Past few weeks has been quite an emotional ride hasn't it people?
Never been so neutral about a story in a very long time but like logic should go, I like to weigh in on both sides of all of it and for some people it's a very hard pill to swallow.
For the record, I've been following the FM program since '04. Not in the district, at one time a serious runner, now just a running enthusiast, and a former coach that was fortunate to see some pretty good success and got to personally witness a lot of great things occur from all levels. Middle School, High School, College (D3 & D1), and beyond. Over all the years, I have had such a "Love/Hate" relationship with this program.
At first it was jealousy, then with maturity and time it turned into respect and admiration. There has been a lot of congrats towards the program and unfortunately a lot of "What the heck are you thinking?" situations as well. I've witnessed a lot from personal interactions and events, talks with former runners of the program, and judgement of a lot of different characters. We've all heard about the good and we can keep flexing on all the great accomplishments but the reality is there has been a lot of unfortunate stories that the public won't know exclusively or refuse to acknowledge because they want to try and remain in this "perfect little me bubble."
At the end of the day it comes down to Bill Aris, and many closely affiliated with him, being a very passionate individual(s) that in my opinion pushes the envelope and it takes special individuals to fully understand what he (and they) are trying to push. If he didn't have such success, he'd be looked at being a lunatic, much like the Stotan's idol/founder Percy Cerruty. But with all perceived greatness comes with a whole lot of failure and it takes ego-lessness to self reflect and think maybe I did take it a bit far and to admit it too.
We have been all raised differently and life's moments have caused us to become the way we are now. I look back on it now and these kids are pretty fragile (and that goes for every generation, we just coped with it all differently). Takes the mind to fully grow and develop till 25 years of age. We're dealing with 18 year old's and under. For us coaches, parents, supporters, accusers, and defenders let's take it easy here because it isn't about us but for the younger generations that we hope have a good time in there journey and also to meet with the other kids that unfortunately had bad experiences with CONVERSATION (not control), compassion, empathy, and evolve with the times. That's what a GREAT coach does. PERFECTING THE PROCESS. I think that quote has been said quite a bit with that program.
One last thing too, Aris has been spreading the philosophy of what it mean's to be STOTAN. Maybe we should take a moment on both sides of this fight to be reminded by this line in the Stotan's code.
(g) To understand that Past, Futures, Fates, Fears, Death, Selfishness, Egoism, Pride, Envy, Hate and Prejudice can be replaced by Intelligence that controls emotion, dominates destiny, manifests completeness and exults in Life.
So with all the big voices (and EGOs) on here, read that as a reminder and let the process perfect itself.