Eric Nordhoff - The Eternal Optimist

Drive Yourself Further

"The man who will drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win." - Roger Bannister (the man who first broke the 4-minute mile mark)

Tiger Woods - A Better Man For It

The 'coming out' party Tiger has had is a sad consequence of his actions, which are reprehensible.  However, like all of life's best lessons, this may just make him a better man in the end.  Read this article from Rick Reilly about Tiger Woods.  It summarizes what this optimist thinks of the situation. 

Andre Agassi Open

In the last month, two of the sports figures I've admired most as a casual sports-a-holic, have had 'coming out' parties.  One was forced upon him - Tiger Woods.  I'll probably write a post about him later.  For now, I want to focus on Andre Agassi.  The latest chapter in his story ends happily (which is how I think Tiger's will end too).  No news article summarizes how I feel more than this one from Rick Reilly.  I hope you'll read it. 

I first saw Andre in one of his first tournaments at age 16.  He went to the semi-finals and lost to McEnroe there, but I've been a fan of his ever since.  As a tennis player, I admired his return game.  And now, in real life, his return from a seemingly hopeless situation is inspiring.

I plan on reading "Open" by Andre Agassi over Christmas break. 

Thanks Andre - for modeling hope and true manhood in the face of no hope and adversity.

My Two Sons and Football

Kaden, the little rocket. Alex, Super Bear.

Titans Fake Punt - Best Ever

Franklin Cowboys Combine Highlights

We had a fun week.  Every day from 6 - 7:30, both of the boys participated in the Franklin Cowboys Spring Combine.  Over 300 kids participated from all age groups all across Franklin.  Alex was in the 9 year old group.  Kaden was in the 7 year old.  Each day of the combine, they each learned new skills they'll be able to use when the season starts in July.  Alex will play tackle football in the fall - Kaden still is too little.  He'll play flag again (if he wants). 

Tonight, they finished the week with a competition.  They competed in broad jump, punting, kicking field goals, sprints, high jumps and some obstacle courses.  Krissy and I were proud to watch them compete.  They both did so well.  Kaden kicked a 20 yard punt - the longest in his age group.  Alex was the only one in his age group to make a field goal.  Alex also got the best in the high jump and 2nd in broad jump.  Kaden came in second in sprints.  

Overall, out of 30 kids in his age group, Alex came in second all around.  I was so proud to hear his name announced.  I thought for sure Kaden at least came in second, maybe even first (goes to show you how proud I am), but he wasn't called.  He must have barely missed coming in second (eternal optimist father).  Here are the results...seems Kaden did well enough to be in first or second.  I guess they didn't want to give it to too many Nordhoffs...

I was proud of both of my boys.  It's a fun event and only cost $35 per child.  They each got a t-shirt and were able to get some great experience doing what they loved. 

Favorite Blogs of the Year - #8

This one is appropriate - after a great weekend of sports on TV.  Check it out:

June 16, 2008

My Favorite Sports Memories

Father & Son Bowl

A few weeks ago, my boys and I played in the Father & Son Bowl.  This is the second year in a row we've done this.  It's sponsored by local area churches and businesses as a way for Fathers & Sons to bond and make memories.  It happens every year the weekend of the Superbowl.  

I highly recommend it for anyone in the Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill area.  When you arrive, you receive a t-shirt and a goodie bag and you play a game together with 2 other dads and their boys (or girls).  All of it for $10 per entrant.  

I'm so thankful for Darin and his wife for putting this event together every year. 

The only dangerous parts (for the boys) were the competitive dads that run over the kids (by accident).

Father & Son Bowl

My boys and I look forward to the Father & Son Bowl every year.  Last year I played with Pneumonia.  

It takes place on the Saturday of Superbowl Weekend in Franklin, TN.  Lasko Fields off Columbia Avenue. If you want to register, there is still time...Click on the Father & Son Bowl Website.

Country Music Marathon

Here come the New Years Resolutions! 

I just signed up for the 1/2 Marathon on April 25, 2009.  13.1 miles.  Gulp!  I've never ever run that far.  5k - no problem.  10k, yeah, I could do it.  But, 13.1 miles - that's going to be a new milestone for me personally.  Mainly because I have an IT band that gets excruciatingly sore at about mile 6.  But, some of my friends have encouraged me that it's manageable with stretching and exercises.

With the help of my friends, I'm going to begin training, hope my knee holds up and accomplish this goal in 2009. 

Country Music Marathon - here I come!