Here’s a life lesson to learn: Life isn’t fair, and you don’t always get what you want.

So the next time you don’t get an A on your paper, stop whining. Instead, do something about it.

Spend more time researching, develop your thesis, and actually proofread your work.

In fact, whiners should take a lesson from NIU men’s basketball coach Rob Judson. It’s been 24 days since the coach last tasted victory, and 66 days since his team registered back-to-back wins.

Yet, not once during this streak has the sixth-year coach complained, whined, or even made excuses for his team’s 4-15 record.

Judson isn’t oblivious. In fact, he sees it all – even the problems you and I don’t see.

It’s disappointing to witness last year’s MAC West champions fall so far.

Every program deals with the effects of seniors graduating. It’s too bad for Judson he had to lose some of his best players right before his contract year.

Todd Peterson, Cory Sims and Anthony Maestranzi had been key names for years in Huskie basketball. In their final season, the three comprised 40.9 percent of NIU’s scoring, 39.9 percent of the rebounding and 53.6 percent of the assists.

Even considering all that, the stat sheets still don’t tell you all they did for NIU.

Peterson was the heart of NIU basketball. He could turn a lifeless bunch of fans into a rowdy crowd with the slap of his hands on the hardwood of the court.

Sims brought a presence which demanded respect. He improved his team.

And then there was Maestranzi, the sure-handed ball carrier who was always calling the plays. If someone had to go to the line in the waning moments of a game, the ball would no doubt be in his hands.

Losing these three didn’t cause the entire downfall of the NIU men’s basketball program, but it sure didn’t help things.

Judson knows this season has him on the hot seat.

His career 71-93 record, a 1-6 MAC record and a RPI of 309 out of 336 teams are numbers that are adding up negatively for the Huskies coach.

However, I don’t really need to report these facts for you – I bet you already knew them. We all know there’s a good chance Judson won’t be here next year, as he hasn’t earned much of a reason to stay.

What I can report, before this coach is gone, is there’s a man behind the coach.

Yes, we all know Coach Judson – the man on the floor. Yet few know Rob Judson – the nice guy who cares.

Maybe it was only coach talk when he told me to be careful on the roads one day. And he may have only asked if I was staying warm to try and “butter me up.” But I believe Rob Judson is generally a nice guy.

Too bad he’s about to experience another life lesson: nice guys finish last.