Fit to Compete

Fit to Compete
Hugh Charles
Keller, TX

You want me to do something...

tell me I can't do it.

Maya Angelou

At 5'8" tall and 190 lbs., Hugh Charles is not the typical profile of an NFL running back. That has not prevented Hugh from pursuing his passion of playing professional football. Instead of hanging his cleats, he chose a different path and chased his dream by playing in the Canadian Football League.

A Keller High School graduate, and starting running back at the Colorado Buffaloes, Hugh has kept his body in shape to withstand the challenges and punishment on the gridiron. He knows what is required to win and he dutifully faces his job both during the season and off.

Hugh is driven by the passion of a dream and an opportunity. Most would have given up, but Hugh knows that doors open up for those prepared to take the opportunity. Hugh lives for "the chance".

This season at age 26, he will finally get his chance. Barring any preseason injury or setback, Hugh will become the Edmonton Eskimos' starting running back. Not bad work, for a guy who was told he was not big enough to play. This brings back memories of another great athlete, Doug Flutie, who also played in the Canadian Football League. Flutie, the one time champ from Boston University, ultimately went on to become a starter with the NFL's Buffalo Bills.

Dreams and determination drive men like Hugh Charles. In an age of negative publicity surrounding scores of athletes, it's great to find a true role model like Hugh Charles. Who knows perhaps he will still have his chance at the NFL? Personally, I am rooting for his dreams to all come true.

Determination

Off Season Workout

Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price.

Vince Lombardi

One of the best moments while photographing my subjects is when I feel a connection. This connection is a spiritual one. At the moment of the connection, I sense a bond which allows me to create the story of the capture. It enables me to interpret the image fully after the shot has been taken.

In this photo, the athlete and I physically do not share appearances. Instead we share a common characteristic: determination. In the offseason the athlete sculpts his body so that he can get the desired results during the regular season. He is at the beginning of his career and knows what is required to achieve his goal. We both are practicing our craft and getting ready for our game day. We are equally determined and driven by our common purposes: success and passion.

The Athlete

The Athlete

Every once in a while, we meet a special person. Someone who stands out not by what we simply see from the outside, but from what we can also sense from within. Last night that experience happen to me as I worked on capturing an off season athlete for a special project I am working on. With out a doubt I could sense my subject's playfulness, warmth, and kindness.

This athlete was noble in his demeanor and kind with his words. He has crafted his body to withstand the physical stress of the game of football and to chase his dreams. His discipline and focus has all been channeled to master the grid iron and to pursue a chance at playing professionally in the NFL. He is half-way there and already plays in the CFL.

We struck a relationship right away; not of camera, photographer, and client, but of two people chasing a dream and a passion. There was no barrier between us men. It simply became one shared of shared dreams and personal ambition. Passion is the stuff in life that makes it all worthwhile. The pursuit of personal passion and dreams yields profound pleasure and satisfaction.