Friday Finale

"We are what we repeatedly do. Therefore, excellence is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle

Melrose hosts Stoneham in the final game of the regular season. With the playoffs just around the corner, playing well reinforces good habits. It also allows hardworking teammates to see game action. 

You study history for a reason. When we think the past doesn't affect the present, we lack all the facts. Agree or disagree, the past affects the future. 9/11 impacted decisions leading to the Iraq War. 

"History may not repeat but it rhymes." I think it was in 2002 that Melrose led a set in Reading and early substitutions cost Melrose the set as the team collapsed. Similarly, in 2005, in the State Championship game, Melrose trailed by two sets and 16-23, only to rally with the starters in to take the match to five sets in a losing effort. 

Leaders lead. With six seniors playing their final regular season game, this message goes out:

You are always being judged - attitude, choices, effort, performance. Exceptional teams have the capacity to play "harder for longer" than average teams. Effort is a skill. Focus is a skill. Toughness is a skill.