I first met Ed Thomas seventeen years ago. Coach was halfway through a hall of fame coaching career that would produce 292 victories, 2 state champions, 19 state playoff appearances and four NFL players. In 1992, Ed Thomas would face what should have one of the most daunting challenges of his coaching career; the merger of the communities of Aplington and Parkersburg. 

The two towns, located less than fifteen miles apart, had been bitter rivals since shortly after the Civil War. As the longtime head football coach at Parkersburg, Thomas faced major scrutiny from the people on the Aplington side, mainly the parents, who didn’t think he would give their kids a fair shake. What transpired during that first season of Aplington-Parkersburg football was simply magic. Kids, who used to be bitter rivals, meshed like they had played together all their lives. Darian Devries, who played on two straight Aplington state championship basketball teams and later played for Eldon Miller at Northern Iowa, told me that growing up he hated Parkersburg and he despised Coach Thomas. But Devries says from Coach’s very first impassioned speech it was no longer just Aplington or Parkersburg—This was A-P.   ”There was no doubt Coach was the unquestioned leader.” Devries said.  And anybody wearing a mouth piece and a cup was ready to run through a brick wall for the man.

I remember my first time on the sideline at what is now “Ed Thomas Field”.  It had to be intimidating for the opposition because there were nearly 100 players standing shoulder to shoulder stretching 60 yards wearing Falcon red. It seemed like every high school aged boy with a pulse dressed for those games. And Coach Thomas was pacing the sidelines like General Patton screaming every instruction at the top of his lungs so he could be heard over a home crowd that treated every play like it had an effect on the state championship. It was an incredible scene for high school football..  I covered most of the Aplington-Parkersburg games that first year–and Coach Thomas welcomed each of my visits with a wink and a smile. The Falcons finished that first season with an 11-1 record with the only loss coming to the eventual state champion West Branch in the semifinal round. It was one of just a few games I missed that season. And Ed Thomas being, as I would find out later, a very superstitious coach always kidded that my absence may have had something to do with the defeat. That next year when Aplington-Parkersburg went undefeated and won its first state football title, Coach Thomas always made it a point to make sure I planned on being at every important game. I was forever considered Coach’s good luck charm.  He had a way of making you feel special, of course as long as you were on his side.

The more I was around Coach Thomas the more I became a fan. It wasn’t so much the football, because any player who has ever strapped on cleats for the Coach will tell you if you have seen one Ed Thomas team play you have seen them all. There were only about six to eight offensive plays (all running plays) so the element of surprise was hardly ever a factor in any of Aplington-Parkersburg’s victories. The Falcons consistently beat teams through hard work, discipline, conditioning, belief and doing things the right way. I observed a man who not only coached young people, but used that opportunity to teach life lessons through the game of football. Casey Wiegmann, Jared Devries, Brad Meester and Aaron Kampman have all enjoyed long, productive careers in the National Football League not because they were supernaturally talented, but because they learned from Coach; hard work and an unshakable belief in yourself can take you a long ways.

Coach Ed Thomas learned a long time ago that his rightful place on this earth was in Parkersburg, Iowa. The things that made him most happy and secure was his faith, his family (his beautiful wife Jan and his two sons Aaron and Todd) and his community. Football was his job. And like any great employee Coach took pride in his work.  Ed Thomas and only Ed Thomas cut the grass at Ed Thomas field— every other day–and his players consistently knew they were playing on the best football field in the state. Coach worked tirelessly mentoring his players and preparing them for victory, because he knew nothing builds a community’s self esteem like success. And Coach knew better than anyone regardless how big the win or how large the defeat, if you still have a pulse when it’s done you’ve got to get ready for the next challenge.

This was a lesson Coach Thomas taught us following the devastating EF5 tornado in May of 2008 when he helped an entire community get back on its feet.  And now those of us who loved and respected this man must honor his memory and legacy following his tragic and untimely departure from this world. Coach left behind a remarkable family—Jan, Aaron and Todd (along with their wives) have given me great comfort during this difficult time. They have exemplified the greatest lesson Coach ever taught. Whenever you get knocked down; cry your tears, say your prayers, pick yourself off the ground,  brush yourself off and get back in the game.

