Getting Caught

Current Indiana University coach Terry Hoeppner (photo) had just finished the main part of his talk, when a member of the audience asked how he was able to grow Miami University into the national spotlight, while keeping a good name for the program. Implying that success requires a compromise of integrity or character.

Hoep as he's called, was gracious and smiled. He talked about Ben Roethlisberger and others who were part of program. He talked about looking for good people and good athletes. Finally he understood that excellence was a continual process. That process ultimately had to come down to the players and it had to be intentional.

He didn't wring has hands and give the "boys will be boys" rationale, he didn't stop at good intentions. He and his staff made it daily priority to keep character at the core of his program.

Then looking over the crowd of high school coaches, players, media and parents he stepped away from the podium... and said.. "we have a motto. Get caught doing the right thing at the right time, for the right reasons."

Coach took it further and posted it in the Red Hawk lockerroom.

His logic is simple. You are gonna get caught. You are gonna have moments when you can't be prepared for, so get in the habit of just doing the right thing. Don't just have publicity moments of signing autographs or interviews, but instead understand that EVERY moment is a moment were you can make a stand.

What Hoep is saying, live a life of integrity. That is, be who you say you are. Even in those private moments be true to who you are and what you say you are, and what you belief. You can't take a moment off. And if you don't do right, take responsibility and make changes.

• What are you compromising on? Something that you aren't proud of but, justify it? Remember this unless you are consistent, you aren't "it."

Now remember the quote:

GET CAUGHT DOING THE RIGHT THING,

AT THE RIGHT TIME,

FOR THE RIGHT REASONS