If any of you have met me, you know about the similarities between my father and I. We look alike. We talk alike. Sometimes people will even say we think alike. Though my relationship with him really did not truly begin until I was an adult, he still has taught me quite a few things.

1. How to check my oil, change a tire, and jumpstart a car.

All things you need to know if any situation were to arise. Instead of waiting for aaa, just do it yourself.

2. How to throw a perfect spiral football.

As a football coach for 30 years, I was always going to know more about football than the typical male.

3. Not to “run like a girl”.

Now in today's society, it is politically incorrect to say that phrase. My dad and I however engrained that in order for me to keep up with everyone else, I needed to be competitive, strong and stop being mediocre.

4. His boat story.

At the beginning of every sports season, he would go on and on about having 14 players on a boat and only 9 life vests. He felt that the best 9 players were to get those 9 life vests. I have always thought of that story as a life lesson as well. Only the people who deserve to be in your life deserve to wear the life vests.

5. Everything I know about softball.

With the exception of my high school softball coach, my father is the reason I am good at what I do. My coaching style came from my parents, but my knowledge of the game came from my father. Asking so many questions pays offend my season last spring with an undefeated record.

6. Brush it off and move on.

There are people that you will come across in your life that want to see you fail. They will do anything possible to keep you from succeeding. He is the one who told me to not worry about those people. All they want to do is hurt the people that will become more successful. Just brush them off and move on. That no matter what you need to be better than them.