COMPASSION AT THE NEENAH INVITATIONAL BEYOND THE FINISH LINE
In the competitive world of high school athletics, where every second counts and victories are often measured in milliseconds, an incident at the Neenah Cross Country Invitational in Wisconsin reminds us of a fundamental but often forgotten aspect of sports: good sportsmanship. On this race day, amid the blur of sprinting figures and cheering crowds, a moment of true sportsmanship unfolded. Two runners from Stevens Point Area Senior High, Cooper Erickson and Ethan Olds, encountered a fellow competitor, Seppi Camilli, in distress. Camilli had collapsed, his strength waning just shy of the finish line. Erickson and Olds chose empathy over rivalry in a split-second decision that would resonate far beyond the race track. They paused their own race to help Camilli cross the finish line. This act, simple in its execution but profound in its implication, speaks volumes about the values ingrained in these young athletes. It’s a vivid reminder that the essence of sports isn’t solely found in the glory of winning but also in the moments of shared humanity. In extending their hands to a competitor in need,
Erickson and Olds demonstrated that real victory lies in lifting each other up, even amidst fierce competition. This incident is a beacon for young athletes and a reminder for coaches, parents, and spectators alike. It underscores the importance of nurturing not only physical strength and skill in our young athletes but also the values of kindness, teamwork, and respect for others. As Erickson and Olds demonstrated, sometimes the most enduring triumphs on the sports field are those of the heart. The coaches and spectators at the Neenah Invitational witnessed more than a race that day; they witnessed a powerful lesson in character and humanity. In a world where headlines often speak of division and conflict, stories like this inspire us to look beyond the finish line and see the broader horizon of human kindness and fellowship. The spirit of sportsmanship, as shown by these young athletes, is a testament to the true essence of competitive sports — a celebration of shared humanity alongside physical prowess.
Josh Schlenker’s Road: HARDWORKING UPS DRIVER TAKES A NEW PATH
Per the company website, in 1907, two teenage entrepreneurs created what would become the world’s largest package delivery service. Starting in a Seattle basement with a $100 loan, Claude Ryan and Jim Casey opened the American Messenger Company. In 1919, the company made its first expansion beyond Seattle to Oakland, California, where the name United Parcel Service debuted. That same year, the company painted the company’s cars its signature color brown. Using now-familiar slogans such as “As sure as taking it there yourself,” “The package delivery company more companies count on,” and the ever-popular “What can brown do for you?” we see those familiar brown trucks nearly every day. This isn’t surprising when you realize UPS employs more than half a million people and has 126,000 trucks on the road. Looking back, I’ve represented nearly 50 UPS drivers in recent years. Like our client Josh, lots of folks hire on because the pay is good. My oldest brother did: He drove for them a couple of years in the 1960s after he got out of the Marine Corps.
Josh’s dad was a pastor, and the family moved between Iowa and Ohio several times before ultimately landing in Obetz, Ohio. After attending college at Mount Vernon Nazarene, Josh’s brother-in-law recommended UPS as a great opportunity for him to provide for his family, so Josh hired on. As a package delivery driver, there’s obviously a lot of driving, stopping, hopping in and out of the truck … and lots of lifting of packages that can weigh more than 100 pounds. During a shift of extended lifting, Josh’s shoulder had had enough: He tore up his bicep and subscapularis tendons as well as the cartilage around his shoulder joint. As his claim was initially allowed only for a strain, the physical therapy and other treatments didn’t help. His doctors recommended surgery that was finally permitted 18 months later(!), requiring several hearings and several additional conditions before it was approved. His surgeon said, “He had quite a bit more injury in his shoulder than we thought,” and recently recommended injections of platelet-rich plasma, something professional athletes use to try to rehabilitate cartilage.
Unable to work for nearly three years, even the defense doctors concluded Josh couldn’t return to the work he enjoyed at UPS as he still has residual limitations. These interfere with hunting and other activities, but he’s still able to oil paint (hey, these guys don’t just sling freight!) and enjoy life with Melissa (whom he met at church) and their active young kiddos. Josh recently decided to close his claim and is starting a position with another company soon. He is a great guy, and we wanted to let you know a bit more about him.
2
www.monastlaw.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator