Defining Influences - non/Family

These men were probably a more consistent influence on me as I saw them on a more regular basis.  Again, in chronological order by  MY age.

• Dennis Swanger  -  PE  Teacher 10 years old.   Mr. Swanger helped to teach me about teamwork and how to accept diversity as the schools had just integrated and I was never shown at home to accept people regardless of race.
•  Al Pierce -   Church mentor at 10-11 years old & fellow coach at 25.   Mr.Pierce took the time when I was a kid to show me that I was important to God.    At 25  I had the privilege of coaching his then 6 yr. old son Matt & Mr. Pierce served as an assistant coach with me.  He continued the lessons he started earlier and shared the same with the young men on our football team.. Mr.  Pierce showed me  about Honor, Honesty & to Trust in God in my dealings with him.  I learned a lot from this man.
• Ben Pruitt-   church mentor age 11-12    Ben was my  RA's instructor and through that organization he taught many of us boy's some of the basics of being  respectable young men.  He would be defined today as a "man's man"  which if you don't know, means...  a man that other men admire for their being a good &decent man while maintaining a bit of toughness.Ben helped to instill in me my lifelong commitment to protecting the underdog.
• George Hale - Boy Scout instructor      12-14 years old.  George was  troop 650's Scout Master and he started me in my passion of outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hiking and more!  George was the perfect example of a scoutmaster.  He was  Honorable, Dutiful and Godly.  George was tough and yet compassionate.   He helped to instill devotion to community service in me.
• Don  Baggett - 13-17 years old.     Coach Baggett was probably my  main male role model throughout my teenage years.  He coached me in Baseball & Basketball.  We were fortunate  enough to win multiple County championships under Coach Baggett's guidance.   He taught me a lot about teamwork, working hard and making the most of your God given abilities.  Coach Baggett inspired me to do something That has been a highlight in my life and that is to coach young people in athletics, which I did for about 15 years at all types of levels & sports.  Coach Baggett was a special person that was a help to me at a vulnerable time in my life.

I am very thankful these men stepped up in my life during times no other's would.        I try to carry on their work by helping young men in the same way.  I've been blessed to hear from some that said I had a positive impact on them. as well.


I suppose the lesson here is that young men/boys need positive male role models in their life and the best person for that is their Father, if possible.  However, sometimes  he doesn't do the job and the rest of us need to step up.  So, whatever your role,  JUST DO IT!