Dick Vitale, ESPN basketball analyst and motivational speaker, took time out of his busy schedule to speak to Illinois State student-athletes Wednesday at Redbird Arena about the importance of chasing their dreams and never giving up.
I have been around winners and I have been around losers, and the winners are the individuals that keep trying and believe in what they do, said Vitale. Winners in life give quality time, not quantity time, to everything they do and work hard to make their dreams a reality.
Vitale spoke to approximately 200 Redbird student-athletes and athletic department faculty members. His inspirational words left a lasting impression on Illinois State sophomore Gregg Alexander, a member of the Redbird mens basketball team.
This was great, because (Dick Vitale) is such an inspiration to all of us, said Alexander. This is what he does for a living and he was able to reach his goals, so it makes us feel like we can relate and realistically achieve our goals in life.
Director of Athletics Perk Weisenburger also appreciated the message that Vitale left with the student-athletes.
He brings tremendous passion to everything that he does and it takes passion to be successful in life, said Weisenburger. I want to personally thank the Red Cross and Dick Vitale for making this visit possible. It meant a lot to Illinois State and our student-athletes.
