Sports have been the best teacher I have ever had, baseball in particular. Sports taught me responsibility. My parents never made me play, but if I agreed to something it was always up to me to stick it out and finish. Sports have taught me to be tough. I grew up with two older brothers (Brett & Shane). Neither ever made any competition easy. Anyone who's played baseball knows how defeating it can be. A long hitting slump can wear on the best athletes or even the sharpest minds. Sports have taught me to persevere.

Sports have also taught me about loss. Growing up, I had a mentor in Ryan Voth, who also attended Cleveland and was six years older than me. We had a special connection through baseball. While Ryan was at Cleveland he always took the time to bring me to practices, and spend time after his games hitting me ground balls. He respected the game, played it right, and aimed to pass those things on to me. Ryan was killed in a car accident after his senior year. I learned then that nothing was forever, and that I should appreciate the small things—the smell of fresh cut grass, the taste of the dirt, sitting around with friends, taking batting practice, turning double plays, stealing second, and making a throw when you can't even feel your arm. Ryan passed those things on to me, as well as the jersey #5, all of which I treasure.

Sports are what drew me to Cleveland High School and became a major factor in shaping my life. At Cleveland, I met my future wife and many of my best friends, including my business partner. I can't think of a better community to be a part of and I am very thankful for those opportunities and connections.