A Bit About Me

See also Life/Business Bio

I played all the major sports (baseball, hockey, basketball, football, soccer, track and field) through elementary and high school – predominately baseball.

• As a high school player, had opportunity to attend a Detroit Tiger try-out camp. First MAJOR REGRET – I couldn’t go as the cows needed milking twice every day!

• Majored in basketball in college with hockey and hardball as the back up sports

• Held position as director of all school sports in second year of college

• Structured new basketball and hockey leagues and started school sports regales that continue to this day

• Basketball player/coach for three years college

• Placed first or second in league scoring all three years

• Second and third years won league titles playing against other colleges and universities

• Only loss second year was an exhibition game with a semi-pro team

• Invited to play with that semi-pro team – second MAJOR REGRET – I was too busy – what an idiot I was

• Officiated basketball as well the last two years of college

• Blew out my knee six weeks before graduation – out of basketball for three years

• Started playing and officiating again after those three years – still playing

• Played basketball in the last two World Master Games ( in Melbourne Australia in 2002 and Edmonton Canada in 2005– lost bronze metal games both times – boy are we consistent…2005 statistics – over 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists per game … and only fouled out of one game!!

• Spent a week at the Detroit Tiger Fantasy baseball camp. Played 11 games in one week. Played eight of the nine positions sometime in those 11 games. Batted .435 with an on base percentage of .500. Our team won the championship (out of six teams). I was part of the infield that turned the most double plays in those eleven games – without an error! Plus I had the privilege of scoring the winning run in the playoff game and batting in the winning run in the championship game! It was a great experience batting against major league pitchers John Hillier, Pat Dobson, Mickey Lolich, Jon Warden and Dave Rosema and fielding against Al Kaline, Kirt Gibson, Jim Northrup, Willie Horton, Hal Naragon and Don Wert (plus many other former Tigers). It was a fantastic week! If you ever have a chance to go to a fantasy camp – GO!

• I acted as player/coach for baseball (playing all positions but mostly infield – short or second) and umpired baseball for several years

• I have been coaching high school basketball for the last ten years – most years both Junior/Senior Boys and Senior Girls. We have ended up winning WOSA (area championship) and have ended up in last place and most positions in between the other years.

• I have been officiating basketball with the current board for the last eleven years. I have officiated elementary, high school, college and recreation leagues for all ages.

• I have held an executive position as Ethics Officer for our local board of basketball officials for the last 5 years

• I have been the ‘Chaplain to the Athletes’ for a large local community College for the last ten years

• I have been invited to join curling and volleyball teams and seem to in demand no matter the sport

SUMMARY

I have been involved actively in sports all my life with experience in playing, coaching and officiating – all three of the components required for a complete sports experience. I have played, coached and officiated championship games and last place games. I have played healthy and hurt – and missed three years due to injury. I have experienced the highs and the lows of team and individual effort. I have had the privilege of scoring the winning basket or run – and missing what should have been the winner. After playing basketball for more than forty-five years I have learned that the happiness and sadness of winning and loosing is temporary. Playing the game is life long and is the lasting joy! Whether practicing, playing pick-up or competitive – true joy is playing - regardless of the outcome. That is where life’s balance comes from!

That balance is important to understand as we provide

“HOPE FOR THE FRUSTRATED ATHLETE!”

Sincerely,

Larry Little

Write to me, larrylittle@apersonallifecoach.com

Or SKYPE me at larry.james.little