A HERO

194 – Monday, July 13, 2009

I have been a racing enthusiast since, as a boy, I heard the rev of engines sans mufflers and inhaled the aroma of spent petroleum products – since I was sprayed with muddy clay from the local dirt track and rooted for Chucky Russell, my hero, in his indescribable-shade-of-blue, dented jalopy, to vanquish all comers! NASCAR was a logical choice as I grew older, mesmerized by the likes of Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, and Dale Earnhardt (not Junior) as the sport garnered national attention and became the fastest growing fan-base in the sports arena. Working for Home Depot for the past 12 years, it only seemed proper to root for Tony Stewart, although I never really embraced his demeanor, he was a competitive driver who won a lot of races as well as two championships, but he left the big orange box just a little before I, and started his own Office Depot team (I guess sponsorship from one Depot is as good as another). He is doing well for himself in this, his inaugural season as an owner/driver, sitting firmly in the #1 seat just over half-way through the season. You would think that I might ‘stay with a winner’, but alas, I cannot, for I have never really liked Tony – he was just the driver for my company’s sponsored car. Now I have no company and no longer owe loyalty to either Depot or driver. Tony and the Depot did, however, introduce me to a real-life favorite – car owner, Joe Gibbs (yes, the same gentleman who coached pro football for 16 years – all with the Washington Redskins). As the third most successful coach in the history of the game, he is considered by most to be one of the most inspirational and motivational gurus of the game. Is that why I like Joe? He spent a year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1978, but that is not the reason. My reason is he is a gentleman’s gentleman! He always has been. A devout Christian and family man, he exemplifies character in a man and the inspiration one can bring to all who surround him – a real-time model of a person who I can look up to and desire to emulate. Who do you admire? Can you copy that person in all aspects of his or her personal life as well as professional and be an icon in your own sphere? I hope so!

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