Many people don't know this about me but I never wanted to be a writer. Growing up I dreamed of trying so many things and they were all physical, athletic, exciting! As a little kid I sucked at sports but that didn't stop my imagination. I wanted to be an action movie star and a professional wrestler and a soldier and a martial artist. A middle school teacher snickered at my pronouncements and told me that I would have to pick only one. Even as a kid I vehemently disagreed.
That teacher was the first of many naysayers who would try to lower my expectations. Other adults, fellow students and even friends mocked my ambitions. Granted I would often brag about all the things I was going to do and people don't like that. The best advice I ever got on the subject came from my Uncle David who said, "Do something first, then come tell me about it." Challenge accepted!
Over the years I watched heartbroken as friends gave up on their dreams. My friend Mark took acting lessons and landed a role in a major TV drama. When they recast his part, he abandoned hope and never tried again. He was only 18. My friend Rob was a heavy metal singer who took to the stage at battle of the bands but at only 22 threw in the towel because his girlfriend wanted, "A normal domestic life." My friend Craig performed at Hard Rock Live but when his lead singer started drinking too much he split up the band and called it quits. He said, "If you can't make it by 35, your career is over."
Everyone has their limits, I get that and I can understand why they would want to "Be more realistic." But, I discovered that being realistic is for other people. I always had a ton of energy, a huge imagination and endless desire to learn new things. That might be ADHD but I made it work for me. I also never believed that age was an obstacle. Clearly I wasn't like other people but you can't explain that to them. You simply have to charge forward unapologetically. Exceptional people do exceptional things and they don't wait for permission. As you might have guessed, I went after it all!
At 19 I became a soldier in the U.S. Army. At 22 I developed my own Martial Arts system. At 23 I created a Cable Access Comedy Show. At 24 I traveled with Vidbell's Circus. At 25 I performed in live Theatre. At 26 I wrote, directed and starred in independent films. At 27 I took flying lessons and worked on political campaigns. At 28 I performed in Backyard Wrestling shows. At 29 I boxed in front of live audiences. At 30 I became a published Author. At 35 I became a competitive Mountain Bike racer. At 38 I became a State Champion BMX racer. At 40 I became a competitive Runner. At 41 I became a competitive Cyclocross racer. At 43 I traveled across the continental United States. At 45 I competed in the Highland Games and at 51 years old I have now become a Professional Player in the World Axe Throwing League.
If you think that list is crazy, you will be shocked by my online Biography. I had naysayers every step of the way but I always knew that the most important thing in life was to hang on to my dreams. I have lived an unorthodox life, full of instability and that can be scary. I had to defend myself, stay on my toes and become a quick study. I bounced through 72 jobs in order to keep my dreams alive. I slept on a lot of couches and drove the wheels off a dozen cars. I have lived more than most people. That is a badge of honor I will always be proud of.
This journey required a lot of sacrifice. To this day I don't own a home or have a fancy car. I don't have a family of my own or go on expensive vacations. There were many times that I wanted to quit, to tap out but I couldn't do it. Being alive on this earth is not enough. You have to believe in something. You must have a grand intention to strive for. You must manifest constantly. You must dream! Otherwise you are squandering what little time you have. As a person who has actually lived all of his dreams and more... don't waste another moment. You only get one life. Live it fully. Live it now!
On March 20th, 2025 I became a Professional Player in the World Axe Throwing League. Becoming a pro has been a lifelong goal finally realized at the age of 51 years old. I can't express how happy I am or how much this means to me. Thank you to WATL for this opportunity. Thanks to my coach Dan Middendorf, my girlfriend Iris for her support and my sister Paige. Thanks to my friends in the LongHouse League and my new friends in the Hatchet in Hand League. Thanks to all of the throwers that made me better through the crucible of competition.
So what happens next? I honestly don't know. I have never made it this far in the game. I guess I will work my way up to the final levels and take on the big bosses. If my throwing style and weird luck stays consistent, every match will be dramatic. Sounds like a good time. I plan on enjoying every minute of it and I plan on making some new friends.
Check my Throwing page for updates:
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