Beaver or Rebel?

Greetings Happy People,

Several years ago, a star running back from Eldorado High School made a decision. He made a decision that played an important role in his life. He had two choices on where he wants to play college football. One choice was the local school - UNLV. The other choice was Oregon State. After contacting the two schools, he decided to play for Oregon State.

That single decision sparked his football career. In his three years at Oregon State, he rushed for 3,625 yards, scored 39 touchdowns, and had 680 yards that led to 6 touchdowns. The most memorable game he played for Oregon State ironically took place in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Bowl. There he scored five touchdowns against the University of New Mexico and was named the MVP of that bowl game.

That attention led him to the 2004 NFL Draft. He was about to picked in the 1st Round of the Draft. With great anticipation, he finally heard this announcement from the stage.

“With the 24th selection in the 2004 NFL Draft, St. Louis selects Steven Jackson – running back from Oregon State!!”

His family cheered. Steven was thrilled. All those years in high school and college FINALLY propelled him to the NFL. When he got to St. Louis, he did not disappoint the fans!! While playing for St. Louis, he rushed for 6,562 yards, scored 41 rushing touchdowns, and was selected to the Pro-Bowl twice!! When his career ends, he will become a future Hall of Famer.

Let’s go back to the decision he made. He had a choice to go to UNLV or Oregon State. Why did he pick Oregon State? The answer was in the recruiting process. While Oregon State sent a recruiter to his home to talk about the football program, UNLV just sent a letter to him. The personal touch Oregon State gave allowed Steven to become a Beaver instead of a Rebel. What if UNLV put more effort into recruiting Mr. Jackson? He would have played for the Rebels. The effort also showed in the two football programs. Since 2002, Oregon State appeared in 7 bowl games while UNLV appeared in 0 bowl games.

Whether it is in sports, business, or organizations, good quality service does matter. With good service, word will pass rapidly and lead to great success. With bad service, word will also pass rapidly and lead to dismal success. It is always good to put in a best effort because you never know how far it will go. Heck, it may take YOU to Hall of Fame success!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I