Discover insights and save on wisdom!
Discover the Journey of Resilience
Explore the challenges and triumphs in 'It's the Coach's Fault'—a thought-provoking story that inspires reflection on decision-making in the face of adversity.
Inspiring Life Lessons and Dealing with Cancer
Real Stories
“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster .. And treat the two Impostors just the same….! Rudyard Kipling
OVERTIME – Episode-4: "It's about Mental Toughness"
It's the Coach's Fault - The Book comes to life!
Overtime Episode-4
“Sit-Rep” .. No.59
(a.k.a. “sometimes it's about a different level of mental toughness”)
I sit in front of the computer, trying to figure out how to describe this next step of the journey. Between 7 July and 19 July, quite a bit has happened.
There was a lot of health related stuff going on as well as normal activities.
But if we're being honest, almost all of my activities are now, in some way, health related.
On the one hand, I want to give a complete and accurate picture of what's been going on, and at the same time I don't want to bore everyone with details.
The problem is that unless enough background material is provided, it's difficult for readers or listeners to really understand the situation. I am, however, determined to somehow tell the story in a manner that paints a picture without cluttering the canvas.
As I attempt to put the pieces together there are flashbacks that contain everything that has happened in the last 14 days..
Here are some of the important things that I want to say in the video, based on what has happened.
😏 I have a better understanding of how and when some of the side-effects from the medications affect my daily life and the things I want to do.
😏 I see that sometimes the things, that are supposed to be helping me, have a way of creating problems of their own.
😏 I know that going down the “Eligard Path”, that is intertwined with the use of the two new medications, has created a “Catch-22” Scenario that all but locks me into continuing.
I know that I will have to stay on that path unless or until the Cancer becomes “Castrate Resistant” and my PSA Level increases.
😏 Then there’s the Pituitary Tumor, which appears to be “benign”, but grows nevertheless. It’s something that will simply have to be closely monitored.
😏 While all this was going on, I had a birthday. One of my former players called me “Old Man” and I reminded him that that might not have been a good idea, because I still occasionally write game reports, so that player should not be surprised when he reads them.
😏 Another former player sent birthday wishes and advised me not to eat too much junk food. I think we all know how that went. 🫣
What happens when you tell a child not to do something … result Philly Cheese Steak - Fries with Cheese and Bacon - Ice Cream etc… “Oops…!”🤷🏽
😏 When all was said and done … I jumped back into “Overtime” .. One of the things that “Dr. C…” emphasized in our discussion was that I should stay active.
That might have given me the push I needed.
I got back into walking (very slowly 🤦🏽♂️) and added some light weightlifting …
I completed my workout 5 of the last 6 days.
… and I’m writing again!
The task now is “continue”. I know I can, because I’ve been here before!
‼️Yes …! 🤦🏽♂️ I am still behind regarding the entire bucket-trip… It is still coming. See it and the Book “It’s the Coach’s Fault” .. on the YouTube Channel (@RayRitzIngram)
🗣️ Check out the new YouTube Channel
👉🏽 ( @rayritzingram ) … and pass it on to your friends.
Like .. Subscribe .. Share
OVERTIME – Episode-3: "Be the Solution!"
It's the Coach's Fault - The Book comes to life!
Overtime Episode-3
“Sit-Rep” .. No.58
(a.k.a. “Find the problem, then be the solution!”)
The results of a CT scan on Thursday and the follow up consultation with the doctor on Tuesday revealed no new “major” problems but, the cancer continues to metastasize. The growth rate remains slow, but it continues.
“That’s nothing that we didn’t expect!“
The problem is constantly feeling the need to sleep, having no energy and having no motivation.
There are some things that I want to do, but I simply can’t bring himself to do them.
I just can’t seem to find the energy.
I typed a question In ChatGPT asking about this current state and whether the medications that I’m using might be causing the problem. I included the list of medications that I’m taking and asked for an opinion.
The Response just may have hit the target.
This is what came back:
As I have been telling everyone in previous postings, cancer can have just as much impact on your mind as it does on your body.
Sometimes there isn’t much you can do about the body part of that, but you can work hard to control the mind portion.
So I guess that’s where I am. I found it, now I have to fix it.
There was one more thing that the AI mentioned that kind of hit hard, and that I need to put into the equation.
