Schools

(GALLERY) Coach Kill: 'It Takes No Talent At All to Be a Hard Worker'

The University of Minnesota football coach discusses his road to success and gives advice on how young people can reach their goals during "A Night With Jerry Kill."

A first generation college graduate, University of Minnesota Gophers football head coach has worked hard all his life. Coming from a family that didn't have much of anything, Kill said he was taught from a very young age that hard work was the only way he could be successful.

"There's someone winning and losing everyday," Kill said to eager listeners in the Auditorium Wednesday night. "And I really believe you can out-work anyone. ... It takes no talent at all to be a hard worker."

kicked off a leadership series presented by the Richfield Spartan Foundation and the , and sponsored by . Having coached at every level imaginable, Kill's inaugural workshop was meant to inspire youth and the community members around them.

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And starting with being a hard worker, over the years Kill has found seven other principals to be the keys to success:

  • Getting an education;
  • Having some character;
  • Handling adversity with courage;
  • Taking care of your mind and body;
  • Surrounding oneself with good people;
  • Being positive;
  • Having a little blind faith.

While Kill didn't guarantee these principals would equal success, there's at least a great chance of making it there.

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"Being a great leader is not a popularity contest," he said humbly. "And not one of us is perfect."

Another leadership event will likely take place in the fall. Richfield Patch will update readers as more information becomes available.


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