The Beginning

Everybody starts somewhere.  For me, this is it.  He was it.  He said "Pal, keep these wraps in your grip and give em to your mom, moms like shit like that.  Plus ya never know where this shit will lead you".  He was referencing my hand wraps.  I still have them.  They will be proudly displayed in the peach pit under this photo with him.  This was my first coach and with out a doubt a father/grandfather figure.  He was mean.  He was demanding.   He cared.  When I say mean, I mean old school mean.  He sent me home crying several nights a week.  I chuckle today when I see coaches/mentors/teachers say people are mean..Maybe a tad bit more accountabilty and this generation wouldn't be in the shape wer'e in but thats another topic for another day, probably another blog. This is a photo from an early first fight.  I think I'm about 15 years old here.   23 years later and here we are.  Coaching is what I do.  Coach is what they call me.  They say the title "father" is the greatest title for a man.  I disagree, its "coach, teacher,etc".  Although being a father is without a doubt a love thats not comparable to anything else, to be trusted by people who were once complete strangers who look to you as "father, brother, friend, uncle, etc." is a trust and love that few understand.  When my son was born who is now almost 3 years old, Isaac Greeley asked me if we had plans for more.  I said no, theres only so much energy in the day and I already have enough kids.  Isaac laughed and said "I know, I have like 40 now".  lol.  Those that know Isaac knows he has one daughter and is revered as arguably the greatest leader in our areas history of the sport.  For me personally I think Isaac is the final piece of my leadership learning puzzle but again another day for another post.  Moving forward I will be blogging the life of professional boxing/mma coach.  The highs, the low's, and what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.  I'm quiet but do like write.  Hope you enjoy.