To My Sons

Every father hopes his children become strong, but to watch you two become the individuals you are, through endless striving and unwavering resolve, has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

I trained and coached you boys for 10 years. I witnessed you struggling through pain, self-doubt, and exhaustion, and I witnessed you getting up, time after time. I would dream of such a beautiful life, a life in which my sons would be disciplined in mind, zealous in eyes, and affectionate in relationship. You've fulfilled that dream.

Both of you have worked and rehearsed well over 10,000 hours. We would be in my school gym from 8pm until 12 midnight 5 or 6 days a week for over 8 years. That's not just time, it's sacrifice, hard work, and investment in your future that others won't ever understand. You've gone through the grind, the discipline, the repetition. That's the reason you're where you're at today.

I remember the years spent laying down the grind: the trips to the Scona track, the St. Albert track, the Wedgewood stairs, and that nasty 200-metre hill in the ravine. If you didn't show up, you showed up with heart. Day by day, you showed up and gave it everything, not because it was simple, but because you were building something bigger than victories, you were building yourselves. I watched you grow stronger.

And that was not all. The gym was your home away from home. You practiced your handles every day, sharpening them with ferocity and precision. You built your offense ground up, driving to the basket with intention, mastering the mid-range with calm concentration, and shooting threes until they were autopilot.

But what truly impresses me about you is your defense. That full-court pressure, the relentless energy and scrappiness at mid-range, the waiting at the perimeter, you play like it matters every possession because to you it does. To you defense is a fight for for your teammates, it's a scrap. You don't cut corners, you take control.

Our family has been with you every step of the way, and none more so than your uncle and coach, Barrie. He challenged you, counseled you, stood up for you, and listened when you didn't want to hear it from your parents. He pushed you, believed in you, and continues to push you hard. He never gives up on you young men. He sees the greatness in you and demands that you rise to it.

To my youngest, as you move off to college and onto the court next level, carry this foundation with you. You've worked towards it since you were 8 years old. You've practiced with your brother, you've given every effort you have, and now the world will be able to see what I've gotten to see all along.

To my eldest, your leadership and your commitment paved the way for your brother. You did not just play with him, you helped build him. That's a connection and a heritage that nobody can ever take away from you.

I am so proud, not just because you are both talented, but because you've earned everything that you've gotten, with humility, hunger, and heart.

With all my love,

Dad