Bernie Fratto

Speaking
of
Sports 

by
Bernie 
Fratto

The Total Package

2-6-2005

The other day Max Schmeling, the internationally famous Heavy-weight boxing champ, died at the age of 99.  Hold that thought...

I am often impressed with the well-rounded makeup of Novi athletes. While attending sports banquets, we learn about their gaudy GPA's, their community service, and their extracurricular educational activities. Last August, I referred to BJ Chaklos... In addition to lettering in football and track, he still found time to hold the duty of Senior Class President.

Back to Schmeling... In 1936, he defeated Joe Louis (yes, that Joe Louis) in Berlin for the heavyweight championship, much to the delight of Adolph Hitler. Hitler believed he could use Max Schmeling as a pawn to advance his plans.

Schmeling, being a man of impeccable character, flatly refused. Two years later in a rematch with Joe Louis, he lost, and in the process, became very good friends with Louis.

As Hitler pursued Schmeling, the champ remained steadfast, refusing to fire his Jewish trainer, refusing to divorce his Jewish wife, and refusing to sever his relationship with Joe Louis.

In 1939, Schmeling was drafted into Hitler's army, and served honorably, because his character wouldn't allow anything else. It almost cost him his life on several occasions.

After World War II was over, he resumed his friendship with Joe Louis, and later in life, provided him sustenance and financial support when Louis became destitute.

The world of athletic competition put Max Schmeling on the map, but his contributions outside the ring, were just as impactful as his performance in the heat of battle.

In other words, Schmeling was not simply a "Sports Specialist." He was in fact, the total package.

And he did, in fact, provide an example all athletes can live by. You can be a great team player, on and off the field.

It is evident that Novi athletes are living this philosophy. And the seeds they plant today, will continue to provide harvest for the rest of their lives. Novi athletes are not merely 'sports specialists,' they are in fact the future leaders and role models. The field of athletics, simply provide an additional stage to showcase their wares.

Max Schmeling lived to be 99, but his legacy will live forever.

He would have made a great Novi Wildcat.

(c) 2005 Novi Information Network
www.novi.org

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Bernie Fratto is a freelance writer, radio personality, and motivational speaker.  His passion for sports comes in part from his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand.  "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings" said Fratto.  "These athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a frequent co-host on the popular "Parker & The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from 7-11pm.