Did you ever hear of Ossie Schectman? He’s 93 now, and he lives in a senior living community in Rockland County. He has a quick smile and is a favorite of the staff.

Ossie was a collegiate All-American basketball point guard on two NIT championship teams at Long Island University. He also is in the National Basketball Association record books, having scored, on November 1, 1946, the first basket in NBA history.

Okay, so he isn’t as familiar a name as Michael Jordon or LeBron James. But, he should be, or at least he should be remembered and highly regarded by those who have come to play after him.

Ossie was “a tireless worker who drove fiercely, passed smoothly and set up the plays,” wrote Arthur Daley of The New York Times when he described Schectman’s role in a victory over DePaul at Madison Square Garden before a crowd of 18,318. Daley continued: “With the hard driving Ossie Schectman blazing a trail the Blackbirds unleashed a sizzling rally that sent them ahead…LoBello was the high scorer with 12, but Dolly King with 11 and Schectman were the real stars.”

Ossie received similar kudos for leading LIU over Loyola during 1939 and Ohio University during 1941 in NIT championship games. He was a baseball player, too, and he had a tryout with the New York Giants. Since the NBA didn’t exist at the time, he first played for the Philadelphia Sphas (South Philadelphia Hebrew Association) and for a semipro baseball team on Long Island. None of this, though, led to lasting fame and fortune. With a wife and child to support, his primary source of income came from working in New York’s Garment District.

But, after World War II, he did get to play for the Knicks when they were in the Basketball Association of America (pre-NBA) and he finished third one season in the league in assists. As already noted, he scored the NBA’s first points.

While none of his hard work led to a lot of money, he isn’t bitter. He still loves the game and recalls that he had a great life that just happened to include sports.

It’s great to be involved in sports during our youth and young adult days. The structure, discipline and competition teach us a lot about life. A chosen few are destined for fame and fortune. Many others do quite well in the professional, collegiate, or high school game as coaches, instructors, or in management. Even more like me find other ways to remain in the game while channeling our sports experiences into successful business careers.

When all is done, let’s hope that we all can be like Ossie and reflect on a great life that just happened to include sports.

Jim

In this professional sports town, many of you may not have heard about Jack Curran. He didn’t grab headlines, nor was he featured regularly on sports talk radio. That is until he passed away during March.

Jack was a coach for 55 years at Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens. He won 2,600 games while coaching several generations of baseball and basketball players. He won 22 Catholic school New York City championships – five for basketball and 17 for baseball. Four times, Molloy won championships in both sports during the same academic year.

It all started on a whim. Living in Massachusetts and working as a salesman, Jack read in the newspaper that St. John’s University, his alma mater, had hired Lou Carnesecca as an assistant basketball coach. Carnesecca had been the baseball and basketball coach at Molly. Jack decided to apply, and he was hired. He was getting ready for the 2013 baseball season when his body gave out at age 82.

Jack’s success at Molloy is well documented. A few other stories from his long life, though, may come as news to even those who knew him well.

During his playing days, Jack pitched for minor league teams in the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies organizations. As a player and later as a coach, he always stressed fundamentals, maintaining discipline and setting the performance bar at an extraordinarily high level for his players, for game officials and for himself.

Among his student-athletes were NBA players Brian Winters, Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson and Kevin Joyce. Mike Baxter, currently with the New York Mets, also played for Jack, and he said Coach Curran really enjoyed helping young people. Baxter said that it didn’t matter to Jack if you played for him or not, and it didn’t matter if you needed help with a sports issue or if you were trying to find a job. He was there to help.

Jack was a devout Roman Catholic known for generous deeds far from the playing field. He even turned down the basketball head coach position at Boston College so he could remain close and care for his dying mother.

Not until his passing did many more sports fans come to know, albeit briefly, the success of a coach and the sweetness of a man. Huge stories that celebrated his life appeared in The New York Times and other newspapers. He was a topic of discussion on sports talk radio shows. He was mentioned during the CBS telecast of NCAA March Madness games. Upon learning of the passing of Coach Jack Curran, Coach Carnesecca said: “He won everything except World War III.”

He probably would have won that if it ever happened. More likely, he would have found a way to prevent it.

Jim

College hoopla each spring embraces basketball. For several weeks, NCAA March Madness consumes the sports world as 64 schools battle for the national championship.

