Rethinking the Definition of Winning and Losing

From the outside, this may seem like it has been a very difficult season for my team at USF. Our record is flat out terrible and we have only won one game so far in our conference. Many people have asked how I am dealing with "losing." Almost daily, I receive encouraging emails to "keep my head up and remember that this experience is not a sprint it’s a marathon" when referring to building this basketball program.

When I took the job as head coach here at USF last May, I knew it was going to be difficult. In fact most deemed it impossible to build a winning program at a place that has been firmly anchored at the bottom for so many years. I am here because I am drawn to the challenge. I see potential, and I believe we will eventually win games. But the question I ask myself now, is are we really losing? We have small victories every single day. Without ever really experiencing "losing," this season has made me rethink the definition of winning and losing.

If I really think about what winning in life is all about, it’s about being challenged to improve every day to be your best. I have seen players on our team improve almost overnight. I have seen players who would never imagine being able to shoot knocking down three-point shots. Players who have never been in shape are asking for extra workouts. Some (although I wish more...) ask me to come in the gym and work extra. Each time we step onto the court we are better than the day before.

Unfortunately, the improvement is not enough to outscore our opponents. We have had to work very hard not to focus on the scoreboard, but rather to play each possession to the best of our ability. When we played Stanford earlier this season, Tara (Stanford head coach and my college coach) came into our locker room and spoke to our team. Ironically, her message was to continue to work to be our best and not worry about the score. The true battle is with yourself and playing the best you can each time you step on the court. Whether you are the top team in the country or you are building a program it’s the same — work hard to be your best.

I admit I don’t like to lose, but I want to win more. Ultimately, the only way to win is to be positive, work hard, and believe we can. I can’t judge where we are by our record, but by the victories we have each day. We will have three seniors play in their last game at USF on Saturday. They will leave here as winners. Anyone who can complete a degree at USF while being a Division 1 athlete is a winner in my book.

An Exciting Visit from Dusty Baker!

Our team was incredibly fortunate to get to hear from legendary major league manager Dusty Baker before we took the court against Sacramento State last week.

He is an inspiration and a role model for all athletes and coaches! We were lucky to get advice from one of the all-time greats. In the end, as with most things in life, obtaining success on and off the court comes down to preparation, persistence, and hard work.

As a major leaguer, Dusty hit nearly 250 home runs and had more than 1,000 RBIs. His Dodgers won the World Series in 1981. And as a manager, Dusty has won more than 1,400 games in his career. He led the 2002 San Francisco Giants to the National League pennant, and last year his Cincinnati Reds won the NL Central division. He definitely knows what he's talking about!!

Here are a few photos from the pre-game visit.



Now we're getting ready to travel to Logan, Utah, to play Utah State on Wednesday.

Hitting the Road with USF for Thanksgiving

We recently returned from Albuquerque, New Mexico, where we played in a Thanksgiving tournament. We had to travel on Thanksgiving — tough to be away from family for staff and players, but thankfully we get along so well that is was a pleasure to spend the day with them.

Boston Market catered our meal, which was ready when we arrived at our hotel. After saying what we were all thankful for, we got into a heated game of Guesstures. We divided into 3 teams — Staff, Freshman and Sophomores, and Juniors and Seniors. Unfortunately, we placed last! Juniors and Seniors won. They are quite a competitive group!

On the court, our first game against New Mexico didn’t go too well for us. NM is a really good team and very well coached. Thankfully, we had a chance to redeem ourselves the next night against Rhode Island. We were down 4 points with about 12 minutes to go in the second half, but we were able to outlast Rhode Island in the final 11 minutes of the game. I was really proud of my team’s effort and composure to never give up and do a great job executing down the stretch.

Albuquerque is at 5,400 feet above sea level. Part of what helped our team’s performance was having a strong conditioning base, and drinking a lot of water as we traveled and staying hydrated all three days. As a coach, it can be tough to keep up with my own workouts, but I was able to get in a run while we were on the road and I ran as soon as we landed in San Francisco.

I feel much more effective and energetic as a coach when I also take care of my health. I also take USANA everyday, everywhere I go. Health and conditioning will continue to be an emphasis for our team and our program at USF.

