In the fall of 1999, I enrolled as a 1L at the Appalachian School of Law ("ASL") in Grundy, Virginia. In case you are wondering where Grundy is like I did, fear not, for you are not alone. Grundy is more than 3 hours southwest of Roanoke, and wedged in a box canyon which separates Kentucky and West Virginia by just a few miles. Grundy is a coal mining town where, until the law school opened in 1997, knew of no one who hadn't grow up in one of its hollowers or branches. Grundy was more than six hours from the suburbs of Washington, D.C., where I was from, and worlds apart in all other respects. Despite my reservations, I packed up my Jeep Wrangler and embarked on what would become a very eventful and meaningful time in my life.
In those days, federal judges generally made their law clerk hiring decisions during the second semester of the 2L year, with the application process beginning in the fall of the 2L year. I must admit, I knew that I wanted to go to law school, but I was otherwise ignorant to most of what attending law school meant. Specifically, I had no idea what a federal clerkship was, much less how to go about applying for one. During the early part of my 2L fall semester, folks began talking about a clerkship in nearby Abingdon, Virginia, for the Honorable Glen N. Williams, Senior District Judge for the United States District Court, Western District of Virginia (Abingdon and Big Stone Gap Divisions). Initially, I paid no attention to the buzz, as there was no way a student in the third ever class at ASL was going to get a federal clerkship, at least that is what I thought at the time.
One day while visiting with the Director of Career Services, she asked me if I had applied for the federal clerkship with Judge Williams. When I told her that I had not, she encouraged me to do so. She told me about the extreme benefits of clerking for a federal judge, and that I needed to apply, so blindly I did. As you may or may not know, federal judges received hundreds, if not thousands, of clerkship applications per year. Once I found this out, I was certain that I would not get the job, and gave it no additional thought.
A few months went by, and having heard nothing, I was confident in my suspicions that the job was awarded to some other candidate (Judge Williams had two law clerks per year, but the odds were still stacked against me). Then one day, I received a call that Judge Williams had narrowed the field, and wanted to schedule me for an interview the following week. That gave me exactly one week to figure out how I was going to win the job. Having done some recon, I learned that Judge Williams was among other things, a huge Cincinnati Reds fan. In fact, he would sit by designation for the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals once a year, and always when the Reds were in town (the 6th Circuit is located in Cincinnati). I also knew that Judge Williams had a large Seersucker suit collection, which I too happened to have. So, armed with all of my intel, and dressed in my Seersucker suit, I headed to Abingdon for my interview.
There were a number of candidates in Abingdon for interviews that day, most of which were far more worthy of the clerkship than I was, at least I thought so. What was I going to do when it was my turn to wow Judge Williams? When the door to the judge's chambers opened, and I was invited in, I still had no idea what I was going to do to separate myself from the field. Then, as I walked through the doors it came to me, before I could even take my seat, I looked at Judge Williams and said, "Judge, I have just one question for you. If you are a Reds fan, and I'm a Mets fan, how are we going to work together?" For the next hour and a half, Judge Williams and I talked about all things unrelated to the clerkship, and four weeks later I was awarded one of the two clerkship positions for 2002-2003. I couldn't believe it, I was moving to Abingdon, Va., another hour and a half farther southwest!
The lessons here are three-fold. First, always shoot for the moon. Who knows, you might just land on it. Second, Human relations matters. Any number of folks are qualified for most jobs, but those who demonstrate the ability to be human typically wind up with the job in the end. Third, don't be afraid to think (explore) outside of the box. It's a lot like the road less traveled.
.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Doug Blevins: Professional Kicking Coach Persevers Against All Odds
Folks, there is no better way to introduce you to one of the most inspirational stories of all time, then to show you the following HBO Real Sports special featuring my good friend (and client) Doug Blevins. What an amazing story, and one that should be shared whenever possible. Enjoy.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
In Times of Tragedy and Need: Virginia is for "Hoos and Hokies"
If you live in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you live in one of the best states in the Union. After all, Virginia is for Lovers! (You knew that was coming. Now back to the point.) Virginia is an ideal location geographically for many reasons; it is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and; is home to some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. In short, Virginia is a place where choices are plentiful. That is, until you enter the world of Virginia Tech vs. The University of Virginia. To that end, there is but one choice, UVA or VT. Like most deep seeded rivalries, when it comes to UVA or VT, you are in, or you are out. You "are" or you "are not." You bleed orange, or you bleed burnt orange. There is no in between.
