I Pick Cotton

Photo from The Wichita Eagle

This week I ride down the wave of our Wichita State University Shockers climbing the NCAA brackets all the way to the Final Four. Their only loss was by four points to the Louisville Cardinals, this year’s national champions.

In addition to seeing Coach Gregg Marshall’s inspirational locker room speeches, the Wichita Eagle burst with feature stories of the players and their journey to college basketball success. A half page spread photo of Tekele Cotton, sophomore guard, claimed him to be the Shocker’s silent leader.

Tekele’s single mother Leza Jones raised him and his brother. Leza took on two to three jobs to make ends meet. After a 9-5 admin job, Leza would work at health clubs into the evening so her two sons could play and study within her view. And play they did…before school …after school shooting hoops. Cotton’s mom even scrimped money so her son could be transferred to a private school for his betterment.

Despite not having a father in the picture, Tekele Cotton worked hard, even playing basketball with an injury for years, stayed out of trouble, and was an obedient and good son to his mother. Cotton is described as his own man, comfortable in his own skin. He was known to be the one to stand up again those picking on kids.

While Louisville won the NCAA tournament, when it comes to an excellent role model for my boys, I pick Cotton.

The Catholic Women’s Guide to Healthy Relationships Tip: Look for role models in the world and make them come alive for your kids.