HAPPY FATHERS DAY! -- SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

THREE CARDINAL DADS

Happy Fathers Day to all the Cardinal Couple reader dads out there! On this day, I do think of my father..as I'm sure most of our readers think of their Dad's.

My dad was a hard working, honest and strict disciplinarian kind of guy. 25 years in the Navy and ten in the reserves will do that to a person. He taught his sons that results came from hard work and that with success you also displayed humility. In his latter years, after retirement, he still stayed quite active...playing golf until he was 85, walking each day with his beloved pal Bobbie the Yorkie and puttering about in the garage and yard. 

Thank you, Sarge. (Even though he was in the Navy, the boys at the golf course renamed him "Sarge" because of his way of barking out orders when he worked the counter or concession stand after his retirement). Because of you, I learned early on that there is accountability for actions and being honest to oneself and others was just as important as the friendships one accumulates. 

Let's also not forget three UofL dads who have an important role in the shaping of not only their student-athletes but their own children. Certainly all the UofL dads deserve recognition...we'll look at three that are pretty recognizable and remarkable. 

Jeff Walz is the proud father of four children. Family is very important to him...something I would imagine he picked up from his dad and father...both still alive. He's made a point to include his children in his job activities and appearances as well. We've seen Lola at the podium with him after games and co-hosting his weekly radio show. Thank you for being a dutiful, concerned and caring dad, Coach. Lord knows where you find the hours to do it...

Sam Purcell is one of Jeff Walz's assistant coaches. He's also a father...with three children. It was during the NCAA Selection Show earlier this year that it was revealed that he and radio personality Howie Lindsey were both about to become fathers again...perhaps even on the same day...and you could see the genuine pride and happiness in each man's face. Sam Purcell is a non-stop, endless source of energy and enthusiasm. That certainly translates well in the role of being a father. Keep on groovin', Sam! 

Tom Jurich is the athletic director at the University of Louisville. He's also a dad with four children. Women's sports fans at UofL will remember twin daughters Haley and Lacey from Field Hockey. Mark was a great Baseball Cardinal and is now senior associate athletic director for development at UofL. Son Brian is an administrator for Norton Healtcare. Like their dad, the Jurich kids exude confidence and dedication to the task at hand. A lot of readers probably don't remember who was athletic director before Tom. No one who follows UofL sports will ever forget Mr. Jurich. Happy Father's Day, Tom. In Tom, we trust. 

Yes, there is a day dedicated to Dads. Phone calls will be made, barbecues or dining out may happen and remembrances of fathers that are gone will occupy thoughts. 

A father, though, is a father seven days a week, 365 days a year...from the first time he holds his child in his arms until his children gather around him to say their final goodbyes. Some say it's the toughest job you'll ever love and the utmost responsibility you can ever imagine...to have those little eyes look up at you and call you "Daddy."

In my youth, I sometimes did not understand why my father did the things he did. When I did "get it" later in life, I marveled at the wisdom he had, the constraint he showed and the role he fulfilled.

If you had a dad that wasn't all that great, hopefully the experience will inspire you to be a better parent. 

If you are a father, be a shining example of the role you have. 

Happy Fathers Day!

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The CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR from yesterday is now up in the archives of the Crescent Hill Soundcloud. We had another great time in the studio...Worldwide and I discussing the website, Field Hockey, James Ramsey and taking the weekly quiz. Click the link below and off you go for an enjoyable hour of UofL women's sports! 

LINK: THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR 6/18/16 

paulie
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