health is about balance, understanding emotions, building strong relationships, and maintaining healthy habits like sleep. By developing emotional regulation skills, finding support from trusted adults, and prioritizing rest, teenagers can create a strong foundation for lifelong mental well-being. Instead of striving to be happy all the time, the goal should be to experience emotions in a way that promotes growth and stability. When teenagers learn to navigate their feelings and take care of themselves, they are better equipped to handle the challenges of life 

How do we make other's better

 I teach in a school known for its competitive excellence in both sports and academics, the drive for personal achievement often takes center stage. Students push themselves to excel, whether on the field or in the classroom. This culture of high expectations fosters resilience and ambition, essential traits for future success. However, what if this competitive spirit were also channeled into uplifting peers on a more individual level, without institutional support? 

Students can start by embracing a mindset of collaborative learning, even in traditionally competitive settings. For instance, a student excelling in a subject can offer informal tutoring sessions for peers who are struggling. This could happen during lunch breaks, free periods or after school, transforming individual knowledge into a shared resource. By competing to see how effectively they can help their peers improve, students can foster a supportive learning environment based on mutual success. 

In sports, athletes often learn the value of teamwork and support through practice and games. A student could take this lesson off the field by encouraging their teammates or classmates, offering tips, constructive feedback, or simply being a source of moral support. Whether it’s sharing a training regimen that helped them improve or cheering on a teammate after a loss, these small acts can make a significant difference in someone else's performance and confidence. 

Students can also create their own informal study groups, where everyone shares their strengths and helps cover each other’s weaknesses. This approach turns studying into a cooperative effort rather than a solitary one. For example, students can take turns explaining concepts they're strong in, helping others to grasp challenging material while reinforcing their understanding. 

Leadership can also be demonstrated by setting an example of resilience and ethical behavior. A student who consistently works hard and treats others with respect can inspire peers to emulate these behaviors. Additionally, they can informally mentor younger students, offering advice and support in navigating the challenges of school life, creating a culture where success is linked with helping others. 

In conclusion, channeling the competitive spirit into a force for good can transform not just the individual but also those around them. By competing to support, mentor, and uplift their peers, students can cultivate a community of shared success, even without formal programs. This personal commitment to helping others not only enhances the school environment but also develops compassionate leaders for the future. 

Who is up for the challenge?  As always, your feedback is appreciated.