JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - My journey from being a student-athlete at East Tennessee State University to a successful professional runner and entrepreneur has been nothing short of transformative.

The time I spent at ETSU played a crucial role in shaping my work ethic and has been instrumental in my success to this day.

One of the most significant influences on my journey was my coach, Dave Walker. When I arrived at ETSU at the age of 17, I was still very much a rookie. Coach Walker took me under his wing and became a father figure to me, not just during my time at ETSU but for many years afterward.

His guidance and mentorship were invaluable in shaping my career and life.

ETSU also gave me the opportunity to form lifelong friendships. In fact, one of my fondest memories from my ETSU days was meeting my wife, who was also a student there. We have been happily married for almost 40 years now, and it all started in Johnson City.

The lessons I learned at ETSU are still with me today. I realized that success takes time and patience. It requires dedication and persistence. During my time at ETSU, we didn't have any off days. We were always striving to be better, and that mindset has stayed with me throughout my career.

One piece of advice I would give to current ETSU student-athletes is to prioritize their education. It's crucial to have a strong foundation of knowledge to succeed in any field. Additionally, I would encourage them to believe in themselves, do the little things that make a difference, and always give their best effort, even on challenging days.

After graduating from ETSU, I went on to run professionally for several years, competing in two Olympic Games.

The work ethic and determination I developed at ETSU played a significant role in my success as a professional runner. I was able to apply the lessons I learned to the highest level of competition.

Today, I have transitioned from being an athlete to founding a sports management company. We represent some of the best athletes in the world in track and field, as well as marathon running.

The skills and values I acquired at ETSU, such as perseverance and commitment, have been instrumental in building a successful business.

ETSU has been a driving force in my life. It taught me the importance of hard work, the value of education, and the significance of building meaningful relationships.

I am forever grateful for the opportunities and experiences I had at ETSU, and I carry those lessons with me in everything I do.