Visiting the Kids of Northern Light School

My team at USF and I visited the Northern Light School in Oakland recently. We had an incredible experience with the kids! They sang to us, we danced in their “circle” and we laughed and cried! It was an emotional experience to feel the love and gratitude at the school.

Many of the kids don’t know their parents, but Northern Light provides them with hope and a chance at a successful life. The school is K-8th grade, but they have a 98% graduation rate from college!

They boast a Navy Seal, Doctors, Teachers, Lawyers, and amazing young graduates who are making the world a better place as they fulfill their dreams! We left completely inspired and hopeful about our own lives. Thank you Northern Light!!

Best Ever USANA Convention!

The USANA International Convention was the best ever! Every year it feels like a big family reunion. This year I was particularly moved by the 40 associates who climbed Mt. Everest. They were led by Werner Berger, USANA Silver Director and the oldest North American to climb the seven summits. The age range was 18 to 84! Associate Edna Northrup, 84, was the oldest woman to make the climb — breaking a world record!!


Could they have done this without USANA?? They each talked about their reasons and motivation for the climb. Collete Larsen's motivation was to feel what her daughter, who has CF, feels when she is in severe oxygen debt. The stories were all so inspirational — I could not hold back the tears!

Saturday morning we had our annual Children's Hunger Fund 5K. Associates raised over $125,000 for CHF! It was a perfectly gorgeous morning for the thousands of associates who ran with us! Derek Parra is a machine!! I was happy to run and feel great!

As for my part, I was the host of the Athletes segment. I was particularly impressed with the testimonial of Liezel Huber, the No. 1 doubles tennis player in the world. She credits USANA with her rise to the top! Health really is the foundation for sports performance and it is such a pleasure to be able to share the message of true health that USANA provides.

As I begin my coaching career at USF, USANA provides a wonderful partnership for health! Thank you Dave Wentz for all that you do to make USANA the best!!

Always Dream

Randy Hahn, voice of the San Jose Sharks, and television anchor Roberta Gonzales

I was one of the guests at Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation fundraiser featuring many of the “Dancing with the Stars” champions. The mission of the Always Dream Foundation is simple — to give underprivileged children the tools they need to fulfill their dreams.

When Kristi’s husband, former NHL star Brett Hedigan, asked me to participate, he said it would be my favorite event of the year. I must say he was right! What a wonderful event! Be sure to check it out at: http://www.alwaysdream.org/

Don Blue and Kristi Yamaguchi

There were so many amazing dancers and stars! I was sitting with Peggy Flemming and her husband — what fabulous people! Everyone was very supportive of my team at USF. Many people said they were excited to come to our games this season. It is so encouraging to be around people like Kristi and Brett who have used their success to truly make the world a better place.

Seeing Vancouver, Listening to Olympians (Day 4)

Vancouver continues to be a great experience. Thankfully I have been able to get in my runs each day — one of the most difficult things to do when traveling. Exercise is the key for keeping up my energy on these long, busy days. I found a beautiful trail near the hotel and a great route by the water. I am really becoming a fan of Vancouver — as it is so inspiring to get out and be active here!


As for the Olympic experience, I caught up with Picabo Street (Olympic gold medalist, downhill kkiing), John Naber (Olympic gold medalist, swimming), and Kristi Yamaguchi (Olympic gold medalist, figure kkating) at a reception at the USA House (that place is really becoming my home here!!)

Picabo Street

Kristi Yamaguchi

John Naber

They were all so gracious as they thanked all of our sponsors and the people who have impacted their careers. Picabo talked about growing up in a poor family and she had fallen in love with a “rich person’s sport” and she could never have reached her potential without a lot of help.

I also walked around “the streets” to get a sense of the buzz around these Games. Lots of people (rain or shine!) trade pins, play instruments, have street performances, etc. The vibe here continues to be extremely lively and fun!

I have also been able to talk to a lot of people about USANA, as I have been well equipped with USANA beanies and gifts. I ran into a group of young men (below) who were thrilled to hear about USANA. I hope to see some of our USANA team soon!

A Win-Win Day in Vancouver

I started the day with a reception for USANA Associates and the US Speedskating group at the US Speedskating House. It was a blast to get together and share our paths in USANA.

