Normally in these newsletter articles, I try and write about different ways to motivate the parent and/or the athlete. Sometimes I do that by writing about nutrition, proper warm-up techniques and their role in preparing the athlete to attain their goals. Sometimes I write tips for parents to help deal with issues that confront their athletes, both on and off the field. Rarely, if ever, do I write about what motivates me. So to change things up this month I am going to tell you the story of Taj Colom.
Taj is the father of an athlete enrolled in the Parisi Speed School at Desoto Athletic Club, located in Collierville, Tennessee. Taj is a leader in his community and very active in his church. At one time, he was an exceptional athlete himself but didn’t quite make it to the pro level he aspired so greatly to. So when it came to helping his own son, TJ, improve his game, he began looking around for ways to do so. In his search, he ended up finding our Parisi Speed School in Collierville. Taj loved everything he saw and heard from their Program Director Jason Holmes, but there was just one obstacle. Desoto Athletic Club is a 72-mile trip…and that is just one way!
Taj however, wouldn’t let this stop him. He saw Parisi as a great way for TJ to get better on the football field. The travel wasn’t a roadblock, just a bump in the road. So Taj began taking TJ, making this long trip and over time, his skills on the football field began to improve, as the video below shows an exceptional Touchdown Run:
Now, Taj isn’t just taking his son…there are a total of 7 other athletes that are piling into his Suburban a few times a week for the 140 mile round trip.
My goal and vision for this company is to “Empower America’s youth through increased fitness, confidence, and performance.” I wanted to share Taj and TJ’s story with you because it’s stories like this that motivate me every day. The fact that Taj is willing to travel 420 miles a week for his son, drives me to spread our mission and make sure that we have Parisi Speed Schools in more cities and states across the country. So I ask you, take some time this month to find out what truly motivates you to be the best athlete or parent you can be. You won’t get to your destination, without knowing what is driving your internal fire. Life is not a destination, it is a journey. Keep driving, keep pushing, keep searching and you will eventually find seeds of greatness in your own efforts and others.