You see, AI doesn’t particularly sympathize with you. It simply states the facts.
What it said was: “Given your background as a Division I athlete, Army officer, and basketball coach, that loss of energy and motivation can be especially noticeable because you’re comparing it to a lifetime of being highly active.”
I suppose that’s a nice way of saying:
“Maybe you need to account for the fact that you’re just getting old.
So, don’t expect to do the things, that you used to do, at the rate that you used to do them.
Make the adjustments and deal with it.”
“Next Play…!”
So, there you have it. This won’t change anything but, it might help you prepare better if it does happen to you or someone you know.
‼️Still behind but the entire bucket-trip is still coming. See it and the Book “It’s the Coach’s Fault” .. on the YouTube Channel (@RayRitzIngram)
🗣️ Check out the new YouTube Channel
👉🏽 ( @rayritzingram ) … and pass it on to your friends.
Like .. Subscribe .. Share
OVERTIME – Episode-2: "Every Coin has two Sides!"
It's the Coach's Fault - The Book comes to life!
OVERTIME – Episode-2: “Everyone Coin has two sides”
https://youtu.be/lY9I-jQZgy4?si=AcGVAT2Yi8jsuYTC
Episode-1 ended with us saying, “When children witness harmony, respect, responsibility, and affection, they assume that’s how relationships are supposed to work.”
We said: “Next time, we’ll look deeper at Thomas and Ella—and the relationship that taught Ray some of life’s earliest lessons.” Well what if what Ray observed was not “harmony, respect, responsibility, and affection”?
What happens when a child sees his parents misbehaving or abusing each other?
The developmental process can become extremely complicated. They can grow up thinking that this version, filled with arguments, neglect and even abusive physical behavior is normal. That can lead to them carrying this bad behavior into their own relationships, which Can be devastating.
Another possibility is that at some point they learn to understand that what they see is just what it describes... bad behavior.
When that happens they often choose one of two paths. 1) They say to themselves, that is definitely not what I want and I will do my best to be different and make sure that my relationships are better.
2) They choose avoidance. They say to themselves, "if that is what happens, then I don't want any part of it".
How does a young boy cope with this situation. How does he develop a personality and frame of mind that will allow him to not only survive this environment but, to come away as a positive force and a leader. Maybe “It’s the Coach’s Fault”
Subscribe and find out more!
So, here’s the 2-Part Call to Action 1) Get a copy of the book .. Hard Copy or eBook ()
2) Go to the YouTube Channel- then “Like” and “Subscribe” .. then all you have to do is wait .. 😏and whenever I post an update or video, you’ll be amongst the first to know.
‼️See “It’s the Coach’s Fault” come to life on the YouTube Channel (@RayRitzIngram) 👉🏽 … and pass it on to your friends.
‼️Like .. Subscribe .. Share‼️
OVERTIME – Episode-1: The Ingram Family
It's the Coach's Fault - The Book comes to life!
OVERTIME – Episode-1: The Ingram Family
“The series is named ”OVERTIME ”.
I guess that means there has to be a period of regulation time, a beginning, elapsed time, and a projected ending.
So, let’s start filling that in…”
Scene 1 – The Clock Starts
“Every game has a beginning. Every story has a starting point. Mine started long before coaching, long before basketball became my identity.”
We have to start walking into the Past s into and into the neighborhood from the 1950s and 1960s.
“To understand the man, you have to understand the family and the events that shaped him.”
So, here’s the 2-Part Call to Action
1) Get a copy of the book .. Hard Copy or eBook (https://ritzbball.net/coachs-fault-bookshop)
2) Go to the YouTube Channel- then “Like” and “Subscribe” .. then all you have to do is wait .. 😏and whenever I post an update or video, you’ll be amongst the first to know.
‼️See “It’s the Coach’s Fault” come to life
on the YouTube Channel (@RayRitzIngram)
👉🏽 … and pass it on to your friends.
‼️Like .. Subscribe .. Share‼️
#USArmy #basketball #Cancer #lifetimefitness #hofstra
"Overtime - Appetizer"
It's the Coach's Fault - The Book comes to life!
"Overtime” .. Appetizer!
