This time of year is always hard. It is especially hard this year. This summer marks 30 years ago that I met my Coach, and first touched a real barbell. Today marks the 13th anniversary of his passing.
I was 15 when I first walked through the door if his home, into his home gym, picked up a barbell for the first time, and began the course of life that led us here today.
I owe everything to Jerry C Arline, Sr. Who I am today, what I’ve done with my life, my wife, my children, my career, this gym. Everything. Coach took a punk kid, and gave him an outlet into the world of fitness and weightlifting. The things he taught me, molded me and shaped me into the person I am today. Coach was a big guy, full of life, with a passion for the greatest sport I know. He was the most generous person I have ever known, and his influence on me saved my life, literally. My life would have taken a very different path had it not been for me not wanting to disappoint Coach. He is a shining example of how touching the life of 1 person has the ability to (hopefully) change the lives of countless others.
Coach was taken away from us far too soon, before I could really thank him for what he did for me, and before he could see what his influence has been able to do for others. Not a day goes by that I don’t walk into this gym and think of him. My ultimate goal, with what little knowledge I have, is to have the same influence on someone else that he had on me.
Coach, today, on the anniversary of your passing, I have the opportunity to honor your legacy by coaching another teenager at a Weightlifting competition. Yesterday, I had a training session with my two youngest sons. 2 Days ago I got to coach my middle son, and his friends and teammates in a nationwide virtual competition. Over the past 8 years, I’ve watched all 3 of my sons, and my wife, compete in the sport that you introduced me to all those years ago. If only I could do it as well as you did. If only I could be to someone else what you were to me. If only you could still be around to see what your selflessness has done.
This group of coaches pictured beside you are here today, because of you. So many amazing people are part of my life today, because of you.
Thank you, Coach, for everything. I will cherish forever the time you invested in my life. It was not a waste. I will remember forever our training sessions, our long drives to competitions, and the countless hours of watching old weightlifting videos. I miss you.