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A lot of what we have physically for good or bad according to your point of view we have inherited. The color of our eyes, hair or skin; the shape of our noses, the size of our ears and our height were all genetically predetermined. Although many of us  would like to or have tried to alter mother nature; most of us are intrinsically bound to a genetic road map that is our physiological existence.  Personally, I wish was a few inches taller with a more muscular body, but I haven’t found it necessary to curse my parents because I feel that I am a little lacking in those areas. Nor do I have the desire to inject myself with foreign substances to alter my physique for better or worse I am what I am. 

 I wasn’t blessed with an elite athlete’s genes, but my parents did pass along a goody bag of chromosomes that have provided me with many assets and a few liabilities. I have inherited some great genes from both of my parents for longevity of life.  Both sides of my family tree have members living well into their 80’s and 90’s. But mother and father have also passed down their susceptibility to hypertension, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

My body shape which falls closer to the category of “Mesomorph”(athletic build) is something else I inherited from Mom and Dad. I am moderately tall (between 6′1″ and 6′2″) and when I’m carrying the proper weight my pounds are evenly distributed.  Like most people with this type of physique I can lose weight relatively easy when I put my mind to it. But I when I gain weight most of it collects around my mid-section and vital organs which can be extremely unhealthy. The other general body types are “Ectomorph” which represents a thin or petite physique or “Endomorph” which describes a more stocky or rounder body build.

These of course are general body type traits and what is usually the case is a person inherits a combination of body types. I believe I have been a “Mesomorph” but I morphed into an “Endomorph” physique (more round than athletic) because of neglect. And from childhood well into my 20’s I would have been categorized as an “Ectomorph” because I was very thin.  Figuring out which body type category best represents you is very important to the developing the best you.

And always be thankful for what you’ve got.

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It’s 5:30 Monday morning on the second day of summer and one of the last places anyone would want to be is a hot, humid gym taking orders from a workout instructor. But physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle doesn’t take time off. Being healthy is a daily battle. It’s a competition between exercise and lack of exercise. It’s the choice between consuming foods rich in protein, fiber and essential nutrients and low in fat versus eating fast foods, foods high in fat, sugar and calories. It’s about getting proper rest as opposed to not sleeping well. Being consistent wins this game.

I’m not writing anything we don’t already know. But just one look at the physical landscape around us reveals the majority of people are not making good choices about their physical health. There are a lot of people who are overweight.   A couple of weeks ago I wrote a blog about the ”Obesity Outbreak” in America. In Sunday’s Waterloo Courier there was part one of a three part series of the “Obesity Epidemic” in the United States. The problem is real, it’s serious and it is getting worse.

I consider my life a tiny microcosm of the nation’s health dilemma. For so many years I lived on autopilot, not watching what I ate, not exercising regularly and not getting proper sleep. Over the years, I watched my weight balloon; 150 pounds in my 20’s, 200 pounds in my 30’s, up to 245 pounds in my 40’s. My choices were consistently bad, creating an unhealthy lifestyle and putting me at risk for a heart attack, stroke or type 2 diabetes as my weight increased exponentially.

Eight months ago I made a choice to change my lifestyle. I decided to monitor more carefully the food I consume, commit to a regular exercise program and try to improve my sleeping habits. The results have not only been impressive, but life saving. People are constantly commenting on my slimmer physique but the thing I am most proud of is that I have motivated many others to make a change. This pleases me because I consider myself to be a very ordinary person and I know if I can do this anybody can. On Father’s Day, my oldest son Darrell,  who watches and takes cues from everything I do, gave me a huge canister of whey protein. In his card Darrell wrote, “I’ve never told you this, but I’m proud of your progress.” I can’t express to you how much that means to me and how it lets me know that I am making the right choices.

