NATCHEZ — “Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster hand, but sooner or later, the person who wins, is the one who thinks, ‘I can.’”

These words are an excerpt from the poem “A Winner’s Creed,” which challenges people with the idea that they can either believe in their ability to overcome adversity, or they’ve already lost the battle.

Alcorn State head football coach Earnest Collins recited this piece to the audience at the Natchez High School Sports Awards Banquet Wednesday night, and since the banquet’s slogan was “Yes we can,” the poem seemed very appropriate for the occasion.

Collins was the featured guest speaker at the banquet, which honored athletes from the junior varsity and varsity football teams, as well as the Natchez cross country team.

“It was an honor to even be invited,” Collins said afterward. “Growing up playing high school and college football, it’s always great to see some from a similar background as you and hear what they have to say. It’s just an honor and a blessing.”

In his opening remarks, Collins recited the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11, which encourages readers by letting them know that God has a plan for their lives. Collins used that verse to illustrate how he was able to overcome a difficult situation around this time a year ago.

Last winter, Collins, then an assistant coach for the Braves, was fired, and later re-hired as interim head coach. He was eventually given the job permanently earlier this year. Through the uncertainty, Collins said his faith played a major role in being able to overcome that situation.

“The Lord has a plan for us all,” Collins said.

Collins also stressed to his audience how he had to change the mindset of his players this year in order to get them to believe they could win. He drew parallels to the effort Bulldogs head coach Lance Reed had to put forth in order to accomplish two straight seasons of playoff berths.

“We had to change their way of thinking in order to change their actions,” Collins said. “Life is 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how you react.”

In addition, Collins also told the story of Abraham Lincoln, who repeatedly failed at business and political aspirations before becoming president, as well as reciting the poem about being a winner.

“It’s all about giving back,” Collins said. “It’s about coming back and giving young men inspiration and teaching them not to quit.

Upon closing, Collins again spoke from the Bible, this time out of James 1, which tells readers to consider trials a blessing that produces perseverance.

“My faith is the most important thing to me,” Collins said. “For me, it’s faith, family, then football. I tell the people in my Bible study all the time, sometimes the only Bible people see is you. You have to represent your Lord and savior Jesus Christ the best you can.”