As a new father celebrating my first Father's Day, it's a time filled with reflections on cherished memories and the profound influence of my own dad. He was the one who ignited my passion for sports, whether shooting hoops in our driveway, braving freezing weather to record my youth football games, or laughing off the accidental dent I put in his beloved '83 Camaro with a wayward baseball during little league.
He's the reason why I'm glued to the TV every Sunday, why I pursued this career, and why I aspire to be half as exceptional a father as he continues to be.
My dad wasn't just a spectator in my sports journey; he was my coach during my basketball days. Despite our team's lack of height, strength, or shooting prowess, we faced each game with enthusiasm, even though we didn't win a single match that season. Yet, it remains one of the most joyous times I've had on the court.
He put in tireless effort to teach us, researching plays and strategies, although our team meetings often devolved into contests of who could produce the loudest fart rather than mastering the drills. Yet, he always understood that youth sports should be about having fun. He let us take those "Steph Curry Threes" even when our shooting success rate barely reached 5%, never letting disappointment show on his face. His acceptance of who we were, both as players and as kids, is a lesson I cherish from our 0-15 season.
Sports bonded us deeply. He took me to countless games, discussing players and stats for hours. But above all, he was always there.
Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or any other game, he rarely missed one of mine. His presence in the stands was a constant source of reassurance. He witnessed my dubious "Grand Slam" and cheered me on when I got flattened in my first year of tackle football or struggled with turnovers in basketball. Through it all, he taught me the importance of being present for your children.
Beyond sports, my role at Badger of Honor allows me to be there for my daughter every day. As she grows, she may share my love for sports or find her passion in science, music, or art. Regardless, my hope is to support her as my dad supported me. I may not recall the scores of those games, but I'll always remember my dad (and mom!) in the stands.
Dad, I love you!
And to all the fathers out there, Happy Father's Day!
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