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Okay everyone knows how I feel about Russ O’Connell. I have mad respect for the man and I feel like I owe him my life for guiding me to a healthy lifestyle and a greater level of physical fitness. Kristi O’Connell has even kiddingly stated me and her husband might have a “Bromance” going because of our friendship. But this morning, I was cursing Russ under my breath. That workout was INSANE!!!  I struggled to the point of almost giving up as we worked our way through what seemed like an endless stream of the squat–curl exercises. I commend all of my classmates who were able to leave the gym this morning without the assistance of canes, walkers, wheelchairs or stretchers.

As we finished this morning I was thinking, Russ has to know that workout was way too tough for us. But as I continued to deliberate and massage my tender quadriceps and biceps a light bulb finally flickered in my head. Russ trains us just like he trains all of his athletes. His expectations for our training and physical development is very high.  Right now Russ is preparing his Taekwondo athletes for a huge National Tournament in Texas. And we are getting Russ O’Connell the coach at his highest level of focus and intensity. He is giving just as much to our 5:30 am OXF class as he is to the martial arts competitors who will be competing in two weeks for national championships. Those of you lucky enough to sign up for September’s classes, consider yourself very fortunate. I’ve been exposed to a lot of great coaches and trainers and I will tell you Russ O’Connell is the real “McCoy”. I’m sorry for cursing you this morning Bro (I’m sure I’m not the first and I’m certain I won’t be last).  So much of what we do is probably more mental than physical. And I know its a struggle everyday to be assigned a difficult task, that you must first convince your mind that you even have a chance of doing. Everyday our minds are being trained to push our bodies to their physical limits. Folks that’s great coaching!

We have two weeks left in class and Russ made the announcement this morning that the week of June 29th we will be on our own as Russ, Kristi and the gang will be at Taekwondo Nationals.  I’m getting the word out that it’s time for us to take over the asylum. It’s by no means mandatory, but for those of you who would like to still come that week I’m going to see if Russ or Kristi can devise a workout plan for us.  Before I sign off, thank you Greg Stockdale for bringing a high level of intensity to the mitts today. Of course Greg is always running a marathon like its a 100 meter dash…but that’s what you need to get into a Champion’s frame of mind.

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Today is like the best of days for me in the O’Connell Extreme Fitness program. I got a chance to work mitts with the “Master”.  I know Russ hates it when I say that but he is!!! Figuratively and realistically. The man is better than the hype.  And I just love the challenge of working with Russ one-on-one, and although I know he didn’t push me quite as hard as he does his Mixed Martial Arts fighters, my lungs and arms were burning at the end.

The new sign up sheet for September’s 5:30 am class was put out Monday,  not only is it full there is already a waiting list! For those of us who have invested in the OXF experience we know that positive things can happen. There are less than three weeks remaining and we have all come so far.  Our progress could be summed up by something Kris said as we were leaving our tough half hour session with the mitts this morning.  We’re all sweating and smiling and Kris says, “There’s no way we’d have survived that during week one.”  It’s amazing the workouts haven’t gotten easier, but we’ve all gotten physically stronger. Athletically strong.

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Our everyday lives are filled with challenges; in relationships, our families, our jobs, our finances or all of the above. Inevitably, we all come to a place in our lives in which we are seriously tested mentally,  emotionally and physically by life’s challenges. Stress is just one of the prices we pay for experiencing this “Wonderful Life”.

I’m not a psychologist and I don’t even pretend to play one on TV, but I understand my physical and emotional states are deeply intertwined. According to renowned psychologists Richard Lazarusand Susan Folkman, stress occurrs when “pressure exceeds one’s perceived ability to cope”.  We’ve all been there, maybe once or twice a week. Our plates are not only full but there is a big mess all over the floor.  There is no way we can cancel stress from the equation of life, but exercise is one way to dictate your response to life’s pressures.

We all respond differently to stress. The stresses of life can make us scream, shout, use a little profanity or lash out in anger. Or stress can make some of us withdraw from everything and crawl into a shell. It is a scientific fact that stress if not properly managed can lead to illness. The Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS),^[1] known more commonly as the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale rates 43 life events and gives them a score. At the top of the Holmes and Rahe Stress scale is the “Death of a spouse” or “Divorce” and near the bottom of the scale is “minor violation of the law”.  According to the Holmes and Rahe’s revolutionary study done nearly 40 years ago, a combination of these life changing events had a direct effect on the overall health of the human subjects involved in the study.

