Published: July 15, 2009 09:09 am      

Popular sports movies give added motivation

When the Quad-City Times Bix 7 rolls around every year, I am naturally pumped up and ready to go. My feet are ready to rock ‘n’ roll up Brady Street Hill. Besides conditioning myself physically for the run, I also have to condition my brain to endure 7 miles — that’s half the battle. So, I whip out my favorite inspirational sports movies, “Rocky” and “Rudy.” Wow, I never realized it before but both are one word titles… weird. I love movies that have a strong and courageous character who would rather die than quit trying. As you can tell, “can’t” really isn’t in my vocabulary either.

I watched the Italian Stallion, Rocky Balboa, for the first time six years ago when I was training for my first Bix 7. Lucky for me, my first viewing experience was part of a week-long “Rocky” marathon; each night was like Friday night at the fights. I give Cordy a lot of credit for living through that week with me because I watched Rocky like a wild and crazy woman. I would yell at the TV, “Knock him out. Knock him out.” I don’t know what I was trying to achieve — it’s just a movie for heaven’s sake. As the fight wore on, my yells would get louder and louder until Cordy jumped up on the sofa with me. I don’t have quite the same reactions during a “Donna Reed Show” marathon — poor dog.

Every time I go running the “Rocky” theme song, “Gonna Fly Now,” is constantly playing in the back of my head. Do you remember the famous scene where Rocky is running up the steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art? Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I have my own version of that scene. Toward the end of my run, I race up a hill and throw my arms up in the air when I reach the top. I am so glad I am in a cemetery and no one can see me. At least I haven’t yelled out “Yo, Adrian!” Now, that would be sad.

I also enjoy watching the true story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger. As a young boy, Rudy wanted to play football for Notre Dame but was told he just wasn’t good enough.

After Rudy graduated from high school, he went to work at the local steel mill following in his father’s and brother’s footsteps but never giving up entirely on his dream. After his best friend was killed in an explosion working at the mill, Rudy decided not to waste any more time. His road wasn’t an easy one. He attended Holy Cross, a junior college, first and then was finally accepted into Notre Dame as a transfer student. Through hard work and determination, Rudy became a walk-on player, helping train starting players for upcoming games.

He eventually convinced head coach Ara Parseghian to let him dress for one game so his father would really believe he was part of the team. When Parseghian left Notre Dame, Rudy thought his opportunity of running through Notre Dame’s glorious tunnel out onto the field was gone forever.

However, his teammates stepped up when coach Dan Devine took over the reigns and pressured him to let Rudy suit up for the final game. When Devine doesn’t let Rudy play, his teammates start chanting “Rudy, Rudy.” Well, then the crowd got behind them and Devine finally allowed Rudy step out onto the field for a play. At 5’6” Rudy shocked everyone by sacking an opposing quarterback.

Rocky and Rudy are very similar when it comes down to drive and determination. These two virtues should never be doubted in anyone. They also had a strong faith in God to see them through to the end. When you have faith, a strong desire and work ethic, any dream is possible.

I had many critics when I first started running. Many people told me “You will never be able to finish the race; that’s too far to run.” Those words made me work even harder. I have crossed a lot of finish lines in the last six years and I don’t plan on giving up yet.

Just remember these lasting words. “Never Quit. Don’t ever, ever quit. Recognize that stopping now, regrouping to try a new approach isn’t quitting. If you quit you’ll regret it forever,” Rudy Ruettiger.



Angie Bicker is the lifestyles editor with the Clinton Herald. She has been with the Herald since 2001.