It proved to be a long weekend for Baltimore Blast as we beat Monterrey but lost against Milwaukee.

Both matches were played at home. Playing back-to-back is not easy but we do not want to lose home games either.

Our record at this time is 6-3 and flying to Mexico to play Monterrey this weekend calls for another battle for the players.

With a couple of injuries we picked up over the weekend there is now a great opportunity for some of the younger players to prove they can step up to the plate and get the job done.

As far as Bermuda's Logan Alexander goes, well, his papers finally came through for him, which is good timing.

He has been consistent in training and now he will be competing to win a spot in the team.

This will be a great challenge for him as he needs to prove why he should be out on the pitch in front of players who have played in the last nine games.

His true test comes this week and he will need to bring all he has learned.

This week I want to talk about being a successful athlete.

I want people to understand you do not have to be a professional athlete to be a successful athlete.

Nor do you have to have a room full of trophies, championships or make the front page of the sports section.

Some successful athletes I have known have not even won a trophy or a championship ring.

What they have in common is that their sport is important to them and they are committed to being the best they can be within the scope of their limitations – other life commitments, finances, time and their natural ability.

They set high, realistic goals for themselves and train and play hard.

They are successful because they are pursuing their goals and enjoying their sport.

Their sport participation enriches their lives and they believe what they get back is worth what they put in.

Many of us get confused with what makes a successful athlete.

We tend to open up the front page to find our answers and when we see the headlines and pictures we look at the other participants as failures.

Very rarely do we see others outside the limelight as being successful.

We need to be careful with how we portray today's success in sports or the work place.

It is great to reward those who do well but even more important to reward those who try.

A low percentage of athletes become professionals in sport and it is important we recognise when they try hard and set goals and complete them.

This topic brings me to how we deal with our young people in sports, school and home.

We must always encourage them for their hard work not only if they bring home good grades but also even if they are just sliding by.

Understand that some are slow learners and it does not mean they are not trying.

If your standard is set high and you only reward them when they bring the trophy home then you will miss out on enjoying the beauty of success and that is watching the thrill of their hard work.

I have seen many successful athletes finish their task and accomplish their personal goals.

They may not have won the trophy but they experienced the glory and spirit of the competition.

Until next time!