Ray’s Buffet - Overtime Appetizer …
September 26, 2022
Does what we do determine who we are? … or … Does who we are determine what we do?
What are you going to do now…?
https://youtu.be/pjyn8sMgDJs?si=f_ieutnFFhtYrDnc
That was the question that was asked of me many times on the 21st of September 2022.
(The First "Ray's Buffet Post)
That was the day that I “officially” stepped down from my job as Ultimate Hoops League Director at Life Time Baybrook.
For all intents and purposes, I was “retired”. Other than “good luck” and “enjoy your retirement” .. all well appreciated … the only thing that came was “What are you going to do now?”
At the time, I could only give “Ritz-Type” answers, because I didn’t really have an answer.
I’ve done some thinking and now I have one. I’m going to do some writing. No, this is not a blog.
The purpose is not to get hits, likes or to go viral… and please don’t call it a Blog! The purpose is to tell a story .. to pass on information .. to possibly help someone answer a question or make a decision that might affect their life or someone in their life.
When I was coaching, I compared my coaching philosophy with that of a restaurateur who serves Buffet Meals. He tries to present the guest with the best possible food dishes he can make, and then he leaves it up to them to take what they like to eat and hopes they will stay and come back for more.
So, to the original question … “What are you going to do now?”
What’s on the Buffet Table? I plan on telling a story that begins at the end. “What?” You ask.
It begins at or near the end of my book. “What Book?” You ask.
What a cunning lead-in.😂 Well, I have to do something in the hopes of having enough money to feed my habit (eating 😳).
You can get a copy (hard copy or eBook) by going to the link (https://ritzbball.net/coachs-fault-bookshop)
What am I going to do now? I’d like to take a “Bucket Trip” or two and see some of the players I’ve coached and their families. That will be determined by health and financial circumstances.. I’d like to put some information on the table that might help others who are in situations similar to mine. More about that in future servings.
That will be determined by health circumstances.
There will be an occasional reference to some event, team or person from the past. There will be some information about cancer and treatment.
That will all be explained when we get to it and …. It is not intended to be seen as advice from a doctor or medical professional… just personal experiences put on the serving table for you to take and interpret as you see fit.
See you next time…. Coach
Get a copy of the book .. Hard Copy or eBook (https://ritzbball.net/coachs-fault-bookshop)
Go to the YouTube Channel- then “Like” and “Subscribe” .. then all you have to do is wait .. 😏and whenever I post an update or video, you’ll be amongst the first to know.
‼️See the entire Book “It’s the Coach’s Fault” on the YouTube Channel (@RayRitzIngram) come to life.
👉🏽 ( @rayritzingram ) … and pass it on to your friends.
Like .. Subscribe .. Share
#USArmy #basketball #Cancer #lifetimefitness #hofstra
"Overtime - Trailer"
It's the Coach's Fault - The Book comes to life!
"Overtime” .. The Trailer!
This week the actual “Overtime” Series will begin.
For those who don’t know what that is, let me try and give you a brief overview.
A while ago I started a project to try and adapt my book to the screen.
I dove headfirst into creating a screenplay from a book and then some reality checks popped up.
The Series Plan was to follow a dual-timeline narrative. In the present, I will navigate a situation and use flashbacks to connect a situation from the past with that situation.
That sort of fits the theme that runs through the book. Our coaches today help determine who we will be tomorrow. So, in essence we remain tied to our past … “It’s the Coach’s Fault”.
That was the plan. Then, after a PET Scan, came a phone call. “Coach, the results are in. It’s not good news.”
Fast forward… the series will now be on my YouTube channel (@RayRitzIngram).
‼️To make it work, the channel needs subscribers. Check out the channel, like subscribe and share it with others.
The Channel will discuss the Cancer Journey, Sit-Reps and Ray’s Buffet and everything surrounding it. That all began as a way to talk about the Cancer Journey with others who might be connected to it in some way.
The Cancer issue is beginning to get serious, not that it wasn’t in the beginning but now, well if you had subscribed you’d know where I’m sitting. 🤡
The Channel will tell the story from the beginning. It will show a boy’s unfortunate beginnings and follow that boy through years, even decades of ups, downs and in-betweens.
