Just several hours ago, Ann & I got back from volunteering our services at Pat’s Run, a 4.2 mile run/walk around ASU that celebrates the life of Pat Tillman, who sacrificed his life while serving for his country in Afghanistan. Fees from participants in the event benefit The Pat Tillman Foundation which seeks to carry forward Pat’s legacy by inspiring and supporting young people striving to promote positive change in themselves and the world around them.

The cool thing is that my wife Ann was Tillman’s flexibility coach while a graduate assistant in Intercollegiate Athletics at ASU. The football season was ’95-’96 when ASU went to the Rose Bowl against Ohio State & Bruce Snyder, who at the time won Coach of the Year, was in charge. “Till’s goal was for me to get him to do the splits” Ann said. “He was 8″ off the ground & for some strange reason, that’s always the benchmark for flexibility in male athletes”.

Ann also remarked, “The thing about Till was that he had this incredible zest for life & he approached everything head-on. What was remarkable was that he had the talent to play football but it did not define him which is why he could step away from it & serve in the armed forces. He’s the only athlete I know who had a degree in business & was a straight ‘A’ student.”

Ann and I had an amazing experience loosening up about 60 participants’ muscles before the event & melting away the tightness & soreness right after the run/walk. The smiles & comments of gratitude touched our hearts & made us both commit to volunteering our services at this event every year from now on.