SUPER MONDAY

A motivational and informational morning message from Superintendent Willis

Week 39 ~ May 20th, 2024

Super Monday Message

It’s the final Monday of the 2024-2025 school year, and what a great year it has been. As a parting message, I would like to share some amazing advice from one more legendary NFL coach. Tony Dungy coached for 13 years in the NFL and only missed the playoffs for two of those seasons. He was the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2006 when they won the Superbowl. He was welcomed to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2016. 

One of the best decisions the Colts made while Dungy was with them was drafting Peyton Manning, the Hall of Fame quarterback. Several years ago another superintendent shared these quotes with me from the beginning of Coach Dungy’s book. They tell some of the story of drafting Peyton Manning…

“In 1998, the Indianapolis Colts were confronted with a dilemma… they held the first pick in the NFL draft that April. Their selection would affect the direction of the team for years to come, positively or negatively.

“Bill Polian, President of the Colts, was faced with a difficult choice between two great talents: Ryan Leaf and Peyton Manning. Both were big players with strong arms… Media analysts and scouts around the league were split evenly, but Bill decided to select Manning.”

In reporting on this decision, Tony Dungy recalls, “What tipped the scales in Bill’s mind were Peyton’s work ethic, his love for the game, his approach toward football as a job, and his quiet private life. Ultimately, when faced with the choice that would define the course of their franchise, the Colts based that decision on character, and that choice resulted in great success for us and for our future Hall of Fame quarterback.”

“Coaching ability or talent cannot make up for a lack of character. In the draft, there are only a few things that will knock a player out of consideration for our team, and this issue of character is one of them.  We have a category on our evaluation form that is labeled ‘DNDC’ – Do Not Draft because of Character.”

The title of Coach Dungy’s book is Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance. Coach Dungy explains what it takes to live a life of significance. A key component of living a life of significance is the highest quality of character. Our seniors are leaving with a lot of valuable knowledge and skills, but their quality character will be a major part of their success stories. Coach Dungy goes on to say…

“Character begins with the little things in life. I must show that I can be trusted with each and every little thing, no matter how trivial it may seem… Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones… Character is tested, revealed, and further developed by the decisions we make in the most challenging times. We have to know what is right, and we have to choose to do it… outwardly, character reflects an inner life committed to honor and uncompromising integrity… Character is a blend of inner courage, wisdom, and a sense of duty to yourself, to others, and to something greater than you.”  

Have the very best week 39 and the very best summer, thank you!

Super High Fives

Just a couple of the awesome recent accomplishments that need a big thank you. 

• A biggest and the last super high five to the graduating class of 2024. They have represented Piute High School well. They have a wide variety of talents and will make the world a better place. 
• Super high fives to all students, staff, parents, and community for another great school year!
• A super high five to Wade Fautin for leading the charge on getting the new baseball scoreboard up. It still has some parts to add, but it’s a welcome change to the landscape. Also a super high five to State Bank of Southern Utah for sponsoring the new scoreboard. Also also super high five to Morgan Hoyt and the metal shop students for the custom build of the top panel that will soon be mounted.

Other Super Information

• Spring Sports Calendar 2024
• 2024-2025 School District Calendar
• New Elementary Schools Information
• Elementary Schools Mailer

Super Weekly Schedule