Sandman Foundation
For over 30 years, young men and women have been blessed with the opportunity to work harder than they ever thought possible. They discovered the chance to strive for more, to better themselves. They were offered the chance to build themselves up and experience lifechanging opportunities. All of this was done in the Sand.
On the shores of Lake Michigan, three decades worth of hungry athletes poured everything they had into that Sand. Their blood, their sweat, their tears. But that wasn’t all. They also put their hearts and dreams in that Sand. Every one of them has been better for it.
All of that was made possible by the sacrifice, the dedication, and the love of one man: Kenny Kendal.
With his spirit as an inspiration, a few of us old-timers have started the Sandman Foundation to continue and expand on his work. We hope you’ll join us in the Foundation and in building up future Sandmen (and Sandwomen).
Nobody Knows
One thing we always heard when we were running in the sand, jumping over trash barrels, or pushing Coach Kendal’s truck was “Nobody Knows”. Nobody Knows you’re out there and how hard you’re working. Your mom, your girlfriend, the guys at Loyola and Fenwick: They don’t know where you are and what you’re doing. Only you do. Only you know how much you have to give, how hard you’re able to work. Only you, and the rest of the Sandmen.
Pay the Price
If there was one maxim that was taught, it was to “Pay the Price”. Nothing is free and nothing is given. It’s earned. You have to find it within yourself to strive and thrive. In that sand, everyone found that they were able to push further and achieve more than they’d ever thought possible.
Ironically, we’ve started this foundation because there was one way in which the above maxim was incorrect. One thing was “free” and given to all of us: love and faith from Coach Kendal.
Go Piccolo
If there’s a patron saint for any Chicago kid, giving all they have to do more than the oddsmakers said they could, it’s Brian Piccolo. Piccolo embodies the spirit of the Sandman. Never give up. Never stop. Give all you have. Then find a way to give some more. Every training session was ended with “Go Piccolo”.
And here we are.