My wrestling coach. Toughest man I ever met. Truly cared about his athletes. He was a major in the Army, a tanker. Didn't take shite off anybody, but showed extreme courtesy to others. He was also a defensive coach for our HS football team. One day at practice, the #1 offense was running plays against the scrub defense. I was on that defense. We were shutting their shite down. The goal was for the offense to get a 1st down. 4 downs, no 1st down. This went on for at least 4 cycles. Head coach calling the offense, would just say "4 more downs" after is offense was shut down again, and again. Defense huddled and the wrestling/football coach told us all that this wasn't going to stop untill the HC's favorite RB got a run, so we should all just flop on our bellies at the next snap. We did, the RB ran looking bewilderd, and the HC went ballistic. Screaming and yelling at all the guys on defense. He wanted to grass drill us as punishment, that's when a MAN stood tall! Told the HC if he was going to punish us, he would have to punish him to. Both coaches where face to face and mad. The HC is at least 6'6" and played pro ball. The wrestling coach was the kind of guy you really don't want to mess around with, but a lot smaller. HC backed down, said practice was over. Wrestling coach turned walked away towards. Intense, very intense look on his face. Got up to us 11, big smile lit up his face, and said, "Don't take shite off of anybody". This guy is a legend in our community. Started two different wrestling programs in the county and coached at least two different State champions.

I could tell stories about this guy all day. In this day and time, the world needs a lot more men like him.

Sidenote: My HS was 10% black....this coach is black. Loved and respected by everyone. Redneck kids with redneck parents liked him. Kids with parents who were doctors, liked him. He had a way about him, that made you not want to disappoint him, and that had zero to do with intimidation.