I came to Ashland as shy, introverted student-athlete from a little town called Twinsburg, Ohio. I chose Ashland because I was looking for a small school where I could major in physical education and have a chance to wrestle for a respected program. My goals were to teach and coach after graduating. My freshman year went pretty well, but I didn’t really feel connected to the school. I had made some friends and I enjoyed my classes, but I still found ways to go home almost every weekend when I didn’t have something going on. I hadn’t really found my niche, as they say. As my sophomore year began, I was missing some of my friends who had pledged fraternities and was still feeling somewhat disconnected. My grades were good and wrestling was going well, but I needed a connection. This was when I decided to pledge Phi Kappa Psi. There were many athletes and friends from my classes already involved in the fraternity and they assured me that I would be allowed to pursue my athletic interests and still be myself. You see, back then, the drinking age was 18, but I didn’t drink or smoke. In fact, to this day, I still don’t. Prior to pledging, I talked with the members about this concern and they not only encouraged me to continue to pledge, they also respected my personal choices. Joining Phi Kappa Psi was probably one of the best choices that a shy, quiet kid could make. They allowed me to be myself, stand strong in my beliefs and morals, and still encouraged me to become a leader. In fact, I went on to be the president of the fraternity for a semester. I also captained the wrestling team for two years and was senior class president. Ashland University (it was Ashland College when I was there), Phi Kappa Psi and the athletic program helped me find myself and encouraged me to not only be part of something but also to become a leader. I was allowed to be myself and that pushed me to be even more than many thought I could be. After graduating in 1983, I went directly to the University of Delaware where I received my master’s degree in 1985. From there, I went on to coach wrestling at American University for seven years before moving to New Jersey with my family. I am currently an elementary school principal and professional speaker. I speak on educational leadership and culture, and I even wrote a book, “Lead With Culture: What Really Matters in Our Schools,” published by Dave Burgess Consulting. Ashland helped me find my voice and my passions. It was the perfect place for an introverted, small-town boy who knew what he wanted to do with his life but just needed a chance to mature on his own terms.
