Happy Thanksgiving -- Some Thoughts On Questioning Tradition

From the Oregon Football Locker Room

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Thanksgiving is my favorite Holidays. It's an opportunity to take a break and gather with your family. For teachers, it represents the first real break since the beginning of school and a transition to the winter time.

This morning many Raiders will be gathering in Evanston for the Evanston Turkey Trot. That has started to become a nice tradition. If you are still looking for a way to work off some calories, join them. Here is a link to information: Evanston Turkey Trot!

Thanksgiving is full of great traditions. Traditions can provide a lot of comfort. However, traditions can also be an impediment to progress.

Tim Noakes is a South African Sports Scientist who I admire. He has been willing to change his mind and question traditions in sports development. He has the following principles about challenging beliefs.

50% of what we teach is wrong. The problem is we don't know which 50% it is. 

The educated person spends a life time trying to figure out which 50% is which. 

Until it is disproven, accept that for which the evidence appears solid and logical and is free of covert or overt conflicts of interest. 

Do not ever dismiss lightly that for which there is credible evidence (reverse gullibility). 

Question everything else. 

Eventually the truth will always prevail. 

So aim to be on the side of truth. 

I feel fortunate to work at a school that respects traditions but at the same time has also been willing to change and entertain new ideas. That has not made it the easiest place to work. Some days are complicated. Also, not every new idea is a good idea. But it has made it place that makes steady progress. Despite the occasional complicated day, I love seeing progress in our athletes and teams. There is nothing more professionally gratifying. 

I like what Tim Noakes says about an educated person trying to figure out which 50% is right and which is wrong. Figuring that out does not provide the comfort tradition provides. But I am thankful today for the opportunity to continue on the journey of seeking truth.