Spring 2010 Coach's Letter

bruno

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I found this letter from the VMI Rugby coach (Coach Howe)to be pretty thoughtful- thought that you might appreciate it. (And BTW if you didn't see the movie Invictis- go see it!:thumb:

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul
.

"I think this poem which was used by Nelson Mandela as a source of strength during his 27 years of imprisonment and brought to light in the recent rugby movie Invictis is a great way to kick off the spring newsletter and very poignant in respect of what our ruggers go through to get out on the field. I’m not suggesting of course that 4 years at VMI is anywhere comparable to 27 years of imprisonment but anyone who has gone through VMI, or been associated with it, knows that it is a tremendous test of one’s character mentally, and physically, and that sometimes it does feel like a terrible weight crushing the soul out of its inmates (sorry cadets). In order to survive and flourish (and most do which is always a source of tremendous pride for this coach) at times inspiration from different areas is required and the rugby team certainly gives and got that"....
http://www.vmi.edu/show.aspx?tid=25935&id=25973&ekmensel=8f9c37c3_451_4294967314_25973_6
 
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