"I Act With Respect"

Addie Brundage

"Act With Respect Always has taught me to respect my coaches, teammates, officials, and opponents more"

My name is Addie Brundage, and I am currently a junior at OESJ High School. I’ve been a varsity soccer player since 9th grade, and varsity basketball since 10th. As a freshman, I was an integral player on our Section 2 Class D soccer championship team. This year we surpassed that feat by not only winning the Section 2 championship, but we went on to represent our Section in the New York State Final Four Tournament. Although I am currently unsure of my plans for the future, I plan to devote my senior year to working hard in the classroom and on the field and court.

How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
As a Freshmen, I first saw Coach Johns speak at the Western Athletic Conference Leadership Conference. A year later, I officially met him when he befriended my father who coaches varsity basketball at my school and came to do a program at my high school. He has been to our school several times to speak to our student body about the importance of paying forward kindness every day. His message captured me.

How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
I heard about Act With Respect Always when Coach Johns presented to our Western Athletic Leadership Conference.

How has the Act With Respect Alway mission effected you personally?
The Act With Respect Always mission has affected me personally in school and in athletics. It continually reminds me to respect my teachers and peers. Also, it has made me respect my coaches, teammates, officials, and opponents more. Even though I know that in the heat of the game, when sometimes people get disrespectful of each other, the AWRA mission reinforces the idea that opponents need to respect each other and the game.

Our boys’ and girls’ basketball teams were fortunate to have Coach Johns’ “99 shirts”. Both teams wore them before every game during warm-ups. Sometimes we would wear them as a team to school to show unity. Not only did we know the significance behind the shirts, but our opponents often asked about the meaning behind them. We were able to spread Coach Johns’ message throughout our seasons. Our players showed pride while wearing the AWRA shirts and sharing its message.

Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
I really think that the youth programs in our area are very important for the future of our athletic programs. They not only teach young children the basics of the game and how to have fun playing sports, but also how to behave as an athlete. I have been very active as a volunteer for several of our local programs, including AYSO soccer, Biddy basketball, and Little League. I plan to continue to work with young student athletes to teach them to love the game as much as I do.

How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
The Act With Respect mission is to talk athletes through the process of becoming better student-athletes. Coach Johns’ message of “What’s Your 99% Today?” reinforces the idea that players need to always remember to be the best person you can be on and off the field. It’s important to recognize the differences we all have as individuals, but to reach inside and show understanding and respect to our fellow classmates and opponents.

Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
I would certainly recommend that everyone hear Coach Johns speak about his program. It is a constant reminder to respect others as well as yourself. Not only will you be inspired to become a better person, but you will meet Coach Johns and see the example he follows.