HAVE A LAUGH!
LIFE LESSONS FROM ‘HOOSIERS’ LEGAL SPORTS MOVIE OF THE MONTH “If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don’t care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game. In my book we’re going to be winners.”
–Coach Norman Dale
“Hoosiers” is one of the most beloved sports movies of all time. The story may center on a small-town high school basketball team, but its lessons resonate beyond the court. Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) is a natural leader, and you can learn a lot from the way he handles his team and the basketball- crazed townspeople. Here are a few major takeaways.
BRAISED CHICKEN AND SPRING VEGETABLES This simple and delicious one-pot recipe is perfect for a weeknight. It only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on work, but will taste like you spent all day building flavors. It’s a hearty comfort food that’s sure to delight eaters of all ages. Ingredients
Set Clear Expectations
From his very first practice with the Hickory High School team, Coach Dale makes it clear what he will and will not tolerate. He even ejects one player, Buddy Walker, for mouthing off to him. At first, the players regard him as a strict disciplinarian. Over the course of the movie, they realize that he was just implementing his system. And he holds himself to the same high standards as his players.
Focus on Process, Not Results
• 1 tablespoon olive oil • 8 small bone-in chicken thighs • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 12 radishes, halved
• 4 large carrots, cut into sticks • 1 tablespoon sugar • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped • Salt and pepper
Coach Dale is under no illusions when it comes to his teams’ prospects. They only have seven players, so it would be foolish of him to think that the team will win every game. Instead, as in the quote above, he encourages his players to work hard at doing things the right way. With this approach, even a loss can be a source of positive takeaways. You grow as much from failure, after all, as you do from success.
Directions 1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in pan for 6 to 7 minutes per side. 3. Remove chicken from pan and scrape off excess fat. Add broth and stir in radishes, carrots, and sugar. 4. Return chicken to pan, placing on top of vegetables. Gently simmer with lid on pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Finish with chives.
Know When Your Team Is Right
With the state championship on the line, Coach Dale calls for a play. The players openly disagree with his decision, offering up an alternative. Dale, rather than stubbornly sticking to his guns, opts to listen to his team. We won’t spoil what happens, but the film’s closing moments provide a valuable lesson on the importance of trusting the people around you.
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