Merril Hoge inspires students and staff

Students+Levi+Metheny%2C+Jake+Dixon%2C+and+Kelsey+Tischler+present+Merril+Hoge+with+a+Bethel+Park+Black+Hawks+shirt.

Vicki Flotta

Students Levi Metheny, Jake Dixon, and Kelsey Tischler present Merril Hoge with a Bethel Park Black Hawks shirt.

On Friday, Jan. 29, Merril Hoge, former NFL running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears and current ESPN football analyst, spoke to the entire student body and staff in the auditorium at the end of the school day.

Before Hoge spoke, Mrs. Scheuneman wished luck to participating sports teams over the weekend and introduced Craig Castor, a former athletic trainer at BPHS.

Next, students and staff watched a short video of Merril Hoge describing his accomplishments and his story.

On February 14, 2003, Hoge found out that he had been diagnosed with cancer, but even through treatment, his philosophy has been to “find a way” to achieve his goals.

First, Hoge spoke about how his passion for football and how his dream to play in the NFL was always torn down by adults he was surrounded with. He decided to put up a cork wall in his room and write down his one major goal, “I will play in the National Football League,” and hang it above his bed.

Hoge gave the students many inspirational tips, such as, “I don’t believe in the quote ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket,’ you can have more than one basket.” He explained how it is important to put 100% effort into everything you do, and that it is possible to give your best effort to multiple things.

He quoted Aristotle, stating, “You are what you repeatedly do.” He told a story about how he once was able to do an extremely excruciating workout with his favorite NFL player Walter Peyton. Peyton explained that the reason he was able to work harder than the rest of the players was simply because he wanted it the most.

Finally, Hoge concluded with some stellar advice, “If you have a passion, feed it and follow it.”

Thanks for visiting BPHS, Mr. Hoge!