It was a somber morning. News arrived that my grandmother had passed away at 96. While expected, the finality of it brought a wave of emotions. As I drove to track practice, seeking solace, I instinctively turned to the music of my youth. Like many, in moments of reflection or comfort, I find myself drawn back to the songs that shaped my adolescence. And on this particular morning, it was the timeless harmonies of Boyz II Men that filled my car, their songs acting as a poignant soundtrack to memories and emotions. This wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was a reminder of how deeply music, especially songs from iconic groups like Boyz II Men, can resonate through life’s journey.
In an insightful article, Neural Nostalgia, Mark Joseph Stern explores this very phenomenon, noting how music loved during teenage years gains profound meaning over time, often eclipsing newer sounds. He humorously contrasts the lasting impact of Ludacris’ “Rollout” with the fleeting appeal of Katy Perry’s “Roar,” despite knowing objectively the artistic merits might be debated. This sentiment perfectly captures the power of musical nostalgia, especially when considering the enduring catalog of Boyz II Men songs.
Turning on a 90s music station, my mind drifted back to the diverse musical landscape of my youth. From the Beastie Boys to Vanilla Ice, MC Hammer, and undeniably, Boyz II Men, my early musical tastes were eclectic. Boyz II Men, in particular, stood out. Their songs weren’t just background music; they were anthems of emotion, expertly crafted vocal performances that defined an era. Later, the raw energy of Metallica and the country twang of Garth Brooks joined the mix, showcasing the broad spectrum of influences during those formative years. But it was the soulful harmonies of groups like Boyz II Men that truly cemented themselves in the emotional core of that time. Discovering new music was always exciting, but revisiting the classics, especially Boyz II Men hits, consistently brought a unique, powerful feeling.
The intensity of emotions evoked by music from our adolescence is truly remarkable. The feelings stirred by songs introduced during those teenage years often dwarf those experienced with music enjoyed later in life. Stern elucidates this, explaining, “Music lights sparks of neural activity in everybody. But in young people, the spark turns into a fireworks show. Between the ages of 12 and 22, our brains undergo rapid neurological development—and the music we love during that decade seems to get wired into our lobes for good.” This neurological wiring explains why revisiting Boyz II Men songs, for example, can transport us back to specific moments and feelings with such vividness.
As I drove, amidst the shuffle of 90s tunes, Boyz II Men’s iconic ballad, “End of the Road,” began to play. Released in 1992, this song dominated the charts, holding the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 13 weeks. “End of the Road” wasn’t just a hit song; it was a cultural phenomenon, a testament to the group’s vocal prowess and emotional depth. For anyone questioning the impact of Boyz II Men songs, simply listening to “End of the Road” highlights their unparalleled vocal teamwork. Each member brought a distinct skill, harmonizing to create a sound far greater than the sum of its parts. This intricate vocal synergy is a hallmark of Boyz II Men’s music, setting them apart in the landscape of 90s R&B and beyond.
Boyz II Men Group Photo
The concept of teamwork inherent in Boyz II Men’s music sparked a connection to my track team. Over the years at H-F, our coaching staff has strived to cultivate an environment that is both enjoyable and demanding, fostering lasting memories and success for our athletes. Much like the seamless collaboration within Boyz II Men, we aim to create a cohesive team dynamic where individual talents blend to achieve collective goals.
We believe in intentionally injecting fun into our program. It’s about providing a space where adolescent males can be BOYZ – a space for self-expression, playful antics, camaraderie, and spirited competition, all within a framework of enjoyment. At 37, I personally strive to maintain a youthful spirit, understanding the value of playfulness. Being goofy and engaging in lighthearted activities is not just enjoyable; it’s healthy. This enjoyment translates to investment. The intrinsic motivation of “want to” far surpasses the obligation of “have to.” I’ve heard athletes lament that a lack of fun hindered their team’s performance. Fun is integral to fostering that want to participate, and when that intrinsic motivation is present, positive outcomes naturally follow.
For several years, we’ve incorporated “Friday Fun Warm Ups,” recently elevating them to a new level of engaging activities. Yesterday’s session included a range of playful drills:
Track Team Fun Warm Up
A video of this warm-up is available here. Watching it, the smiles and the athletes’ individual flair are most striking. Even within structured drills like crawling or wheelbarrows, they playfully try to outmaneuver each other, adding elements of juking and spontaneous interaction.
This playful chaos also cultivates awareness and individual movement skills. Athletes are constantly scanning their surroundings, heads on swivels, a skill transferable to field and court sports. While traditional track coaching emphasizes strict form, we intentionally loosen the reins during these fun sessions, allowing athletes to develop instinctive movement and problem-solving skills organically.
This approach also encourages creative thinking. When we instruct them to move like a specific animal, their initial question, “What do you mean?” opens the door for creative interpretation. Our response, “What do you think it means?” prompts them to engage their imagination, a skill increasingly stifled in our culture.
This philosophy extends beyond sports coaching into the classroom. Our education system, often fixated on standardized testing, risks stifling curiosity. Tony Holler’s observation, “We urge kids to speak and move for the first few years of their lives, and then tell them to sit down and shut up for the next 20,” highlights this critical point. Ideally, education should be about igniting passion, “lighting a fire, not filling a pail,” as W.B. Yeats eloquently put it.
However, life, like training, is about balance. For every Yin, there’s a Yang. While fostering a fun environment is crucial, there are times when athletes—and individuals in general—need to tap into their inner MEN. This means pushing past comfort zones and fulfilling responsibilities, even when unpleasant. Cleaning up after a sick child, despite the unpleasantness, is a prime example. Similarly, rigorous training often involves uncomfortable and demanding elements necessary for achieving peak performance. There are times for focused intensity, for pushing social interactions aside to reach a level of dedication required to surpass perceived limitations. Our true limits are often self-imposed, and breaking through them requires disciplined effort.
Perhaps by providing ample opportunities for adolescents to be BOYZ, we better prepare them to become responsible MEN. I’ve observed increased focus and determination in athletes after they’ve had “boy time.” The transition to focused “man time” becomes smoother when youthful energy is appropriately channeled. This inherent youthful energy isn’t negative; it’s a natural part of development. Providing constructive outlets, such as quality physical education and regular recess throughout schooling, becomes essential. Furthermore, research, as highlighted in “Spark” by John Ratey, indicates that the brain is most receptive to learning after physical activity.
Remarkably, many high-achievers intuitively follow a pattern of 30-90 minute cycles, alternating between physical activity, focused work (free from distractions), and rest. Yet, our secondary education system often confines students to desks for extended periods, expecting sustained deep work. Personally, days spent in lengthy teacher institutes are far more draining than active coaching days. It’s not the content, but the prolonged sedentary nature that saps energy.
Does this perspective resonate with you? Consider how you can integrate elements of “boy time”—playfulness, creativity, and teamwork—into your respective roles. Just as Boyz II Men songs continue to resonate across generations, the principles of balance, fun, and focused effort remain timeless and universally applicable. Life, indeed, unfolds in unpredictable yet interconnected ways.
Rob Assise @HFJumps
