Cinderella story: Davidson fell just short, but team is an example of ‘heart’

Stories like Davidson College’s battle against Midwest powerhouse Kansas are not just fun sports reads.

They are metaphors of sorts for every underdog out there who is not listening to those who are saying they just don’t have a chance to win.

The team, although outgunned on paper, managed to nearly overtake the powerhouse Jayhawks — and really showed that they had earned their berth in the Elite 8.

And they did not get that ranking with a whole lot of ego, strutting around and trash talking. They were not anointed with a No. 1 badge either.

This team nearly got to the finals because its members played with heart and determination to work as hard as it took to move to the next level. That’s what it takes to be a winner.

These days sports stories that resonate with young people are all about the stars with the statistics, lucrative contracts and attitudes to match.

But the real lessons about life and sports can be found in Cinderella stories of little schools that defy the odds. If sports is meant to teach character, more young people should hear the story about Davidson College and others like it. Those are the kind of life lessons that pay off.

Published in Editorials on March 31, 2008 10:40 AM