Character is a virtue

J's World, by Jeremiah Bartz

Last week I spoke with Wasilla senior Ray Schafer about his choice to play basketball next season at the University of Oregon.

I was incredibly impressed with what he said, most notably one of the factors that led to his choice of Oregon.

"The coach said that he is willing to give up talent for character and I like that. It showed in the players," Shafer said.

This is commendable and unfortunately statements like these are rarely heard. More often than not a coach or team makes an addition to their team that is full of talent, but possesses questionable character. Sometimes more harm is done that good. The sports world gives us examples every day. These examples overshadow the positive news that comes from the sports world.

I have been associated with athletics on many levels. I have covered high school and collegiate athletics, worked in public relations for collegiate athletics and participated in athletics. I have seen numerous examples of both the positive and negative characteristics of athletes.

While working in the collegiate athletic media relations, I saw both positive and negative examples. Many were excellent students and fine representatives of the school, and others found their way into trouble and onto the police blotter.

Most schools do not have the luxury of choosing the cream of the crop. There are times, where coaches would take a player with unlimited potential, but questionable character. Those players do not always get into serious legal trouble, but are often a disctration to the program and damage the chemistry of the team.

I am not one to hold amateur athletes to a different standard. High school and collegiate athletes are some of the most hard working individuals that I have ever seen. Very few people could balance the travel, practice schedule and classes. And the fact that athletes take dummied down courses is often a myth.

Coaches, especially at the collegiate level, need to look harder at the intangibles such as character, teamwork and dedication. These are the building blocks. Players with these attribute should be rewarded.

A player with these characteristics and enough talent to compete on the level will be a greater addition to your team than a player with unlimited potential, but a bad attitude.