I have had many people who have influenced my life.  In fact, I’m not sure how I would have made it this far without those people.  Mentor is a humble word, and maybe I overuse it, but my mentors have been mighty and numerous.  For the sake of clarity and brevity, I’ll concentrate on only one of them here in this piece.   

One of the great influencers in my life is a man named Fred Woodard, who I met back in the summer of 1990.  The first meeting in fact was an interview.  Fred was the assistant principal at an urban middle school in Texas, and he was pre-screening candidates to replace a recently fired head coach and athletic director.   I just wanted to be employed, and I had just completed my masters degree in PE, with an emphasis in special/adapted education.   

Well, Fred and I hit it off immediately.  He recommended me to his principal and after the final or “real” interview, I got the job.  I was 31 years old, and Fred was several years older, but more like a big brother than a father figure.  It was under Fred’s tutelage that I transitioned from athletic coach to administrator.  He gave me the push to do it, and he also gave me the example of what I knew I wanted to be as a leader.  Someone who was trustworthy, faithful, diligent, helpful and caring.     

Fred and his wife continue to be role models for me and my family until this day.  Valentines Day is special in that we have a tradition.  My wife and I take Fred and his wife out to a fancy restaurant for a double date.  It’s our way of giving back.  You see, Fred also helped introduce me to my wife.  Being a good mentor is so powerful.  It’s being a person of great influence!