Why I do it...

For any one who knows me, knows I volunteer my time in the fall to a group of kids that has tugged at my heart strings for the last couple of years.

Now keep in mind, I am a bald, very bearded, 300 pound man. I have many tattoos, along with my ZZTop style sunglasses. 

I coach 4th through 6th grade cheer leading. Yes, you read that right, cheer leading. It started out as kind of a joke, but grew on me very fast. I started out as just a helper, and now run the program. And to tell y'all the truth, I wouldn't want to give it up. I have even told folks that I think I have more fun at it than what those girls do.

One of the things I love about it is the look on the new girls face when they see me! The next best look comes from the parents... But they soon learn that this biker looking guy is nothing but a huge softy. 

But back to the point of this post. Why do I do it, that is simple. First, I love it! It's fun, it's something that I feel is showing these girls a positive male rule model, and if I can help a few, it's all been worth it. I may be just teaching a few simple cheers and moves, but those girls have taught me kindness, patience, compassion, and tenderness. Don't get me wrong, I had all those traits prior to this, but when those young ladies showed me that they could see past everything that is on the outside of me... Well, that my friends is priceless no matter. They can see what's inside. And to them, that's all that matters! 

Every year, I start of with a short speech. To sum it up, it pretty much goes like this. When you are with me, no one is better than the next. I do not have captains, and do not put up with bully's. Y'all are equal, no matter on size, age, color, on everything. We are here to have fun and learn, so lets do this!
Over the years of being the coach, I have heard comments of why is he here, what does he know, he is too fat, he looks like a real loser and on and on. These folks only looked at what they could see on the outside, not what I was offering from within. But, within a few short days, I had a group of girls who was ready to tackle me, push me over and braid my beard.
And that my friends, is why I do it...

Big Man Out

Tank