[Andy Baker]

This is one of the more interesting threads seen in a while.

First of all, some background: 5 teams got together this past Saturday to play a few matches up at Wildstang HQ in Schaumburg, IL. It was an informal event that team 111 hosted with the intent to get teams together and have a bit of fun. Raul and I were the "refs" (more like just score-keepers) of the event. Raul even had a Wildstang-colored hard hat. Thanks to team 111 for hosting, and also thanks to Kyle Love (Kyle45) for instigating the whole thing (way to go, Kyle).

When Raul and I saw each other, both of us wanted to take a picture that mimicked Corey and Bharat's Holloween pic. Honestly, we were both flattered that they dressed up like that a few weeks ago.

Now, as for the comments by Krass. I understood the point and took it as this: Maddie wants students to strive to be better, and not to settle for what is already out there. Krass likes to stir the pot and discuss issues, and this is understood. Heck, I don't want kids making the same mistakes I make, or even doing the same exact things I do. I want them to do better. I also want them to see me as a person that does make mistakes and admits that these mistakes happen.

For me, I have many heroes. However, I really don't pick out one person and say "I want to be just like them". For instance, if I was a basketball player, I would not be able to sit here and say "I want to be like MJ". While Jordan was probably the best hoops player ever, he does other things that I don't want to emulate.

People need to be themselves, and be the best person they can be. They can look to heroes and role models for guidance, but they also need to realize that they are gifted in unique ways and they are simply not going to be just like anyone else. I like Maddie's suggestion of "I'll be better than XXX". This does raise the bar and keeps people striving to improve not only themselves, but also the standard.

Andy B.