Karen Shumka, USANA Emerald Director, and I were betting (no money!!) on who would win the USA vs. Canada Women’s Hockey gold medal game yesterday. Of course I was USA all the way, but I was a tiny bit torn, as we have an incredible Canadian athlete on Team USANA — Jennifer Botterill.

As it turns out Canada won, and USANA won ... and I was really proud of Team USA! They have an incredible rivalry with Canada and on any given day either team could win.

Team USA Women's Hockey Team

Checking out Caitlin's silver medal

I was able to catch up with the USA Women’s Hockey Team after the game at the USA House. I talked with Caitlin Cahow (No. 8 USA) and her mom Barbara about their experience here and I got to hold Caitlin’s silver medal!

Although I may have a medal of my own, I was like a little kid when I got to touch Caitin’s medal. The design is spectacular!

To top it off, I got to meet members of our USANA-sponsored Women’s Speedskating team as well. All of the athletes are so gracious and humble. It’s inspiring to be around them...

US Speedskating's bronze medal 3,000 meter relay team

An Exhilarating Experience at Indy Grand Prix

I had a fantastic experience in Sonoma as Grand Marshal of the Indy Grand Prix on Sunday. I must admit I was a bit nervous for my 10-second “Drivers start your engines!”

I got to the track around 10 a.m. for a tour of the garages, the pit, and a wonderful debriefing about Indy from Vision Racing. It was an incredible look behind the scenes! I got to sit in the Vision Racing car sponsored by William Rast. Wow, that seat is compact! No wonder the drivers are all so small and fit!

After the tour I had a press conference and a couple of interviews. Shortly after, they brought around a portable stage (on a semi truck) in front of the grandstands to introduce the drivers and special guests. It was quite a production!

After my introduction I shook all of the drivers' hands as they were introduced — very cool. It felt familiar to me as I watched the focus and relaxed intensity on each drivers face as he or she walked across the stage.

From there I rode with the drivers in a cable car around the track — a very Bay Area thing to do! We hopped off the car and I headed to the starting line to start the race. Nervous time!!!

With cameras in my face, I practiced “Drivers start your engines!” a couple of times while I waited and everyone around me was laughing and giving me pointers. (I later found out that all of the Grand Marshals have been nervous and have also practiced their line!)

After saying my line, it was an all out sprint to the “pace car” to lead the drivers on the first lap. Man was it fast!!! After the lap, it was time to relax and watch the race up in the owner’s suite. At the conclusion of a great race, I helped present the trophy to Dario Franchitti (below). Barely missed getting sprayed by champagne!!!

Steve Page, President of Infineon Raceway, and Jerry Wheeler, Infineon Events Manager, were fabulous to work with! I highly recommend seeing racing events at Infineon. Yes, I have become a racing fan.

With Olympic Champion skater Kristi Yamaguchi.

With NFL legends Marcus Allen and Ronnie Lott.

The grandstand — lots of spectators!

Getting ready for the start of the race...so exciting!

It's Race Weekend!

I had a great time at the Grand Prix Salute party at the Andretti Winery located in one of the most beautiful settings on earth — Napa Valley.

The party was a fundraiser for local youth charities, including the Andretti Foundation. The Indy drivers were there along with 300 special guests. Part of my duties as Grand Marshal of the Indy Grand Prix in Sonoma was going to this event — twist my arm!

I was put on the spot during the dinner when Steve Page, President of Infineon Raceway, handed me the microphone after introducing me as Grand Marshal. He asked for a preview of what I was going to say to start the race on Sunday.

Protocol for Indy races is “Drivers start your engines” rather than “Gentlemen start your engines.” So I sort of surprised myself by saying I was thrilled to say “Drivers” not just “Gentlemen.”

After meeting Danica Patrick, I realized how monumental and groundbreaking her presence is. For me this is not about men or women, but about people fulfilling their passion and their dreams and being grateful for opportunities to be his or her best. Danica is showing people what is possible and I have tremendous respect for her.

Here's some information about the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, which takes place Sunday, August 23.

• What: Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma
• When: Aug. 21-23
• TV: Versus, Sunday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m. PT
• 2008 Winner: Helio Castroneves
• Web Site: Infineon Raceway