There was a commercial on television for a financial firm that used this line.
"They do things the old-fashioned way, they earn it."
The stodgy old gentleman who uttered that phrase would probably appreciate Kyle Bowen because that phrase also fits in well with what he's accomplished.
I had a chance to talk to the 22-year-old, 2002 Killingly High grad the other night, the same day as he had learned that he had been one of the first to be selected to join with America's best in the trampoline at the U.S. Olympic training facility in Colorado.
What struck me most about Bowen is his dedication to the sport that he has loved since he was a teenager.
He not only is a performer, he's also a coach as he works with his former coach, Bill Young, at his Plainfield facility.
He's not only a coach, he's a judge. Bowen is certified to judge trampoline competitions through the World Championship level, the only competition he cannot serve as a judge at is the one he wants to compete in- the Olympics.
He's not only a judge, he's a fan and a promoter of the sport.
Bowen said to me he is surprised that the sport hasn't piqued American interest more as of yet as it is one of those "thrill of victory, agony of defeat" (to use another commerical TV line) sports. Exciting, fast-paced, and somewhat dangerous.
Here's wishing best of luck to Kyle Bowen in Colorado, maybe, we'll be wishing him best of luck in Beijing as well next year.
Read more about Kyle Bowen and his climb to the top in his sport in today's Norwich Bulletin and Bulletin on-line.