Kim Anderson’s light at end of the tunnel – I didn’t really know how to start this post, but I knew the moment I heard Kim Anderson’s quote, I had to write about how the truth of it hit home for me.

I am a Missouri native but I have been a Kentucky Wildcat fan my entire life. (Growing up one of the only TV stations that came in clear was from Paducah, Kentucky and so I began to bleed blue at an early age.) My husband, on the other hand, grew up 45 minutes from Columbia, MO, home of the Missouri Tigers, and is a tried-and-true Mizzou man. I always cheered for the Tigers when we watched them (except when they played Kentucky), but was never really a “fan.”

Not, that is, until Kim Anderson became their coach last season. Coach Anderson has had some mountains to climb with his young team, but he has always addressed their adversities with honesty and humor.

A few weeks ago I watched a press conference with Coach Anderson and he talked about a light at the end of the tunnel. His light had a different glow than most traditional talks that coaches preach. He said he could see a “light at the end of the tunnel… there might be a train coming in that tunnel” but there is light. His message basically said, we have to face the light when we get there and work to get past and appreciate the view beyond that  adversity. No matter what light was shining their way, as a team, they could not jump track.

This view on determination and focus is something that we should each make part of our own personal game plan. It might be the whistle of a distracting thought or a speed bump in your daily routine that you find glaring in your direction.It could possibly be a heartache rolling towards you or maybe it is a life-threatening disease or injury rambling your way.

Whatever beam flashes, bumming you out, try to find a way past it. Don’t derail from your established priorities. Consider changing speeds, looking for a new conductor, or simply say to yourself, “I think I can. I think I can.” Coach Kim Anderson is well respected for his ability to coach basketball teams but even more so for his clear view of any situation.

Thanks you, Coach Anderson, for providing a positive spin on what lies beyond that darkened tunnel.

By: Melanie A. Peters