2022

As the NEW YEAR begins... I have resolved to revamp my portfolio with the most successful season of football neatly tucked away. A full season of W.C.A.L. and the opportunity to photograph SHP (Sacred Heart Prep) to a California State Championship! 

The "will to win" was a result of young men deciding to make a "second" season into the playoffs a unique opportunity and a season to remember... for life! I hope you have the chance to realize your "field of dreams" in 2022.

Daniel
 
The Will to Win…
 
I recently had the opportunity to see a High School football team (SHP) rise from a season record of 3-7 to a Northern California Championship by winning 4 straight games. With the next game on the line for a State Title, I felt it was important to recognize the intangibles of winning and what it means to a group of young men. More importantly what this experience will do to their soul and mind for the rest of their lives. The qualities of winning require 4 aspects of commitment.
 
1-Physical
Yes... football is a physical game. One of the profound mistakes I have witnessed over the years begins with the effect of the physical realm of competition. While we all may wish for a 6’4”frame, coupled with 260lbs of unearthly flesh, the reality is we will not achieve this concept of what a “successful” football player needs to look like. What we must be clear about is… what we have, what we can improve, and what we are willing to do with it. 
 
2- Mental
The aspect of being undersized physically, can be greatly enhanced with the sharpness of mind. Having spent countless hours in the film room, studying my opponent, looking for subtle tendencies, knowing the dynamics of down and distance, and play calling, increased my mental capacity. When you study your opponent and can identify patterns…this opens the door to “instinct”. Football requires instinct. Controlled instinct is the result of a coach calling a play, accepting the responsibilities associated with the formation, and creating alternative reactions in a split second, to disrupt or challenge the outcome. 
 
3- Emotional
One of the most underrated or misunderstood  aspects of team play is the effect one player in an organization can have on the whole. To be emotionally mature is the catalyst of saying what needs to be said, and not what needs to be heard. Some of the most emotional events on the field require no spoken word. When a teammate sees in the eyes of his brother, a calm, confident manner, it  instills a knowing, a freedom, a direction and desire to emulate action rather than words. At times, just doing your job is the most powerful statement you will ever make.
 
4- Spiritual
Understanding what you have been given, the clarity of thought and the ability to respond, paves the way to momentum. A team with momentum incorporates physical, mental and emotional gifts in a defined space. You become embraced with positive thoughts in action and outcome. The feeling cannot be described nor should it. You just know it is there and the outcome can be overwhelming to opponents. Even though they be bigger, at times faster, and possibly smarter.
 
When you incorporate all four of the keys…in a moment of time, on a field of dreams, you will experience…The Will to Win!
(yes...SHP shut out Righetti High School for 5 straight wins and a 5A State Championship!)
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