• Tungate was part of the coaching staff of the first Oakland
University team ever to make the NCAA Tournament (2004-2005 season)
and once again helped lead the Grizz to a conference championship
and NCAA Tournament berth last season.
• From 1999-2004, Tungate was the head coach at Lincoln
Memorial University. In 2002-2003, his team finished ninth in the
nation (NCAA Division II) in field goal percentage defense.
• Tungate was an honorable mention honoree in College
Insider.com's Top 25 Mid-Major Assistants.
Diary Series: Jeff Tungate, Assoc. Head Coach - Oakland
At the time of this article, adversity is a major topic in our program. After getting off to one of the best starts in Oakland’s Division I history, we have fallen on tough times. Whenever I go through tough times, I am reminded of a story I received several years ago. It’s a story I thought would be very beneficial to all of you. At some point in everyone’s life, we all battle adversity. How we respond to that adversity is what’s most important. I hope you enjoy the following story. Unfortunately, I do not know the author to give the proper credit.
Mule In The Well
“This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!
This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him…all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity.
THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE VERY REAL POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT US!
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.”
What a great story. It is one we need to keep in mind as our season progresses. We look forward to a strong finish and getting back on track.
Go Grizzlies,
Jeff Tungate