The benefits gained from physical exercise are quite evident. And many of the benefits derived from regular exercise actually counteract the negative effects of stress. For me personally, regular exercise has provided me with a much needed outlet to release the physical tension that I feel during really stressful times (like now).  I truly believe a healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand.  My mental and emotional states are uplifted during a tough physical workout. The euphoria comes from a big sense of accomplishment and being physically re-energized. Of course my faith and spirituality are also important to my overall well being. But I was always taught; God helps those who are willing to help themselves. For me, part of that is working out some of that stress in the gym.

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There is nothing more powerful than the unconditional love we have for our children. Regardless of what they choose to do or become in this life, whether we agree or disagree with their choices we will love them to our last breath. Over the past five months I have had the wonderful privilege of observing a father and son relationship strengthened. And it began with exercise.

 I can still remember standing in line with Tim and Ben Luce back in January as we got measured for “O’Connell Extreme Fitness” training. I’ve known Tim for years and although I was familiar with his younger sons(Dan and Colin) I was meeting his older son Ben for the first time. Tim told me both he and Ben needed to start some kind of fitness plan and they were inspired by a story I did on the ”OXF” program back in November.  Tim has always been pretty outgoing and friendly, but I found Ben to be a little reserved, almost defensive. 

“OXF” is the type of fitness program that either ignites your internal engines and compels you to face its physical and mental challenges head on. Or let’s you know that maybe you should stick to the treadmill and exercise bike.  Early on I could see Tim and Ben were in it for the long haul.  It was interesting that during the individual exercises, Tim and Ben worked out on opposite ends of the room (to give each other space I guess). But when it came time to partner up, father and son were always together. Tim and Ben showed up every day for the “OXF” training and they also worked out together on those mornings when class was not in session.

The physical transformation of both father and son was amazing following their first 12 weeks in the program. Neither Tim nor Ben are very tall, so the extra weight they were carrying was noticeable. But after three months of hard work they both shed more than 20 pounds a piece and added muscle to their frames. And they did it together.

More than just the physical changes—I’ve witnessed a definite difference in Ben’s demeanor. He appears to be more outgoing and confident. What I have learned with Ben is that he doesn’t like to waste a lot of time with frivolous conversation, and it takes a little time to truly earn his trust. But he is extremely genuine and sincere.  During the first 12 weeks with the Luces, I worked side by side with Tim, while the past 9 weeks I have been closer to Ben. And I found father and son to be a lot alike. Both are incredibly determined and give great effort every day.

Today we are saying goodbye to Ben who has been accepted to the World renowned Culinary Institute of America. Ben has always been a talented chef, but Tim believes the confidence his son gained from “OXF” training allowed Ben to reach for the stars. The sparkle I saw in Tim’s eyes when he talked about Ben was unmistakable. It was straight up, a Father’s pride and love for his son. Tim and Ben have shared something very special the last 21 weeks. Thank you for letting us be witnesses.

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I can’t say enough about the great people that I have in my morning “O’Connell Extreme Fitness” exercise class. A highly motivated group. Mandie S. and Greg Stockdale are planning on starting their own satellite programs in the communities of Oelwein and Waverly.  And after today’s fitness session, Kris brought up the idea again of many of us meeting on our own this summer at least three days a week when the “OXF” program goes on hiatus.

Much like my classmates, exercise has become second nature to me. I think my good friend “Lisa-Lisa P.” put it best when she says working out is just like brushing her teeth. Something she just has to do everyday. Think about it. If you don’t brush your teeth everyday you will have an unhealthy mouth(plaque, cavities, gingivitis not to mention bad breath) and if you don’t exercise you will develop an unhealthy body(heart disease, diabetes, obesity, arthritis and increased risk for cancers).  I couldn’t imagine going out in public without showering or performing other personal grooming habits. I am not only concerned with offending others (with bad BO), but I want to maintain a certain standard of appearance and cleanliness for my own self esteem.  Daily exercise is even more important; because not only has a regular fitness program improved my appearance (losing 45-50 pounds of excess baggage can do that) but I am much healthier, physically and emotionally.

