Trinity Alum Magazine Article

While training for the Ironman, I make sure that I put the campus of Trinity High School on my route. I turn off Shelbyville Road, run down Sherrin Avenue to Marshall Stadium, and stop at the gates. When the gates were originally put up the contractor added the Power T to them to mark the entrance as the home to the sports program of the Shamrocks. By the time that I reach the gates, I am a sweaty mess and I like to take my fist and wipe it on the Power T. I do not mean any disrespect by this gesture; in fact, I feel the exact opposite, that the imprint of my sweaty hand shows the respect that I have Trinity and its academics and sports program. It is the sweat that I poured into Trinity that has made me into the person that I am today. My four years at Trinity marked my transition from boy to man; from what I was to what I am.

When I was in grade school, I had undiagnosed ADHD. This was before anyone even knew anything about this affliction and I had difficulty concentrating for even short periods, much less reading lengthy books. Fr. Zettel was my admissions counselor and he took a risk on me by allowing me to attend Trinity even though my entrance exam score did not warrant a place for me in the incoming class, and for that, I am forever grateful to him. During my four years, I participated in three sports. I learned the satisfaction that comes with long distance running by participating in cross-country and Mr. John Kahl was one of my coaches. Mr. Bradford ran the theater and I was involved with every production during my time at Trinity. I learned how to speak well and how to carry myself with confidence by Mr. Bradford. Finally, Mr. Dubay was the sponsor for student government. I ran for office, and lost twice, but the experience proved to be invaluable for me in that I was given the chance to speak in front of the whole student body. Mr. Dubay was nothing but encouraging and he let me participate in government activities even though I was never elected to an office.

To thank all of those teachers who meant so much to me, I have started a scholarship fund at Trinity. After all, I am proud of a career that was kick started during my high school years. I have been a teacher for 32 years, and have been right down the road at Sacred Heart Academy for 28 of those years. In addition, the skills that I learned while on the cross-country and swim teams have helped me train for my tenth Ironman Louisville. I would not be who I am today without Trinity and the sweat that I put into my academic and sports career. So I imprint the Power T with my sweaty fist, gaining strength with the knowledge that I owe my loyalty to my high school, and to Fr. Zettel, who took a chance on a skinny little incoming freshman with learning differences.