Who Is An Eleven?

If you are an Eleven, you are trustworthy and dependable. Elevens are people you can always count on. Elevens are goal oriented and make success happen. They are normally strong. Elevens pull others up spiritually, mentally, and physically. They are pleasant to be around in every situation and among all groups of people. Elevens are loving and respectful to others, especially their family members. Elevens make every effort to be great students. They are leaders and do the right thing all the time, even if criticized. They follow and believe in these three rules for success:

* I am worth my highest goal. I deserve success. I will walk, talk, think, and act like that successful person I want to be!

* I will surround myself with positive people, places, and things. I refuse to associate with any person, place, or thing that creates negativity or mediocrity!

* Nothing, absolutely nothing, will stop me from being an Eleven !

Anyone can be an Eleven ! It is simply a matter of attitude. It is not a matter of talent or intelligence but a willingness to try continually to raise your personal bar of excellence. Changing your attitude will change your life. You can guarantee yourself success with the right mental attitude. A sign in the Dallas Cowboy weight room states, "it takes no talent to hustle." Those who give it their all every day are Elevens!

Elite 11 Club Application

Description of Club:

The Elite 11 Club is designed for members of the Varsity Football team who wish to go beyond the usual requirements for being a member of the team and elevate themselves to a higher level of commitment. The number 11 does not limit the number of people allowed in the club but rather it symbolizes the pursuit of excellence. A 10 is normally associated with perfection but we want The Blue Ridge Fighting Tigers to be even better than that and strive to be an 11.
Membership will be difficult and will require much effort on the part of the applicant. All members of the team are encouraged to apply and to continue to strive for membership if not at first successful. Membership will be determined by the successful completion of this application and all that it entails. The application will be reviewed by the coaches with input from the Athletic Directors, Principals, Guidance Counselors, and Teachers. The Head Football Coach will have final say on membership.

Application Process:

Players can apply at any time during the course of their association with the Football program. The application must be completed in its entirety and all three letters of recommendation must be received before the application will be reviewed.

Basic Requirements:

• 3 Letters of Recommendation—Coach, Teacher, Pastor, other adults in the community—no family members!
• Discipline record at school must be clean. If you have past discipline problems you may be admitted based on current behavior in school.
• Academics
• Community Project.
• Know and be able to recite the words to the Alma Mater.
• Character
• Commitment to program—in season and off season
• Essay











Letters of Recommendation:

You must request that three people, unrelated to you, write a formal letter of recommendation for you. A coach, teacher, minister, etc would be acceptable. These letters should be sent to:

Wade Cooper
2151 Fews Chapel Rd.
Greer, SC 29651

Do not ask this person to give the letter to you!

Discipline:

You must have a clean discipline record with the school, the program, and outside of school. If you have a prior offense you can still apply and consideration will be taken of your behavior after your application. When you application is received we will pull your discipline file and meet with you if necessary.

Academics:

Your academic record will be closely monitored by the coaches. You must have a satisfactory GPA and/or show progress in your GPA in order to be considered. Attendance is also reviewed. You will be required to request a copy of your transcript from guidance and submit that as part of your application.

Community Project:

You must complete and be able to show evidence of completion of a community project. Be sure to describe the project in terms of what you did, who did you do it for, the number of hours worked, and any other details that you feel necessary for us to know about the project. A great opportunity exists with our partnership with the Meals on Wheels program. See Coach Cooper for details.

Alma Mater:

Learn and be able to recite the school’s Alma Mater.

Character:

Your character will be scrutinized by your coaches and through the letters of recommendation. Reaction to adversity and pressure as well as how you handle yourself away from football will be keys to this factor.


Commitment to the Program:

Attendance in the weight room, always having a great attitude, effort, will all be factored in. We will ask these questions about you: is this a guy that we can count on no matter what? Are you committed to your team, your coaches, and to the program?

Essay:

You must write a formal essay explaining what the football program means to you. Describe your level of commitment and what you think the program can do for you as well as what your contribution to the program will be.

Conclusion:

You are not required to apply for membership to this club. This is not mandatory! I want this to be something that you want to strive for—not something you think you ought to do. Your status with the team will not be lessened if you do not apply. If you apply and don’t make it at first, keep trying! My goal is for all of you to make it and I will help you reach your goal of being a member.

Members will receive special recognition in the program and will also have an emblem on your home jersey to indicate that you are in the club. You have to be a member in order to be considered as a permanent team captain.

I encourage all of you to strive for membership in this club. If we all strive for perfection it will make us a better team and will make us better men. Encourage each other during this process and talk with me or your position coach if you need help with the process.

Encourage each other in Mind, Body, and Spirit. Hold each other accountable. Chuck Knoll said, "On every team there is a core group that sets the tone for everyone else." Every team cries out for leadership. On a scale of one to ten, the best leaders work at an “eleven” pace. If “Elevens” (people who work at an eleven pace) do not lead the team, then team leadership will fall into the hands of those who would settle for less when more is available.

Marty Schottenheimer points out that "the most successful teams at any level are driven by the players in the locker room, in the weight room, on the practice field, everywhere. Certain standards are set by the players, a certain level of expectation in terms of preparation, effort, and dedication." Tom Osborne emphasizes the importance of preparation stating that 75% or more of a successful season comes from the dedication of the team in preparing during the months prior to the start of the season. Everyone wants to win on Friday night when the lights are on and the fans are in the stands. The successful teams are the ones led by those that know to be good on Friday nights, you have to prepare each and every day of the year. Muhammad Ali said, "I hated every minute of the training, but I said, 'Don't quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a Champion.'" Coach Lombardi said that the aches, pains, bumps and bruises are a small price to pay for having won.

An Eleven would not let his teammates settle for less when more is available. An Eleven leads his team to ever greater levels of success. Elevens are never satisfied with performing athletics excellently, but are engaged in a Quest for not only Athletic Excellence but Excellence in every area of their lives. --Roger Freeborn, BFS Journal, Spring 2000