The thing about me is that I am not a “gung ho” exercise kind of person. But over the past six to seven months I have experienced some amazing benefits from being involved in a regular fitness program. And I have seen others undergo similar transformations (I’ve even noticed how my KWWL colleague Chris Carter is looking a little sleeker—Keep working him Kristi).  When I get in the gym–I  work hard–but it’s not like I WANT to go every day. However I think when you come to the realization that EXERCISE is as IMPORTANT to LIFE as eating and sleeping–going to the gym or doing some kind of regular physical activity becomes second nature.

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I did not know Devon Ray Turner, but from all I’ve heard about him over the last six days I wish I had. Devon Turner made a lot of friends in his 18 years on earth, including my 15 year-old son Darrell. Last Monday, Devon, Darrell and a couple of other guys were sharing laughs and “guy” jokes while playing the video game, “Ultimate Fighter”. Less than 36 hours later on Wednesday morning, Devon Ray Turner was found dead, leaving a heartbroken mother and a host of family and friends grieving and wondering why.

Three weeks ago NU High had its graduation ceremony. Today the class of 2009 will gather again in the Little Panther gymnasium to say goodbye. The memories of Devon Ray Turner are still very fresh in the minds of his classmates, teachers and coaches. Devon was a four year starter for the NU-High football team and although he was not very big, Turner was a solid performer on the Little Panther defensive line. Devon was comfortable with people moving easily among classmates of all races and ages. Devon and his best friend, an African-American teammate and classmate named Shaun formed an Ebony and Ivory bond that started when they were in the fourth grade. 

As the parent of a son who admired and respected Devon I wish I knew more. I know my son is hurting. I know my son has suffered a great loss. Darrell told me, “Devon was a good guy.” I don’t know the issues Devon was dealing with during his final hours. I can only think back to the anxieties I felt as an 18 year-old and recent high school graduate. I worried about my future and could I afford college. I was stressing out about my relationship with my high school sweetheart and I can remember having some sleepless nights when I didn’t think I wanted to go on…… but ultimately I survived. I didn’t know Devon, but I wish he would have gotten the chance to know that he would have been fine too.

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A couple of weekends ago I took my children to a Kansas City Royals game and Oceans of Fun in Kansas City. We had a great time and I did have the confidence to remove my shirt and splash around in the water for a little while with the kids.  It’s interesting how your focus changes when you are really into something. These days I am into physical fitness so I have become more observant of the “body of work”  that exists around me. And one thing I took notice of, particularly at the water park, is that we are a very “Fat Nation”.

I am not writing this to be critical (how can I be just six short months ago I was over weight) but simply as a non-scientific observation. What really was eye catching to me is how many young people are over weight. Lots of kids with bellies. What this indicates is a dangerous cycle. And of course the scientific data gives credence to what I am seeing.  Since 1990, the rate of obesity in the United States has more than doubled. According to {Americas’ Health Rankings} one in four Americans is not just over weight, but actually obese (with a BMI body mass index of 30 or more). Also according to this same report, among “First World Countries”, the United States is easily the fattest of the civilized nations, no one else is even close.  33 percent of adult American women and 31 percent of adult American men are categorized as obese. We are definitely the “Land of Plenty.”  Of course excess weight can lead to a number of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes.

It’s not that we all don’t have access to this information. We are bombarded with these alarming stats anytime an annual report is released.  But despite our awareness and our obvious ability as a nation to change this disturbing trend–things are becoming progressively worse. We are not a very healthy nation.  And it’s at a time when health care costs are spiraling out of control and fewer of us are able to adequately pick up the tab.  The demand on our hospitals and clinics of people with preventable illnesses (high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes) is enormous. Preventive health (exercise and good nutrition) is the only way we can change the course of this aspect of U.S. History. And we must start doing this one person/household at a time.

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