Simultaneously, another college sport goes through the same paces but with fewer teams (16), less media coverage and less fanfare. In the hockey world, though, the final tournament of the year – known as the NCAA Frozen Four – always displays top talent, some of which finds its way into the National Hockey League days after the championship game.

Over the years, teams from Massachusetts, Minnesota, South Dakota and Michigan have dominated the game and the tournament. But this year, the finals pitted two teams from Connecticut – Yale University versus Quinnipiac University.

Early in the season, the Quinnipiac Bobcats were a long shot to play in the championship game. The team was disjointed and players were selfish on the ice. The won-lost record reflected the players’ lack of commitment to play a team system.

Suddenly, many of the players decided to summon what they called Muzzy Power – a special ability derived from donning mustaches!

As players started sprouting upper lip bristles in November, the team started to win games. The streak continued into December and then January. Muzzy Power was credited for fortunate goals, lucky wins and timely breaks. The change of face also happened to occur when the players began to embrace Coach Rand Pecknold’s up-tempo game and to support each other on the ice.

Even goalie Eric Hartzell, an undisciplined player, became a dedicated teammate. Earlier in his college career, he would arrive late for team meetings. He also let in bad goals and he allowed every goal – good and bad – to bother him. But all this changed, too.

Unlike his teammates, his power did not come from a moustache. Instead, before the season, he read a book (“How Full Is Your Bucket?”) that explained how to increase positive moments while reducing negative situations. One passage, “The Biology of Belief,” unleashed the power of consciousness, matter and miracles, and it taught Hartzell to respond positively whenever he failed to stop the puck.

Whether it was Muzzy Power, “The Biology of Belief,” or the collective decision to listen to their coach, the Bobcats continued to win until they found themselves in the finals of the Frozen Four. Unfortunately, Quinnipiac lost to Yale in that final game. Now, as they think about the new season, players must decide if they should focus on the magic of mustaches, read the bucket book, or play a team game.

Jim

There seems to be plenty of mea culpa along with requests for forgiveness these days in the sports world.

First, it was Tiger Woods.  Then, Michael Vick and this was followed by the Penn State matter. More recently, it has been Lance Armstrong and Rutgers basketball coach Mike Rice. Between each of these incidents, there have been countless other athletes and coaches with far less star power but with the same need to request forgiveness for actions on and off the field.

These acts of contrition seem much more prominent than ever before. Could it be that instant and constant news coverage is pushing more of these episodes into the public eye?

Armstrong’s redemption might be elusive. He may have waited too long to reveal the truth. He cheated for years. He denied using performing enhancing drugs. He was adamant about his innocence, and he damaged the reputations of others who challenged him.

Working in his favor to reduce his public exile are his work to fight cancer, that he was just one of many elite cyclists who concealed doping and that he didn’t physically or financially injure another person (though he did take money for charity under false pretenses). Also working to his advantage are the many Americans who are involved in the drug culture and will not be critical of him. They include casual users, body builders on steroids, truckers on uppers and club hoppers on cocaine.

None of us are immune to personal or business embarrassments that we either create or have thrust upon us through our associations with family, employees, business partners, or clients. Luckily, for most of us, these failings will not make the news cycle. But, whether or not a personal or professional blunder grabs headlines, all of us must be prepared with a plan to address any slip-up with co-workers, business associates, clients, family and the community in which we live and work.

My recommendation is to own up quickly to any mistake. Be sincere with an apology. Engage in conversation with everyone who was affected or disappointed by your action. Show them that you have learned the error of your ways, and vow not to walk this same path again. Finally, do your penance and make the self-imposed punishment fit the crime.

If handled correctly, eventually you will redeem yourself. If you were a victim of another person’s poor judgment, only you can decide if the response was sincere. If it is, extend your hand in friendship and to show support.

Jim

It took five months, but the New York Rangers finally got their man.

The team originally tried to pry Rick Nash away from the Columbus Blue Jackets at last season’s trade deadline so he could help with a playoff run. They didn’t succeed with either.

Not until last summer was this talented young scorer dealt to New York, and the deal was a steal. The Rangers did not give up any core young talent, nor did the acquisition affect the team’s salary structure.

