ENTHUSIASM is the fire in our furnace. It is the spark that keeps us going in high gear. ENTHUSIASM brings on EXCITEMENT. EXCITEMENT then produces ENERGY. ENERGY generates EXTRA EFFORT. EXTRA EFFORT develops EXCELLENCE. Genuine ENTHUSIASM is a by product of BELIEF. BELIEF is founded on a combination of FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE. FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE are sought out through INTEREST and INTEREST is continually developed through CURIOSITY. By constantly being CURIOUS you develop INTEREST and KNOWLEDGE and FAITH which gives you BELIEF that makes your ENTHUSIASM COME ALIVE. ENTHUSIASM...GOT IT? GET IT? IT MAKES THE GOING GREAT!!

Consider the following: It is estimated that only one or two athletes out of a hundred make a total commitment every time he steps out on the field of battle. You may or may not be that man. Percentages would tell you that your chances of meeting that kind of athlete would be slim. Yet, if you do not put out 100% every time you hit the field, you will meet him, because he will find you and put you on your tail every chance he gets. It works like this- If you are part of a team that only hits HARD every eleven plays of so apiece, and he its hard EVERY play, he has beaten you by himself. He has a many hard hits as your whole team, and he has demoralized you. He has inspired his teammates and now they are knocking you down too. You are one of ninety-nine and one has beaten you. Of course, you could always become the ONE...

There seems to be a certain excitement about the 2006 season that has been reflected in a number of players making appearances in the weight room and on the field this summer. Although the turnout is much better than in the past, there are also some key positions that have a smaller representation than they should. Almost 90% of the players lifting and running are backs and receivers and only a handful of linemen have been in on a consistent basis. It is important that we have equal representation if we are going to meet our goals for this fall. Remember, probably every player will wish he had put more time in during the preseason when the schedule gets into full swing. Getting exhausted during daily doubles, being defeated by a player in a drill, or losing out your position to another player is all it will take to bring the feeling of regret. The only way you can change that is to get into the weight room and put the time in. That way you can always say that you did your best. So get in, work hard, and prepare for the 2006 season. Go Trojans.