Health & Fitness
An Athlete's Perspective On Kevin Ware and Inspiration For Louisville
Kevin Ware's injury during the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament provided his team the boost it needed at the right time...
Contributed by Drew Morris
Men’s Tennis Player – Missouri Baptist University
Inspiration is a key ingredient for the fun of sports. Players and teams search a notion to become motivated in order to perform at a higher level.
Find out what's happening in Creve Coeurwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The University of Louisville found their extra drive in the 2013 NCAA March Madness tournament. Kevin Ware, Louisville sophomore, tore his tibia after a leaping block attempt against Duke guard, Tyler Thornton’s, three pointer. Ware’s gruesome injury emotionally affected his teammates from that moment on. Three Louisville players fell to the floor in tears for their fallen teammate. They knew Ware was finished. Fans helplessly gazed at a 20 year old kid whose career could have potentially ended. Louisville coach Rick Pitino wept and attempted to keep his team in order. Duke’s bench wait in shock. Ware, still lying on the ground next to his bench, yelled for his teammates to come over. He boldly instructed them to not worry about him and go win the game.
Pitino and his Cardinal crew only could approach the traumatic situation with one of two ways. They could dwell on the sadness resulting from Ware’s injury or convert that sadness into fire and play their hearts out. Louisville took upon Ware’s request and focused on the game. After missing their first three field goal attempts, Louisville flipped the switch and began their rout.
Find out what's happening in Creve Coeurwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
They thumped Duke 85-63 and advanced to the Final Four. Chase Behanan sported Ware’s jersey during the celebration and net cutting. The crowd chanted “Ware!” continuously. Coach Rick Pitino in a post-game interview gave a bulk of credit of the win towards Ware’s bravery and love for his team.
“We did this for him,” Pitino said.
Although Ware was not on the court competing, his words played a more significant role towards Louisville’s victory than Pitino’s playbook. The emotional drive carried this team ultimately to the finals victory over Michigan 82-76 for their third national championship win in their history. The love this team demonstrated for each other proves that teamwork and selflessness deliver success. That is real inspiration.