Providence College Athletics
Bob's Blog
10/1/2009 12:00:00 AM | General
Oct. 1, 2009
Hello Friars,
On Thursday, September 17, I traveled to the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. to meet with two inspiring leaders, Lieutenant Colonel Doty and Dr. Ralph Pim. LTC Doty, a professor at Army, has a Ph.D. in leadership development and has virtually spent his entire career building strong military leaders through competitive sports. LTC Doty works closely with Dr. Pim, the director of competitive sports at Army, in an effort to establish certain core values among their cadets. The values breed the development of a military leader, of the team and of individual character. The core values that serve as the foundation include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. This conversation was of particular interest to me, as it helps me in my own strategy to build effective leaders not only on the playing field, but in life.
I spent the day with the two men to discuss the commitment and discipline it takes to instill values in their cadets. I was amazed when we walked into the dining hall to see over 4,000 cadets dressed in uniform eating lunch together. The sight of the cadets was an inspirational experience, as I took from it a great sense of comradery and purpose that you do not find every day. I ate lunch with the entire hockey team and spoke with them about their personal experiences as a student-athlete at Army. The men told me that they must wake up by 5:00 a.m. and end the day at 11:00 p.m. Their day is heavily regimented, filled with activities, classes, and practice. From the conversation, I came away impressed with their sense of duty and mental toughness.
I invited LTC Doty and Dr. Pim to come to Providence College to share their ideas with our community. They will be on campus later this month to meet with my executive team, coaches and student-athletes. I look forward to their visit and the interaction that will take place.
As I reflect on my experience, it gives me great hope that we, here at Providence, can create a similar passion and respect for our school and athletic programs.
Go Friars!!
