| School: Franklin | Graduation Year: 1990 |
Year Inducted: 2013
Sports Played: Football, Wrestling, Track and Field
High School Honors: Football: 3-year letter winner; All-PIL as a Senior; All-State Honorable Mention as a Senior. Wrestling: 3-year letter winner; All-PIL as a Senior; State Heavyweight Champion; International Champion Wrestling Honolulu Juniors as a Senior. Track & Field: 1-year letter winner; City Champion in Pole Vault, Shot Put, Discus; 2nd in High Jump; 2nd in State decathlon.
Post High School Career: Washington State University Defensive Lineman for 5 years; played in the Arena Football League. Deputy Sheriff for Clackamas County for 16 years; Riot Control Team for Clackamas County; High School Coach for 6 years at Oregon City, Tigard and LaSalle; currently coaching in the Oregon City Youth Football League; speed and agility coach for Middle to High School athletes in Oregon City.
Commentary:
Athletics has served me a number of ways since I forged my mom’s signature so I could play Pop Warner football in the 3rd grade. I was an Army brat and we moved around a lot so athletics was my way of making new friends at each new school. It allowed me the opportunity to fit in rather quickly and to this day is the common denominator and how I get involved in my community. I coach high school and youth athletics and work individually with kids wanting to get better so that they might have the opportunities that I did.
By playing sports year around (football, wrestling and track) I was always busy and it kept me out of trouble. I learned about being part of a team (football) as well as how to compete individually (wrestling and track) in order to contribute to the overall team. It taught me about work ethic and if I wanted to be the best I had to work hard. This is a lesson that spills into every aspect of life and it is something that I teach my kids. I always tell them that “I don’t expect you to the best but you have to give 100% every time they are on the field, court or track.”
I always had the dream to play in the NFL after college. Due to injuries in my college career I knew that wasn’t likely but I overcame those obstacles and thru hard work and perseverance I had the opportunity to play in the AFL and realized my dream of playing professional football. My hard work paid off and continues to pay off as I get to watch my kids excel in school and sports and I get to make a difference in other kids’ lives in my community by supporting them thru coaching, training and by being a positive role model in their lives. If not for athletics I know I would not be the person I am today or have the great life and family that I do.
Vocationally: Clackamas County Sheriff’s Deputy; Founding member of the CCSO Correctional Emergency; Response Team; Defensive Tactics Instructor; Sports Training; Personal Trainer; Youth Football Coach; Youth Basketball Coach.