From the Coach’s Seat

In designing the exhibition, I looked at the art as reflections of different stages of athletics. I tried to look at the artwork as I do different parts of my profession and how they influence me daily. As a coach, I thought of how the art reflected my thoughts about athletics and how that perspective could influence and motivate the viewer or fan. I believe that sharing my view as a guest curator will give fans a better understanding of a coach’s ability to lead and bring athletes to reach their full potential. Much of what coaches do is motivate and educate athletes to achieve excellence. Many times fans don’t understand the level of commitment it takes from coaches and players to reach their goals and achieve success. I wanted to give fans some snapshots of ways I inspire my players by pairing quotes with the artwork in this exhibition. Together, they tell a story about my view of the art and how it inspired me, allowing the viewer a picture from the coach’s seat!

(Entering the room starting with walls on left)

#1 Desire/Success

Artworks: Louise Nevelson, Sky Wave, 1964
Robert Motherwell, Open No. 175, ca. 1970
“Imitation is the sincerest flattery.”
– Charles Caleb Colton

#2 Motivation/Determination

Artwork: Robert Lee MacCameron, Group at the Theatre, 1912
“It’s lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself.”
– Muhammad Ali

Artwork: Maurice Brazil Prendergast, Summer Day, Salem, ca. 1915–1918
“It is what you learn after you know it all that counts.”
– John Wooden

#3 Faith/Dreams

Artwork: Elmer Nelson Bischoff, Country Room, 1957
“I learned that if you want it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it.”
– Gale Sayers

Artwork: Claes Oldenburg, Icebag — Scale B, Yellow, 1971
“The will to win is important; the will to prepare is crucial.”
– Joe Paterno

Artwork: Unknown (Franco–Flemish), St. John the Evangelist, c. 1430
“Set your goal high and don’t stop ‘till you’re there.”
– Bo Jackson

Artwork: Harriet Whitney Frishmuth, The Star, 1918
“Dreams are why you get started; discipline is what keeps you going.”
– Unknown

#4 Achievement

Unknown (Greek), Olive Leaf Wreath, date unknown
“The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves.”
– Mike Ditlea

Artwork: Unknown (Central Indian), Head of a Devotee, 10th–11th century CE
“Concentration comes out of a combination of confidence and hunger.”
– Arnold Palmer

Artwork: Lorna Simpson, Stack of Diaries, 1993 (Stack 5), 1993
“Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one’s level of aspiration and expectation.”
– Jack Nicklaus

Artwork: William Michael Harnett, Deutsche Press, 1882
“Motivation is simple. You eliminate those who are not motivated.”
– Lou Holtz

Artwork: Unknown (South Indian), Playing Card (ganjifa): Two Noblemen on Horseback with Dogs, 19th Century
“Discipline yourself and others won’t have to.”
–John Wooden

#5 Passion/Commitment

Phillip Guston, Game, 1978
“I have failed over and over again. That’s why I succeed.”
– Michael Jordan

Artwork: Carrie Mae Weems, Weems and Buffalo Jump (from “The Hampton Project”), 2000
“You can become a winner only if you are willing to walk over the edge.”
– Damon Runyon

Artwork: George Inness, Twilight, ca. 1860
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.”
– Tommy Lasorda