During his first season with the Rangers, Nash has delivered with goals, assists, crisp passing, defense and with some nifty moves with the puck. Unfortunately, other aspects of the team’s play were lacking as the team struggled to reclaim its dominant play of the previous season.

Looking back to when the Nash acquisition was first discussed between the Rangers and Blue Jackets, no one at the time was sure it would occur. The package of players offered by the Rangers had been rejected by Columbus. Neither side budged.

When Nash finally became a member of the Rangers during the off-season, the player package going in the other direction involved the same names that had been discussed earlier. The Rangers refused to sweeten the offer. Columbus relented when it realized that the Rangers’ offer for Nash could not be matched by any other team.

Frequently, sports teams and businesses will jump too quickly at an opportunity for fear of losing leverage or anticipating that a deal may collapse. When this occurs, the payment, in hindsight, often is found to be too expensive. Resources may become depleted, or the return on the investment may be diminished.

In this case with the Rangers, and in all matters involving business and personal decisions, patience is the key to turning a successful deal.

Jim

Leo Schor recently earned a medal in a ski race. But, that’s not news to his family, because Leo has medaled in many other competitions.

Skiing is just natural for Leo. His parents first met on Mount Snow. Leo started skiing before he was two years old, and he has been on many New York slopes and even those in Utah. He still has a lot more to experience and accomplish, and he has the time. Leo just turned 13.

His most recent medal was bronze and he won it in the skiercross division during the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid. The medal odds were against him. A crash during a trial-run cost him the option to choose his starting position for the four-at-a-time, side-by-side races that included several jumps. Plus, his very first skiercross competition came only two weeks earlier.

But, Leo Schor certainly doesn’t lack the confidence in his ability. His goal was just to get on the podium. He’s done it before, he did it at Lake Placid and he will do it many more times. Leo just might be a name to remember for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Korea.

The Lake Placid competition involved 1,140 athletes of different ages across more than 10 different winter sports activities. The names of the participants mostly are unknown except to their small circles of family, friends, coaches and competitors. But, don’t be surprised when, within the next few years, you learn that a couple of rising young athletes competed in the 2014 Empire State Winter Games.

It is good to see that so many of our young people have the drive to compete. It also is refreshing and encouraging to learn that many of them already have confidence in their game.

Jim

The New York Rangers have a state-of-the-art practice facility in Greenburgh in Westchester County. Before that, their home was at the Playland Ice Casino in Rye. Even earlier, they skated at the Long Beach Arena on Long Island.

The latter two rinks were badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy last October, and both have been closed all this time. The Rangers, always supportive of the New York community and hockey fans, recently went on the power play to help with repairs to get these rinks back to full strength.

“New York Rangers Assist” is a new Rangers program supported by Chase Bank, one of the team’s major sponsors. It was designed, according to the team, “to improve the youth hockey experience and increase opportunities and accessibility to hockey.” The first task for the program is to refurbish these rinks that cater to a high volume of youth, high school and college hockey.

Playland will receive a new refrigeration system and roof, plus structural repairs. The rink should be ready after the summer. While a timetable has not been set for Long Beach, repairs will include a new refrigeration system, new ice and flooring, a new ice resurfacing machine and electrical repairs.

The Rangers had practiced at the Long Beach Arena and other Long Island rinks before they surrendered the territory to the expansion New York Islanders. The Rangers then practiced and trained at Playland from 1979 until they moved to Greenburgh during 2002.

For years, the Rangers organization—the executives and other employees, the players and former players—have embraced New York from Manhattan to Long Island and now throughout Westchester. They regularly participate in the Madison Square Garden Company’s Garden of Dreams program for children facing health and other obstacles. They also are involved with many other local charities and they still find time to skate with fans in Bryant Park and Central Park.

The thrill associated with the new Rangers Assist game plan for youth hockey is similar to netting a game-winning goal. It is another great example of the impact that a business and its employees can have within a community.

Jim

Despite losing January’s college football championship game and then weathering the non-existent girlfriend episode involving one of its players, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame remain popular around the country and around the world.

From my corner of the globe, Notre Dame is New York City’s college football team. Other teams are followed by fans here, and that includes Syracuse and Rutgers. But, New York, especially Catholic New York, mostly cheers for Notre Dame.

