From Humble Beginnings

One of the compelling aspects of the Olympic Games is the human interest stories that emerge for both super stars and back in the pack athletes. We find it interesting to see that none have had any success handed to them. Everyone earns what they get.

Then we started thinking about how those athletes are supported by parents and coaches and teammates. This led us to thinking about the origins of those supportive members of any athlete’s circle.

My Dad, Guthrie Swartz, began his career as a minister in October of 1946 – age 20. He is still alive and well at 90, living independently and driving; he has a silver Honda Insight so you may want to give him a little space if you see him on the freeway!

He shared with me a handwritten letter from September 28, 1946 from H. Edward Hooper who was the Clerk of the Harwinton Congregational Church. In read in part, “It was voted unanimously to extend to you a call to serve as Pastor of our church at an annual salary of $1600 plus 5 tons of coal plus the electric bill at the parsonage.

That in my eyes is indeed a humble beginning. He has influenced thousands of church members at about ten churches over his career.

It made me think about my own beginnings in coaching in 1966, earning $4 per hour. Indeed every coach out there, regardless of your sport, has had a humble beginning. And for whatever reason you kept at it and collectively we have influenced millions of young people. Every now and then one ends up in an Olympic uniform. Those that don’t are just as valuable to the community they serve, be it local or global.

Smile and take a small bow. Sport has been good for all of us.