Silence
Written by a member of the 1959 team, Don Burt.
- Silence means many things; but when I think of silence, I think of two examples in particular. One example has happened many times; the other only once.
- The first example is a silence inside myself before every basketball game. The announcer says, "Ladies and gentlemen , our National Anthem." The band loudly plays the "Star Spangled Banner". But I can't hear the band because my mind is saying a small prayer for the strength to do my best. Around me there is sound, but inside me is silence.
- The second example took place last March in a dressing room at the University of Nebraska Coliseum. It was only minutes before we were to take the floor. My Weyand was giving us the usual pre-game instructions. The he stopped, and in a soft voice said, "Boys, we've come a long way this year. If you're not the best team in the state, you're the most improved. You've got the chance of a lifetime tonight. You have an excellent chance to do something no Lincoln High team has done for a long time. Now let's have a moment of silence for each of you to make up his mind what he's going to do tonight."
- The following silence was total and complete and it was more inspirational than any fiery oration could have been. This is what silence means to me.
A Quote from Dad
In a speech Dad wrote for one of the many recognition dinners he attended honoring him upon his retirement in 1959, he said, "It is tough to win a championship--ask any coach. It takes 40 percent material, 30 percent desire, 20 percent luck, and 10 percent coaching."
