Catchin' Up with Kaeli: Pointing the Finger: Who’s to Blame?
A Diary by Kaeli Kentner, Toros Soccer Player
September 19, 2003

Pointing the finger: a phrase I seem to be hearing quite a bit lately. Why do we insist on blaming others for our own mistakes? We deal with this type of scapegoating in every aspect of our lives: at home, “who made the mess?” and at work, “I can’t do my part because you didn’t do yours.” But on the field, this destructive attitude has not only challenged our team chemistry, but it has segmented individuals -- and it shows.

The irony of pushing the blame off onto another is that everyone else around knows it’s happening. The common phrases, “get open,” “make a better pass,” “mark up,” “why weren’t you there (where I passed the ball a mile away)” are just a few of the classic examples used everyday to prove to our teammates and coaches that we are never the culprit of our own mistake.

So, since we’re all perfect, who’s doing the wrong? This brings me back to my first question: why blame others? Why? What would happen if we accepted our imperfections and came to terms with the fact that we’re human beings, with flaws?

Then we have others constantly preaching, “don’t point the finger” to everyone else, and forgetting to take their own advice and just prove it through their actions. Remember the trite phrase “Actions speak louder than words?” Well, it’s still the truth. This past week we played CSU Bakersfield (4-3) and CSLA (2-1 OT), and squeaked by with a one-goal lead each game. It works. But are we satisfied with our performance? (Which by the way, happened to be a direct reflection of our attitude).

Like coach Flanagan said this week, “What have you done to prove that you’re so special?”

Well, let’s wake up and smell the roses ladies -- the reality is, the answer to that question is “Nothing.”

Here’s an idea: why not take that finger and it around- and begin with making a personal change. Dare to be that person who makes a positive difference out there, and stands out for that reason. I challenge you, along with myself, to just leave it on the field next time -- and really, just leave it there.

Kaeli