On Saturday November 26, 2011, the men of the University of Virginia football team (a team that has not lived up to expectation in recent years) suited up for arguably the most important game in the history of their program. It was set for national television on their home field, and the winner was headed to the Conference Championship game. Their was no prouder time to be 'Hoo! There was no prouder time to be a 'Hoo fan, as was evident by all of the crossed sabre flags on cars, and embroidered corduroy UVA pants proudly displayed throughout the Commonwealth.
On that same Saturday, the men of the Virginia Tech University football team (a team that normally dominates regular season play) suited up for what they likely deemed another game against a supposed conference rival, and which would likely result in Virginia Tech's return to their Conference Championship game. Playing on national television was not cause for celebration in their minds, and their fan base adopted Virgina Tech's lunch pail - let's go to work - mentality. As is always the case, Virginia Tech gear was on prominent display by Hokie Nation.
Later that afternoon, Virginia Tech stormed onto the field at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, and soundly beat the University of Virginia 38-0, in a game that was never in contest. The 'Hoos dream of reaching their first ever ACC Championship game was dismantled from the opening kickoff, and when the whistle sounded at the end of the 4th quarter, Virginia Tech was once again - and for the 8th straight year - the holder of the Commonwealth Cup (the trophy awarded to the winner of this annual cross-state/intra-conference rivalry). The rivalry on this day however, despite the final score, had reached a fever pitch.
On Thursday, December 8, 2011, a gunman killed a Virginia Tech police officer after a routine traffic stop on the Virginia Tech campus. We later learned that prior to the killer taking his own life, he took the life of Deriek Crouse, a public servant, husband and father of five. This became the third tragedy to strike the Virginia Tech community since 32 innocent lives were inexplicably taken on April 16, 2007 by another cowardly gunman.
When tragedy strikes, communities band together, and strangers far and wide reach out to those in need. When tragedy strikes, good rises above evil and the healing process begins. Rivalries are set aside and bonds are formed. The inability to say nice things about your rival is replaced with sorrow, support and sympathy. When tragedy strikes, orange and burnt orange melt into unity and compassion, and a shared sense of pride rises well above the 100+ year old rivalry that is VT v UVA.
In 2007 when tragedy struck Virginia Tech, the UVA family reached out to the Virginia Tech community in numerous ways, and led the world community in letting Virginia Tech know that they were not alone. Likewise, when news broke of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, UVA students painted Beta Bridge in solidarity with, and public support of their cross-state rivals.
Despite the realness of their historical rivalry in every sense of the word, and their recent defeat in the "we are finally going to win this game" Commonwealth Cup, UVA pulled out their orange and navy blue and stood behind their Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange rivals to the southwest. And in doing so, left no doubt that in times of tragedy and need Virginia is for 'Hoos and Hokies.
On Saturday November 26, 2011, the men of the University of Virginia football team (a team that has not lived up to expectation in recent years) suited up for arguably the most important game in the history of their program. It was set for national television on their home field, and the winner was headed to the Conference Championship game. Their was no prouder time to be 'Hoo! There was no prouder time to be a 'Hoo fan, as was evident by all of the crossed sabre flags on cars, and embroidered corduroy UVA pants proudly displayed throughout the Commonwealth.
On that same Saturday, the men of the Virginia Tech University football team (a team that normally dominates regular season play) suited up for what they likely deemed another game against a supposed conference rival, and which would likely result in Virginia Tech's return to their Conference Championship game. Playing on national television was not cause for celebration in their minds, and their fan base adopted Virgina Tech's lunch pail - let's go to work - mentality. As is always the case, Virginia Tech gear was on prominent display by Hokie Nation.
Later that afternoon, Virginia Tech stormed onto the field at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, and soundly beat the University of Virginia 38-0, in a game that was never in contest. The 'Hoos dream of reaching their first ever ACC Championship game was dismantled from the opening kickoff, and when the whistle sounded at the end of the 4th quarter, Virginia Tech was once again - and for the 8th straight year - the holder of the Commonwealth Cup (the trophy awarded to the winner of this annual cross-state/intra-conference rivalry). The rivalry on this day however, despite the final score, had reached a fever pitch.
On Thursday, December 8, 2011, a gunman killed a Virginia Tech police officer after a routine traffic stop on the Virginia Tech campus. We later learned that prior to the killer taking his own life, he took the life of Deriek Crouse, a public servant, husband and father of five. This became the third tragedy to strike the Virginia Tech community since 32 innocent lives were inexplicably taken on April 16, 2007 by another cowardly gunman.
