Oakland Raiders Inspired Talk to Outstanding High School Athletes at CLC

The Oakland Raiders inspired a professor to do research in 2007. Admittedly, 2007, 2008 and 2009 were not very outstanding years for the Oakland Raiders.

In 2010, the future was beginning to look bright. Ups and downs, wins and losses are all a part of the process to move toward excellence.

On Friday, Atty. Pete, former U.S. Naval officer Mr. Larry and I went to a private high school, Christian Life Center, in Houston, Texas to make a motivational speech. The presentation was set up by Atty. Pete, a graduate of Harvard Law School who presently teaches mathematics.

Atty. Pete is fascinated with the research this Bleacher writer has done in sports and mathematics, focusing on the Oakland Raiders and a few retired NFL players. He, too, keeps up and cheers the NFL teams.

It just goes to show us that simple things can often get the attention of brilliant and great men like Atty. Pete who himself was a valedictorian at a New England area high school many years ago.

When asked if he was the valedictorian of his Harvard law class, he chuckled and did not answer. He did, however, make reference to President Obama who served in a leadership position of the Harvard law school publication.

Being honest about the "ups and downs" of moving toward excellence is a good lesson for outstanding athletes who aspire to play professional sports some day.

You win some games, as the Oakland Raiders won three consecutive games in the 2010 season. You lose some games as was witnessed at the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders. Yes, the Raiders lost on Nov. 21, but don't forget that in 2009, they defeated the same team.

During the talks, the lesson of continuing to pursue excellence was given, even if there may be bumps in the road to excellence. Real champions do not quit. They continue to strive, even when things look bleak.

Turnarounds, victories and positive circumstances are embedded in the "so-called" struggle.  All the observers must do is to see the good in it all.

A defeat of the Oakland Raiders on Nov. 21 is a crude, rude wake-up call. There is still time to have a win-loss record exceeding the one for 2009. Progress is all we want.

Eventually, the students were told, success, excellence and victories will be attainable. Just do not quit.

Keep saying it and believing: "Just win, baby."

Atty. Pete said that the young students attending a school that has produced three current NBA players were "riveted" by the examples I gave that enriched the discussion, using examples from my collection of more than 540 Bleacher Report sports and math articles.

Many fans in the Raider Nation, and this Bleacher Report writer truly believe the Oakland Raiders are on the right track, although there may be bumps, potholes and obstacles in the road to make the journey a little uncomfortable.

Keep your eye on the mark, Oakland Raiders. May your journey toward excellence continue to inspire writers and speakers and, of course, the students who listen to them.

Go Raiders! Go CLC students and aspiring athletes!

Finally, let's salute Al Davis for using the theme, "Commitment to Excellence." It is an excellent motto for aspiring athletes in high schools across the United States.