903

After more than a week of suffering through the details of the Penn State drama, there was a bright spot in college sports last night. Duke University’s men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski passed his mentor and college coach Bob Knight to become the winningest (is that a word?) coach in Division I men’s basketball history with 903 wins. In the athletic world we live in today, it’s rare that a coach would have the longevity – almost 40 years in coaching, and consistency he’s had at Duke University.

Full disclosure – I’m a long-time Duke Basketball fan. But FANdom aside, you can’t help but be amazed at this record-setting achievement. When I think of Coach K (as he’s affectionately called. Or maybe it’s because no one can pronounce his last name), the words leadership, loyalty and integrity come to mind.  And it’s these qualities that I believe are the cornerstone of his success – not only in life but in basketball. (By the way, Coach K’s book Beyond Basketball: Coach K’s Keyword’s for Success has been on my mental wish list for a number of years. Must get around to reading it soon)

I know there are a lot of anti-Duke folks out there (haters! J), but I hope today you’ll join me today in recognizing Coach K for this outstanding accomplishment.  Here’s to you coach. May your winning streak continue for long as you’d like to continue coaching.