I have attached a video that gives a sample of what’s in store for those who follow the channel.All of the stories, videos and anecdotes come from actual events in my book “It’s the Coach’s Fault”https://youtu.be/T6Xbl4oLHO8?si=ecEd4-Y9dURizTzo
So, here’s the 2-Part Call to Action
Get a copy of the book .. Hard Copy or eBook (https://ritzbball.net/coachs-fault-bookshop)
Go to the YouTube Channel- then “Like” and “Subscribe” .. then all you have to do is wait .. 😏and whenever I post an update or video, you’ll be amongst the first to know.
‼️See the entire Book “It’s the Coach’s Fault” on the YouTube Channel (@RayRitzIngram) come to life.
👉🏽 ( @rayritzingram ) … and pass it on to your friends.
Like .. Subscribe .. Share
#USArmy #basketball #Cancer #lifetimefitness #hofstra
"Who's Who in America"
A Journey that began at St. Michael's School for Boys in 1961
“Who’s Who in America”
This could not have come at a better time.
The last six days have been kinda rough and brought a little to my face.
👉🏽 Link to Video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/OR6qXPW6-aI?si=xO7ebVFuU76RiQcf
There’s a backstory… In fact there are lots of backstories… and you can find them in “Overtime”
👉🏽 All “Overtime” Videos are based on true events from the book “It’s the Coach’s Fault”
To read the full text to the videos, go to the “It’s the Coach’s Fault” Website
https://ritzbball.net/its-the-coachs-fault-story
‼️See the entire book come to life on the YouTube Channel (@RayRitzIngram)
🗣️The opening period of “Overtime” will be posted the week of 26.May 2026
‼️We need subscribers‼️
🗣️ Check out the new YouTube Channel
👉🏽 ( @rayritzingram ) … and pass it on to your friends.
‼️Like .. Subscribe .. Share‼️
Get the book “It’s the Coach’s Fault”
by going to https://ritzbball.net/coachs-fault-bookshop?
#basketball #usarmy #Cancer #lifetimefitness #Hofstra
Choosing a College
Crossroads .. You don't always know where they will take you!
Crossroads ... are points in Life when decisions have to be made that can determine what your life will look like and what you might become.
Sometimes the answers don’t come until much later in your life.
Get a copy of “It’s the Coach’s Fault”, for yourself or someone else, and see what that can look like.
One Hurdle Down
The High School Years at Olney
ONE HURDLE DOWN
A Chapter from It’s the Coach’s Fault
Some hurdles break you.
Some build you.
This is the story of the one that built him.
Watch the Trailer
“One Hurdle Down” is about a powerful chapter from It’s the Coach’s Fault, the true story of Lauritz
“Ritz” Ingram’s journey from adversity to achievement.
After leaving St. Michael’s School for Boys, a young Ray enters Olney High School in Philadelphia,
where basketball, mentorship, and academic discipline reshape his future.
Under the guidance of Coach Spizirri, he transforms from a survivor into an All-City student-athlete.
This inspirational story explores resilience, leadership, personal growth, and the life-changing
impact of one coach who chose to believe.
The Beginning.....
Judge Hoffmann and St. Michael's
Philadelphia … 1961
Pardon my use of the 3rd Person but, I felt that it might sound biased if every second line started with „I“ 😈
He wasn’t a bad kid. He was just a kid… growing up fast… in a world that didn’t slow down for boys like him. The first time he stood beside a police car, he tried to look tough. The second time… he wasn’t so sure.
The Youth Study Center. They said it would straighten him out. They said it would teach him structure. But every visit felt colder. Every return felt heavier. And then came the courtroom. Common Pleas Court of Philadelphia.
One man. One gavel. One decision.
“One year… at St. Michael’s School for Boys.” One year. That became two and a half. Hoban Heights, Pennsylvania.
A hilltop building. Long hallways. Closed doors.
Something happened there. Something that tested him. Something that hardened him. Something that shaped him.
Did it break him? Or did it build him? What happened at St. Michael’s? What became of that young boy from Philadelphia? The answers are not what you expect.
Discover the story in… “It’s the Coach’s Fault”
#RadiationTreatment #CancerJourney #HealthAwareness #Support #CancerCare #RayIngram #usarmy #booktok #thewriterswarmth #basketball #cancer #hofstra #coaching #lifetimefitness #Fulda #Quakenbrueck
