Written by: Brendon LaBatte
Hey Everyone! Thanks a lot for checking out the third segment of Brendon’s Blog.
Week two was a huge week for us. We were able to get the win which is the most important thing and we grinded our way to 2-0 start to the season. The defence definitely picked us up in a game where we weren’t nearly as efficient as we needed to be on offence. Those guys on D have been incredible through the first two weeks and my hats off to them. The win was also a great way to have the last ever season opener at Canad Inns Stadium end. Hopefully we’re able to win the last game ever on Nov. 20, but that’s a long ways away and there’s a lot of football left to be played. Since I’m taking my hat off to people, unbelievable job done by the fans last Friday night. The noise generated by everyone was deafening on the field, and that had to have made things difficult for the Argo’s O. That kind of energy is definitely something we as players feed off of and we appreciate the support.
I apologize for straying from football a little bit, as I write about my other passion, Stock Car Racing. This week marks the biggest week in motorsports for many people involved with dirt track racing. The Dakota Classic Modified Tour started on Sunday and will roll across North Dakota over the next six nights. Prior to becoming a professional football player, this was the best week of the summer for me growing up. The cars come from all over the United States and Canada to compete to make the 24 car feature race. Usually around 75-100 cars would be there each night making it tough to even qualify for the show. It’s as competitive of an environment as I’ve ever been in. Much of my approach to football I learned from auto racing as a teenager. I learned that how much work I did on my car during the week was related to my finishing on the weekend. If I slacked and didn’t check over every detail on the car, there was a good chance something would go wrong. In football if you don’t study, watch your film, and keep your body in shape during the week, its wishful thinking to envision success on game day.
Accountability is another life lesson I got taught through racing. It’s extremely tough to point the finger at someone else when you’re the only person controlling what the car does. I can remember my second race when I caused a wreck and smashed up a bunch of cars. It was the worst feeling in the world having to go apologize to upset, grown men when I was 16 years old. I was scared to approach them but knew if I didn’t go, they would lose respect for me as a driver and change the way they raced me. Its no different in football, being accountable to your teammates is a huge part of the game. The ability to own up to your mistakes goes a long way in gaining teammates respect. Racing has played a huge role in my life and taught me many lessons and I’m sure it will teach me many more.
Thanks for reading this week’s instalment of Brendon’s Blog. I look forward to the opportunity to represent and do all the Blue faithful proud on Thursday when we host the Stamps.
Brendon LaBatte
