It’s Game Time – College Football Is in Full Swing!

As most programs across America just finished their second week of action, we are in full swing for football season! It’s amazing what a successful program can do for you & your university, and how it can help you stay committed to your fitness goals!

Fired Up and Working For It!

Before the start of the season, I spoke to the K-State team about their goals for 2015. The team was fired up and they were growling loudly throughout my presentation. During my talk, I reminded them that this season is theirs…they have the power to step up, make the necessary sacrifices and accept the challenges before them in order to reach their goals. They have a duty to themselves to face pain, conquer any lingering doubts, and visualize a season where they are successful in executing the 16 Wildcat Goals for Success. They are obviously ready to go as they are already off to a 2 – 0 start!

Photo inside the K-State football team’s new meeting room with theater type seats. I got my picture taken with Dr. Gary Cleveland of Manhattan, KS before the speech. We were former arch rivals on the football field and basketball court when we were in high school.

K-State’s next opponent this Saturday is Louisiana Tech at “Bill Snyder Family Stadium” at 2:00 PM on FSN – FOX Sports Network if you don’t get a chance to make it in person.

Football Season Belongs to You, Too!

With the opening weekend of college football behind us countless fans across America and around the world are excited about the upcoming 2015 season for their team, their conference and either attending the games or watching them on TV.

Outside the K-State meeting theater meeting room in the brand new football locker room and facilities that were completed just before the start of the 2015 football season. From left to right Kevin Saunders, Legendary Head Coach Bill Snyder, Dora Saunders & Dr. Gary Cleveland Manhattan, KS.

Roland Aguilar and Kevin Saunders – Roland was a former rugby teammate of Kevin’s from the Corpus Christi rugby club. He was able to attend the K-State v. UTSA game with Kevin last Saturday in San Antonio, TX.

For new and returning students, it’s the opportunity to meet new friends and share one of the signature college moments that puts them in touch with School Spirit and a sense of community.  They’re on a journey through young adulthood, grabbing each new experience and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Other types of college football fans include former students whose loyalty to their Alma Mater is given fresh life at this time of the year, sparking memories of football seasons past and the excitement they brought. These powerful memories can activate your senses and for a moment, you can smell the hot dogs and other foods cooking at the tailgate parties throughout the parking lots. You can see the ocean of team colors surrounding you – from team jerseys to the flying streamers and the team mascot proudly wearing the logo. You can even hear the thumping “RAH-RAH-SIS-BUM-BAH” of NCAA college football.

The truth is that most of us went to college with a goal of higher education so that we could find a career in something we truly love. But after college, it’s these powerful memories of being among friends that make us smile. Some of us are even inspired to look up our old college  friends to renew our friendships and reminisce about the old times!

Here is a picture where K-State is lined up on offense against the UTSA defense. During the first half, UTSA had a lot of get up and go. K-State decided to pick it up in the second half as we went into the locker room leading 10 to 3. Our defense made the adjustments and agreed to step it up for the second half, while our offense made a commitment to pick up the tempo as well. This picture was on a K-State drive in the 4th quarter which ended with a 14 yard run for a touchdown by K-State RB Justin Silmon.

We won the game by a score of 30 – 3, and our defense has only allowed the one field goal in the past two games.

Whatever team you root for, whether your current college or your alma mater, it’s good to get behind them. When Head Coach Bill Snyder came to Kansas State in 1989, Kansas State was actually debating dropping college football. Thank goodness we didn’t, as Coach Snyder brought Kansas State University, the Alumni and the State of Kansas the “Greatest turnaround in College football History.” Now thanks to all of our success in football at Kansas State, we have an impressive, state of the art, multi-million dollar sports complex. The added visibility and national profile has boosted our student enrollment. And with this growth and prestige, K-State has seen a a major influx of funding for other programs, including student life and campus improvements, among others.

When you have an opportunity to go support your alma mater in sports  – whatever sport it may be – don’t miss your chance! You can renew old friendships from your college days and even make new ones which may lead to new friends or business. At the very least, supporting the sports programs at your college will put some pep in your step and give you a chance to cheer for your team!

Stick to Your Own Commitments

This can also be a time for each of us as spectators and fans of our team to rededicate our goals for our fitness regimen. As fitness and staying strong has been linked through science to show that it can improve the quality of our lives. We can continue our commitment as our team renews their commitment to strive every day to improve as a person, on their job and in staying fit to improve the quality of our lives.

Every new season is a chance for every team to start with a new slate. With all the excitement and enthusiasm now for college football and girls volleyball many other sports as well. It also makes this a good time for you to renew your commitments that you made for fitness this year. If you’ve put it off, start now!

We all have to struggle in different ways to be successful in life. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is your level of commitment to your goals and your self-discipline. Discipline is your willingness to stick to your goals and constantly be striving to improve and reach higher levels of excellence, achievement and possibility than ever before in your fitness goals and all you do.

Whether you’re a football fan or not, I believe that our Wildcat 16 Goals For Success can help you reach any goals you have, whether personal or professional.

Kevin Saunders helps train a girl at Gold’s Gym in Venice, CA as a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports.

When I spoke to the Kansas State University football team in August during two-a-days I relayed to them how the largest corporations in America are implementing the 16 WGFS.

Here are a few of the quotes Corporate leaders have sent me and are saying about Head Coach Bill Snyder’s 16 WGFS:

1. Your commitment to being successful at all you do.
2. Unselfishness – There is no “I” in team.
3. Unity – coming together as Never before.
4. Improve – every day as a player, person & student.
5. Be tough – mentally and physically- Come out fighting & knocking off balance-get them making mistakes & take advantage of them!
6. Self-Discipline – Do it right- Keep executing on D don’t let LA Tech in the End Zone. Offense- Keep moving the ball & the chains to score, OL control that line- on run play block & open those holes for the backs & on a pass play keep defenders blocked out of the backfield. Then pick up the yards you need for a 1st down or T.D. & Special teams make the plays you need & complete your assignments.
7. Great effort – I want to see that every time on every play so you take control of the game.
8. Enthusiasm – is like a fire and light up the entire team.
9. Eliminate Mistakes, Don’t beat up on yourselves! If you make a bad play get your mind refocused on making your next play a great one!
10. Never Give Up! Never, Never, Never!
11. Don’t accept losing! THIS IS YOUR BODY! SO GET IN SHAPE and HELP YOUR BODY & MIND HELP YOU!
12. No self-limitations – Expect more from yourself! Use visualizations to see yourself making outstanding plays over and over.
13. Expect to Win – and truly believe you will!
14. Consistency- Give you very best every time!
15. Leadership – everyone can set the example!
16. Responsibility – You are responsible for your performance! Every play!

I have applied these WGFS to my life and it has helped me to make a huge difference in my personal and business goals, and positively impacted my fitness level. I am sure it can do the same for many people out there reading this. It serves as a philosophy and a way to make sure you meet and even surpass your goals. Just stay committed and focused every day and you will see a difference!

Wishing you continued success and good health!