Bernie Fratto

Speaking
of
Sports 

by
Bernie 
Fratto


As Easy as 4-5-6?

5/14/06

Northville, Brighton and Livonia Stevenson feature some of the top high school soccer talent in the State of Michigan, if not the nation. In fact, they are currently ranked 4-5-6 in this  soccer rich state. So, when the defending State Champion Novi Wildcats square off against these formidable opponents, you know it’s not going to be easy.

But, when the Lady Cats win all three contests by a combined score of 7-1, one might ask themselves, can it be this easy? Of course not… However, the Novi Wildcats, a squad now knocking on the door of 40 straight games without a loss, seemingly make it look effortless, even though we know that’s not the case.

When you have superior talent and depth, and intelligent coaching coupled with a solid game plan, you’re well on your way to success.

History is replete with examples of teams that seemingly have it all, yet can’t seem to close the deal. You see this on all levels of sport from the professional ranks to college, and especially high school.

What we’re seeing more than anything is a group of accomplished athletes that is very mature for their age and stage of development.

You never see this team gloat, brag or become overzealous with self-aggrandizement. They seem to know that greatness needs no self-promotion and they respect their opponents by giving 100% effort each and every night.

It’s one thing to win; it’s another to win with class and dignity. When you look at the accomplishments of other high schools of notoriety in the past decade, from football to hockey to baseball, in many cases their success was met with jealousy and inflammatory remarks.

This is not the case with the Novi Wildcats. Even casual observers from outside the district realize they are seeing something special. Again, not just because of the incredible record and gaudy statistics, but rather with the quiet dignity with which this unit goes about their business.

True greatness needs no self-promotion.

Just another reason why this team is so great.

(c) 2006 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.