»Who or what got you into sports?

“My parents first signed me up to play Little League baseball at the Brownstown Park. I can remember as a kid wanting to be involved with as many sports as I could possibly do. As I got older, I got involved in swimming, football, basketball and track. Both of my parents were very supportive while I competed in athletics.”

»What are your favorite memories of high school sports?

“I really have so many fond memories playing at Brownstown Central. It’s a special place to be an athlete and to go to school. Playing in front of the Brownstown fans is probably what I will remember most. Brownstown has one of the most passionate fan bases in southern Indiana and always brings big crowds to support their teams.

“I think winning the 1991 Seymour Sectional in basketball was a very special memory as well as playing in the North-South game my senior year.

“In track, competing in the state track meet my junior and senior year was a highlight, and breaking the school record in the pole vault my sophomore year. I will always remember the larger track meets that we as a team competed in. It is a unique environment to be around so many friends that compete in different events and to encourage one another.

“As for football, there is nothing like playing under the lights on a Friday night. The bond you form with other football players is second to none.”

»What did you feel was your biggest accomplishment or award and why?

“Playing in the North-South All-Star basketball game and scoring 21 points to help the South squad beat the North. The South team had several small-town players, and not many sportswriters gave us much of a chance to win.

“Winning the Seymour Sectional in 1991 was very exciting. Bedford North Lawrence had dominated that sectional for four years and was the favorite that year, as well. We beat a very talented Jennings County team in the championship game. Coming back into Brownstown with all the cars parked along U.S. 50 is a memory that I will never forget.”

»Why did you choose to play college sports?

“I had always dreamed of playing college basketball. After high school, I opted to attend Fork Union Military Academy Prep School in Virginia. My experience there taught me a lot about the recruiting process and the importance of selecting the right school.

“I had several Division I schools offer me (scholarships); however, I chose to attend the University of South Carolina Aiken, an NCAA Division II school. That school was the right fit for me, and I don’t regret my decision. I was able to start all four years and was selected team captain three years. I had a good experience there and met a lot of great people along the way.”

»If you played sports in college, what did you get out of that experience?

“I think the biggest thing was how hard college sports can be. There are a lot of great athletes that play at all levels of college athletics, and one has to have a great work ethic and time management to survive. I saw a lot of exceptional athletes leave school because they struggled to balance school and sports. Playing in college taught me a lot about diversity and working together for a common goal. The relationships I formed there are still very meaningful today. Probably the highlight of my college career was playing in the NCAA Division II National Tournament my senior year.”

»Are you still involved in sports today?

“I still consider myself an athlete today, just a little older and slower than I used to be. I completed the Louisville Ironman triathlon in 2011 and enjoy running and triathlons when I can stay healthy. I have a group of former high school and college basketball players that I meet with three days a week here in Columbus for pickup games that I really enjoy. I also stay active coaching my son Matthew’s PAAL (Police Athletic and Activities League) football teams as well as his travel basketball team, the Columbus Revolution.”

»Are your children involved in sports?

“My daughter Samantha (13) plays volleyball and basketball at St. Peter’s Lutheran School. She also plays club volleyball for Dave and Faith Newland with East Columbus Club Volleyball. Matthew (12) also plays basketball for St. Peter’s Lutheran School and is currently starting his travel basketball season with the Columbus Revolution. He has played football since kindergarten with the Columbus PAAL and will play football for Central Middle School next year here in Columbus.”

»How did sports affect your life?

“Sports in part shaped who I am today. I learned a lot of positive lessons through competition, and I am indebted to so many for helping me when I was younger. I don’t think I could even begin to name everyone that has had a positive impact on my life through sports, but definitely all of my coaches at BCHS, teammates, former athletes at Brownstown, my parents and my wife, Bridgette. So many offered their time to me while I was a young athlete, and I try to give back to other athletes, like so many did for me.”

»Do you have any advice for kids about getting involved in sports?

“Success comes from knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” — John Wooden.

»Do you have any hobbies?

“Outside of my kids’ activities, I enjoy running and competing in triathlons. I do CrossFit workouts and enjoy hiking. I have a goal to through hike the Appalachian Trail when I retire from law enforcement.”

»Do you have any favorite sports teams?

Notre Dame football and the University of South Carolina football

»Do you have a favorite athlete?

“I admire Peyton Manning for his preparation and attention to detail. I am a little old school. I’ll take Larry Bird and Michael Jordan over any NBA players today.”