A week ago last Sunday, we had the pleasure and fortune to have Rob Kehoe speaking to us about the small victories that we all should try to achieve in sport and life as well.

I had met Rob a few years back, when I attended an Indiana University soccer symposium in Bloomington. He was there as a clinician and speaker.  Rob's association with the IU soccer program goes back a while and even thought winning championships is always a communion of efforts, Rob was instrumental in guiding the minds of many successful collegiate players at IU and helping the coaching stuff in building a soccer power house. He did the same with Maryland, 2005 NCAA Div. I Champions, and with other institutions as he continues to teach, inspire, and guide different soccer players at many different levels.

I like Rob and I like his approach to sport and life. Planning, envisioning, taking the necessary baby steps to control what you can and accept what you can't.  The serenity prayer comes to mind right away: "God grant me the ability to change the things I can control, the serenity to accept the things I can't control , and the wisdom to know the difference."

Two years ago this November 30, Rob lost his older son, then 24, in a car accident due to bad weather and a slippery road.  That day was Rob's worst day of his life. No matter how much time will pass, his grieving will last the length of his life. Yet, his "Winning the Small Victories" approach has helped him coping with the anguish and pain associated with a parent burying his own child.

We all get caught with our daily routines that we tend to take for granted the important things in life. Soccer victories and defeats, record and statistics, winning the ball and scoring goals, etc. become very small and insignificant when compared to "real" issues like health, love, and family. Keeping these matters under perspective and concentrate on the things we can change today, while maintaining a balanced approach, are things Rob teaches and implements in his own life.

So today, the message to my players, who have sustained three defeats in as many games, is this: "Keep your heads up, continue your dedication and stay focused on today, because only that way, and if tomorrow comes, you'll be ready to face the important matters in your life."

"Yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery. Keep enjoying the gift of today...that's why they call it present."