When tragedy strikes, communities band together, and strangers far and wide reach out to those in need. When tragedy strikes, good rises above evil and the healing process begins. Rivalries are set aside and bonds are formed. The inability to say nice things about your rival is replaced with sorrow, support and sympathy. When tragedy strikes, orange and burnt orange melt into unity and compassion, and a shared sense of pride rises well above the 100+ year old rivalry that is VT v UVA.
In 2007 when tragedy struck Virginia Tech, the UVA family reached out to the Virginia Tech community in numerous ways, and led the world community in letting Virginia Tech know that they were not alone. Likewise, when news broke of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, UVA students painted Beta Bridge in solidarity with, and public support of their cross-state rivals.
Despite the realness of their historical rivalry in every sense of the word, and their recent defeat in the "we are finally going to win this game" Commonwealth Cup, UVA pulled out their orange and navy blue and stood behind their Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange rivals to the southwest. And in doing so, left no doubt that in times of tragedy and need Virginia is for 'Hoos and Hokies.
Friday, December 9, 2011
#GameDay4FCS: Why ESPN Should Broadcast College Game Day Once Per Season From an FCS Campus
It is widely known that college football is big business, as evidenced in part by the infinite number of blogs and Twitter/Facebook accounts that are solely dedicated to college football, especially at the Bowl Championship Series ("BCS") level. However, as media outlets spawn and grow, more and more Twitter and Facebook accounts open, and new blogs form, there is evergrowing popularity, and expanding business opportunity at the Football Championship Series ("FCS") level. One such opportunity would be for ESPN to broadcast one episode of College Game Day per season from an FCS campus, and there is no better time to do it then during the FCS Playoffs.
As the BCS regular season has come to an end, and we await the kickoff of ALL 35 bowl games (I still can't believe there are 35 bowl games), the purest of football championships is currently being determined at the FCS level, with the Championship Game to be held on January 7, 2012 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. There is no better time than now for ESPN to send its College Game Day crew to one of the well deserved host schools of an FCS playoff game, and provide those kids with their version of college football's One Shining Moment. And while there is certainly an argument to be made that broadcasting awards ceremony after awards ceremony makes for good television, giving the fans of an FCS program the opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-life time College Game Day experience, I argue would make for even better television.
As ESPN programming expands and more and more FCS playoff games are broadcast with overwhelming success, the logical next step is for College Game Day to broadcast live from one of the playoff games. Although Appalachian State is no longer in the playoffs this year, and even though they are the arch rival of this Elon grad, Appalachian State and Kidd Brewer Stadium (capacity: 21,650), aka "The Rock" would be a great venue for College Game Day. Just imagine the signs that would be hoisted up on broom sticks for that show. They certainly would not be any less creative than the signs hoisted by students of BCS schools.
So, as the silly season of BCS football awards banquets is upon us, and we await bowl-mania, I submit that there is no better opportunity to expand and capitalize upon the evergrowing interest levels associated with FCS football, then for ESPN to send its College Game Day Crew to an FCS playoff game. While it is seemingly impossible this year, I see no reason why it cannot happen in 2012.
#GameDay4FCS
As the BCS regular season has come to an end, and we await the kickoff of ALL 35 bowl games (I still can't believe there are 35 bowl games), the purest of football championships is currently being determined at the FCS level, with the Championship Game to be held on January 7, 2012 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. There is no better time than now for ESPN to send its College Game Day crew to one of the well deserved host schools of an FCS playoff game, and provide those kids with their version of college football's One Shining Moment. And while there is certainly an argument to be made that broadcasting awards ceremony after awards ceremony makes for good television, giving the fans of an FCS program the opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-life time College Game Day experience, I argue would make for even better television.
As ESPN programming expands and more and more FCS playoff games are broadcast with overwhelming success, the logical next step is for College Game Day to broadcast live from one of the playoff games. Although Appalachian State is no longer in the playoffs this year, and even though they are the arch rival of this Elon grad, Appalachian State and Kidd Brewer Stadium (capacity: 21,650), aka "The Rock" would be a great venue for College Game Day. Just imagine the signs that would be hoisted up on broom sticks for that show. They certainly would not be any less creative than the signs hoisted by students of BCS schools.
So, as the silly season of BCS football awards banquets is upon us, and we await bowl-mania, I submit that there is no better opportunity to expand and capitalize upon the evergrowing interest levels associated with FCS football, then for ESPN to send its College Game Day Crew to an FCS playoff game. While it is seemingly impossible this year, I see no reason why it cannot happen in 2012.
#GameDay4FCS
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