Wesley Austin

Wesley's remarks from his P.I.L. Hall of Fame:

Life is as hard or as easy as you make it. You will always run into obstacles, but you must learn to get around or through them. If you let the obstacle stop you, you must figure out how to solve the problem and go on.

If you try to better yourself every day and always give 100% in practice and in games, you will be successful. If you prepare for every practice and every game, you will be able to give 100% and will discover there is more than one way to win.

I have always felt that if you start something — no matter how hard or how much you do not like what you are doing — you must follow through and complete the commitment. You must see it through.

My Dad was the person who encouraged me the most. He always said, “Do your best son, and you will be O.K.” He was always at my practices and at my games, and always gave me positive encouragement. I was lucky to have my Dad there for support.

I was able to share my experiences with the young people I coached. I tried to teach them self discipline to try to reach their goals. I taught them to try to give 100% and not to give any excuses. No coulda’-shoulda’-woulda’.

I worked with a lot of underprivileged youth in Portland for many years and for different organizations. I worked with the Albina Youth Opportunity School and with the Portland Parks for over 25 years. I had the opportunity to be involved in many youth Basketball Camps with many NBA stars. I found that with a lot of support and a lot of love, the children grew and flourished.

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