Congratulations to senior Bobby M., who was awarded the “Grit Award” by Positive Coaching Alliance at the organization’s Cleveland Chapter Youth Sports Awards Monday, April 20, at Hawken School.
The Grit Award is given to a student-athlete who “personifies the characteristics of resiliency, determination and a never-give-up attitude. The athlete receiving this award has overcome a significant life challenge, demonstrating grit both on and off the field, inspiring everyone around them by their actions and their attitude.”
Bobby was involved in a near-fatal accident after his eighth grade year. After multiple surgeries and grueling rehab, Bobby returned to play both football and basketball at Cardinal High School. He was the starting tight end on this year’s 8-2 football team, and he was also awarded CVC Second Team and All-Geauga First Team after the season.
“After extensive injuries, I had to learn to walk again. Through dedication, drawn out physical therapy, and LOTS of motivation from family and teammates, I overcame the odds and managed to return to sports,” Bobby says. “This award goes way beyond my success. It shows the professionalism of the Metro Health Medical Team; motivation from teachers, staff, and COACHES in the Cardinal Local School District along teammates and friends who never left my side.”
Cardinal is one of several local high schools and youth sports organizations that has partnered with Positive Coaching Alliance to promote “better athletes, better people.” PCA is a national organization founded in 1998 by Jim Thompson. Its mission is to replace the “win at all costs” mentality with the idea of the “double-goal coach,” and to help develop “triple impact competitors” who strive to make themselves better, their teammates better, and their sport better.
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