I am a high school special education teacher and retired football coach out here in Glendale, Arizona.  On Saturday, November 15, I will be in the Richmond SunTrust Marathon. It will represent my 11th marathon U.S. state and my 13th overall.  My goal is to run all 50 states in honor of my hometown hero, Pat Tillman.

Tillman and my family grew up less than five miles away from each other in San Jose, California.  My Mother is a retired special education teacher from Leland High School, where Pat attended.  My Wife, Renee, is a Leland graduate.  In fact, my Mom and Pat’s Mom (also a special ed. teacher, middle
school) transitioned students from Bret Harte MS to Leland HS.  We’re all from the Almaden Valley, which is a very quaint, quiet place to live.

I grew up refereeing Pat’s soccer games.  He was a few years younger than me and I will always remember what a tremendous competitor he was even at age 10! Later in life, I actually coached high school football against Pat.  His play and approach to the game raised the bar for high school players all over the bay area.  His attitude and respect towards adults was applaudable.

Again, later in life, I moved to Arizona to continue coaching and teaching and Pat also moved to Arizona to play football at Arizona State University.
I had the chance to watch Pat mature not only as a football player, but as a student athlete (3.81 G.P.A.).  He graduated in 3.5 years.  I was amazed at how he balanced his life!

I am a father of two children and I have a great marriage.  I was, however, enveloped in my work and even more with my coaching.  In 2004, when Pat lost his life, I was 335 lbs.  My kids, in 2004 at Christmas, called me Santa!
It crushed me.  Caused me to take an honest look at my life.  I approached the Tillman Family and offered support to the foundation they were establishing in Pat’s name:  http://pattillmanfoundation.org 

My assistance was directed to a run in honor of Pat and to serve as a foundation fundraiser.  One directive I was given was that in order to help with this run, I also had to run it!  Run?  Not at 335!  On a whim, I quit coaching, joined a gym and began to slim down.  My first run (1/8/05) I planned to go three miles.  Got NINE HOUSES down the street!  Power-walked the rest of the way and made the commitment to never be this heavy again.
The race in 2005 attracted nearly 4,000 runners.  This past year (April,
2007) we had nearly 15,000 runners!  I am proud to still be volunteering as a race leader with this event!  The power of Pat and what he did in his life has had an amazing impact on the people here in Arizona!
Pat’s Run is a 4.2 mile race around Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, AZ.  4.2 because Pat wore #42 at ASU.  Here is a link to the website:
http://www.patsrun.com

Six months later after running Pat’s Run 2005, I was down 100 lbs. (235) and ran my first marathon (Long Beach Marathon, 10/05).  Got hooked!  I’ve dedicated my fitness to becoming a better father and husband and example to my special ed. students. My inspiration comes from Pat Tillman and the passion he had for life.

My goal is to run marathon state #50 on the weekend of my 50th birthday in just about 8 years from now.  My purpose in running these marathons is to spread awareness of the Pat Tillman Foundation and to share what a special person Pat was.  The foundation assists with a powerful program (Leadership Through Action) on the ASU campus.  Additionally, they are involved with a high school club that they hope to expand to a national level soon.

Pat Tillman’s passion for life inspired me to self-reflect.  Everything this man did from his ASU to NFL football days, to the classroom and in the community, Pat Tillman was an fantastic example for all of us.  Financing these trips across America and training 18 weeks straight before each marathon is the least I can do to help spread the word about his life and the foundation the family has established.  Additionally, I contribute financially, to the foundation after each marathon.  Hopefully his actions can joy for life can be inspiring to others, just like me!

Quick Stuff:
A.  States completed:  CA, AZ, WA, NV, AL, FL, IL, MA, KS, MO B.  Best Time:  4:10 (Rocket City M. Huntsville, AL, 12/07)  Goal is a sub4!
C.  Link to article from race in Washington:
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/sports/story/324949.html
D.  Next race is White Rock in Dallas, TX (12/08)