Two years ago, when the Irish came to town to renew its old-time rivalry with Army at the new Yankee Stadium, more than 54,000 fans attended the game. Notre Dame also turned the city into a huge college town. No other college football team ever has overtaken New York City in this manner. Even Lincoln Center was transformed into a college quad for a pep rally.

Notre Dame’s connection to New York is an old relationship steeped in tradition that rallies around the religious and ethnic composition of the immigrant city. When a large population of working class immigrants, then the sons and daughters of these immigrants, and then the next generation of sons and daughters look at the Notre Dame roster, they see a lot of similar Irish, Italian, German and other ethnic names. These fans, generation after generation, have cheered for Notre Dame at the old and now new Yankee Stadium, at Ebbets Field and at the Polo Grounds. Over the years, they have earned a nickname – Notre Dame’s “subway alumni.”

A relationship with alumni, whether actual graduates or those who are adopted, is just as important in business as it is in college sports. Many on our team at the Whitmore Group enjoy relationships through athletics (lacrosse and football), through the high schools of New York City and Long Island, and from colleges such as Hofstra University.

Never underestimate past associations, common beginnings, or other connections on and off the field. In many ways, we can connect as “alumni” beyond our days in school.

Jim

I doubt that you have heard about Emilie Buse. Allow me to share her wonderful success with you.

Emilie played soccer as a youngster and then she starred at SUNY Purchase. As a freshman, she led the Panthers to the North East Atlantic Conference title and she was named tournament MVP. Then, Purchase College moved into the Skyline Conference, and Emilie was selected as first team All-Conference one season and second team All-Conference during another season.

Emilie also has enjoyed the game as a referee, and she was named the Capital District Youth Soccer League’s young female referee for 2007. She also has officiated in the East Hudson Youth Soccer League, for the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association State Cup finals and for the Region 1 finals.

In the Eastern New York State Senior Association, Emilie has officiated in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League and the Eastern District Soccer League. She also has worked games in the Premier Development League and has three FIFA international games to her credit.

Earlier this year, this Westchester County resident received the Jose Vargas Award as the 2012 Eastern New York soccer referee of the year. The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association stretches from Montauk Point to the Canadian border, and it includes 123,000 players.

Emilie Buse certainly has an impressive resume, and she is just 24-years-old.

Emilie’s success can be attributed to her talent, her commitment to the game she enjoys, and her willingness to continue to learn and improve to achieve her goals. The keen eye of just one soccer official helped her along the way and opened a door or two that led to new opportunities for her. Today, she continues to open new doors in an exciting soccer career.

I, too, scout for new talent. Sometimes a name is shared with me, and at other times I receive a good vibe about a person I have met during a business or casual meeting, or even at a social function. I enjoy helping our young adults get started. By opening a door for them to step through, I can place them on their journey to career success.

I am always looking for rising stars just like Emilie. Contact me if you know of one with potential.

Jim

On his 20th birthday, Johnny Manziel accepted the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top college quarterback. A couple of nights later, he again stepped into the spotlight to accept the 78th Heisman Trophy as college football’s top player.

Popularly known as “Johnny Football,” Manziel became the first freshman to win the award. His 4,600 total yards were more than the recent Heisman winners Cam Newton and Tim Tebow.

“Being able to break that barrier, it’s such an honor,” he said. “It’s so humbling for me to be the first freshman to win and really make history. I can’t explain it. It’s just truly so awesome, something I’m so pumped about.”

Manziel’s rise in stature in both football and life has been quick. He emerged just a few months ago after having struggled during spring practice. His coach called him careless with the football. His father called him immature. Then, he was arrested after a fight outside a bar when he provided the police with a doctored ID.

He matured quickly. He realized his mistakes on and off the field, and he learned from them to capture two highly-prized college sports awards. Manziel said the Heisman will serve as his motivation. He admits that he still has much to learn.

Thousands of eyes now are watching Johnny Manziel. People are wondering what he will do for an encore. Will he continue to impress as he builds upon his success? Or, will he fade quickly and possibly miss a lucrative professional football career?

For the rest of us, it does not matter if the path we have chosen involves sports, or business, or some other passion. We always have much to learn. Previous success should serve each of us as personal motivation to capture that next honor or win a new account.

While thousands of eyes won’t be watching us, we still must continue to impress others. With each personal encore, you and I will ensure that we remain in the spotlight.

Jim