There are so many sports stories out there about Tiger, Tommy Terrific, Kobe, and Michael.  We just love champions.  Bobby Fischer in chess, Seabiscuit in horseracing, and Roger Maris in 1961.  And there are other stories too – some known, and some obscure.  These are about the people they beat to get there, the runners-up, who were on the verge and, at times, inches away from being the best of their time.  Thinking about this stuff – there are more stories to be told than just those we know, hear and see over and over again.

Rocco Mediate was 45 when he almost beat Tiger Woods in 2008.  And although he didn’t win – it was still a great match and a great story…for Tiger.  Bobby Fischer haunted Boris Spassky.  Boris was the best chess player on planet Earth until he ran into Fischer.  And here is another one.  In 1961, when Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, teammates battling one another to beat the single-season home run record, three other guys ended the season with just eight home runs less than Mantle.  I’ll bet most of you never heard of two of them – Orlando Cepeda and Jim Gentile. 

I have another fellow who comes to mind today. He had a big day exactly fifty-two years ago (March 8, 1971). He was a South Carolina kid with eleven brothers and sisters. He was a hard-working dude who grew up poorer than poor. He’d blow off steam by hitting a heavy bag that he made out of a sack filled with corn cobs and moss. He hung it from an oak tree and was often seen outside smashing it with his bare hands with everything he had in him.  He’d later prove to be one hell of a scrapper. 

There was no better time to know this than fifty-two years ago when he pulled off a unanimous decision by beating a fighter by the name of Mohammad Ali at Madison Square Garden.  His name was Smokin Joe Frazier, and his story serves as an enduring inspiration to anyone who faces challenges, reminding us that toughness, determination, and a spirit that never quits can carry us through the toughest battles we face, not just in sports, but in any facet of life. 

Yeah, we love the champs – but there are so many other great stories out there that we can learn from.  There are other people to admire – some who were less known – but pushed their limits damn hard to be less than the champ.  I remember a fighter named Frank Mir who was interviewed after losing in the Octagon to Brock Lesnar.  He said something to the effect that there are 7 billion people on the planet.  Congratulations to you for finding one of them who could beat me. 

He made a good point. 

Somebody somewhere was the last guy picked in the draft, and he never took the field.  But he made it to the NFL.  And for the one who got in the ring and got his block knocked off – don’t be too judgy.  Just because he was in the ring and lost doesn't mean he can’t put the whooping on any or all of the spectators chastising him.  If you are the one on the field on the mat, in the ring, or sitting in the chair, you know what I am writing about here.  You are the one with the guts, the drive, and the one taking the risk.  And whether they are cheering, booing, or just complaining, you are not.  Because you are the one taking the hits, staying on your feet, and moving the mission forward…and you are a little preoccupied at that moment.

The stories of those who come close, who fight tooth and nail only to be edged out at the finish line, hold profound lessons for teaching and learning in our schools. In education, much like in sports, the focus is often on the champions - the highest achievers, the valedictorians, and the prodigies. However, the narratives of the nearly-champions like Rocco Mediate, Boris Spassky, and Smokin' Joe offer invaluable lessons on resilience, hard work, and the courage to face seemingly insurmountable odds. These stories can teach students that success is not always about finishing first but focusing in on the journey, the effort, and the spirit of perseverance.

Incorporating the tales of these resilient figures into our curriculum can help cultivate a growth mindset among students. Learning about individuals who faced setbacks, worked diligently, and achieved greatness, even if they didn't secure the top spot, can inspire students to embrace challenges. It teaches them that failure is not the opposite of success but a stepping stone towards it. This perspective is crucial in a world that increasingly recognizes the value of grit and determination alongside natural talent and intelligence.

Us parents, too, play a crucial role in shaping our kids’ attitudes towards competition, success, and resilience. By highlighting stories of individuals who may not have been declared the champions but demonstrated unparalleled dedication and spirit, parents can encourage their children to value hard work and perseverance. This mindset helps children understand that while not everyone can be the best, giving your all is a victory in and of itself. It emphasizes the importance of doing one's best, learning from every experience, and never giving up, regardless of the outcome.

Embracing the stories of the almosts in our educational narratives and parental teachings can foster empathy, humility, and respect for the journey of others. It teaches kids to appreciate the struggles behind the success stories, understand the value of every individual's contributions, and recognize that every journey is unique. In doing so, we prepare our children for the victories and the inevitable setbacks, teaching them that true greatness lies in the courage to continue, the resilience to bounce back, and the heart to appreciate the journey, irrespective of the destination.