Quick Team Lessons with...

"On the Road" Videos

Often times as coaches we want to engage our team in a character-building lesson but we have limited time to come up with something. Our “go to” resource in these moments is often “On the Road with Steve Hartman” videos.

These short news segments, usually 3-4 minutes, from CBS News are filled with inspiring messages and often thought provoking quotes. In a pinch, go to YouTube and search “On the Road with Steve Hartman.” We are confident you’ll find something to use quickly.

Here are 5 of our favorites that our student athletes always enjoy and generate a quick conversation. Press Play and let your team share what they take away from each one.

Star Football Player Steps Out of His Comfort Zone

Here’s the description from YouTube: As part of our continuing series “On the Road,” Steve Hartman meets Kathy Rackley who had a chance encounter with Malcolm Mitchell at a Barnes & Noble. She had no idea he was a star football player for the University of Georgia Bulldogs when she told him about her book club. And she had no idea what would happen next.

“That came natural. That’s a gift. I had to work to read.”

Malcolm Mitchell

“But his greatest talent may lie in his ability to step so outside his comfort zone.”

Steve Hartman

Diving into the Unknown, Student Athlete Proves the Merits of Hard Work

Here’s the description from YouTube: Gerald Hodges was already a great athlete on the land, but he didn’t know how to swim. So he decided to face the challenge head-on, and join the swim team. Steve Hartman has his story “On the Road.”

“If I couldn’t handle not being good at something, then how could I consider myself a successful person?”

Gerald Hodges

WWII Veteran Refuses to Close the Book on His Life

Here’s the description from YouTube: As part of our continuing series “On the Road,” Steve Hartman meets 90-year-old Ed Bray, who served in World War II and has two Purple Hearts, but who could never read what they were for. After 89 years of covering up his illiteracy, Ed is starting a new chapter.

“Get in there and learn baby! Now, because you ain’t going to learn in that Pine Box.”

Ed Bray

Teen Born Without Legs Inspires on the Basketball Court

Here’s the description from YouTube: When Josiah Johnson decided to try out for his middle school basketball team, the 13-year-old who was born without legs - said he was up for the challenge. Since making the team, Johnson has put together a highlight reel of memorable plays that have left his teammates in awe, and proven the strength of his determination.

“To do something that they thought they couldn’t do.”

Josiah Johnson

Good Neighbors

Here’s the description from YouTube: Steve Hartman tells us about an unusual ritual in one Utah community that has bound residents together, to come to the aid every evening of a neighbor with multiple sclerosis.

“I’d always considered myself a good person. Christian. Then I realized, maybe I’m not. I wanted to be a better person.”

John Keller

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