Beilein Interview in Long Island Catholic

[CAN'T FIND  A LINK FOR THIS - IT REQUIRES A SUBSCRIPTION, WEBSITE ALSO SEEMS LOW-TECH]

I was in my hometown, diocese-based credit union recently and was surprised to see the latest issue of the Long Island Catholic had a picture of John Beilein on the cover. I don't know how the LI Catholic scored this interview or what his connection is to the faith community there, but I loved the article. And its further evidence of what a great dude John Beilein is.  

Some highlights:

-  I was surprised to find out that during Lent, which occurs in February/March - the most brutal stretch of the college basketball season, he tries to go to mass every day.  I find that pretty amazing - I wonder if there are any other D-1 college coaches, even at Catholic schools, who do the same. He also says his faith helps him get through the season and he reads a lot of scripture and prayer books for motivation/inspiration. He says "the more faith I have, the more peace."

- After he started a family of his own, he began to see his own team as a family as well. He approaches coaching the same way he does parenting. He tries get to know each player and their family and help them towards their goals. Of course he gives a lot of the credit for his own success to his family.

- He was one of nine (!) kids and he's the chair of the NCAA's basketball ethics coalition (I was not aware of those facts). 

- When asked if God cares if Michigan beats State, he said he never prays for a win but "just that we do our best" and "to be grateful for the opportunity."

- Some of his favorite words to live by:

     -  On faith: "Pray as if everything depends upon God, work as if everything depends upon you", quote from St. Ignatius Loyola.

     -  Wisdom from his mother: "Values are caught, not taught."

    - On coaching: "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."  And "Rules without relationship equals rebellion."

I know this all comes off as very churchy but it's really more than that; it's about his overall approach to everything he does. And his personal faith does play a significant role in that.  To me, it shows that he's a guy who has made it to the top of an insanely intense, competitive and even corrupt game but did it the right way.  He has his head in the right place.  

Just thought I would pass it along - doubt any mgobloggers came across the LI Catholic recently hahah.