How a second chance changed this mentor’s path

NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Newberry College’s assistant Track and Field coach, Anthony Washington, is a co-author of a series of autobiographies, “The Heart of a Black Man”.

Washington shares his story of perseverance and resilience to those he mentors.

For him, it all started back in 1978, when he was only 8 years old.

“My grandmother asked if I wanted to go see the Eagles practice. Low and behold i met Harold Carmicheal and he gave me his chin strap,” said Washington. “It fascinated me.”

Young Washington had a dream to become an athlete. But his path would prove to have many winding roads.

Like so many others, Washington had trouble finding himself in his youth.

By the time he was a teenager, he had run into trouble that put him in front of the school board, on the brink of expulsion. All because he wanted to fit in with the wrong crowd.

“That sense of belonging is a strange animal…” said Washington, “If you’re not getting it from home, where are you going to get it from?”

Luckily, someone was in his corner. His high school coach vouched for Washington to receive another chance. It was exactly what he needed.

After that incident, he went on to win all the conference championships for his high school.

“It went from a bad to good type situation,” he said.

Now, Washington has helped other athletes gain huge successes and national accolades as a coach. He gives advice to young people who may be struggling like he was.

“Be open for change,” he tells them, “don’t take things to be the worst. Be open to change and be open to being mentored.”

Even though it may not always be that simple, sometimes it’s all about finding your mentors, and the gift of second chances.

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